PRAVACHOL
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING PRAVACHOL.
PRAVASTATIN - ORAL (PRAV-uh-stat-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Pravachol
USES:
Pravastatin is used to improve cholesterol and fats in the blood to
help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
HOW TO TAKE PRAVACHOL:
PRAVACHOL is usually taken once daily, with or without food. It may
take a few weeks to months before the full effects of PRAVACHOL are
noticed. PRAVACHOL must be taken regularly to keep cholesterol at
recommended levels.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, gas, heartburn, change of taste, diarrhea,
constipation, skin rash, headache, dizziness or blurred vision may
occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If
these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify
MD promptly if you experience:
muscle aches/pain, fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision
changes, yellowing eyes or skin. If PRAVACHOL makes you dizzy or
lightheaded, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring
alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, alcohol use, low
thyroid function, allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit
alcohol intake, as this may aggravate drug side effects. PRAVACHOL
must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think
you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. PRAVACHOL is
excreted into breast milk. Due to the possible serious harm
PRAVACHOL may cause to a child, avoid breast-feeding while using
PRAVACHOL. Consult your doctor and pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription
medication you may take, including:
warfarin, cyclosporine, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, cholestyramine,
niacin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole). Do not start or stop
any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately.
NOTES:
Your doctor may periodically perform lab tests during treatment to
monitor your progress. For best results, exercise regularly and
follow a doctor- approved, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it
is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
doses.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and heat. Do not store in the
bathroom.
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