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Patient Information for Generic Pravachol
Pravastatin (PRA-va-stat-in)
Generic Pravachol lowers high levels of cholesterol, and helps prevent heart attack in people who have high cholesterol. Helps prevent heart attack and stroke in people who have heart disease.
Brand Name(s):Pravachol There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When Generic Pravachol Should Not Be Used: You should not use Generic Pravachol if you have had an allergic reaction to pravastatin, or to similar medicines such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®), fluvastatin (Lescol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®), or simvastatin (Zocor®). You should not use Generic Pravachol if you are pregnant or breast feeding. How to Use Generic Pravachol:(Tablet) Your doctor will tell you how much Generic Pravachol to use and how often. Do not use more Generic Pravachol or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. You may take Generic Pravachol with or without food. Take Generic Pravachol in the evening or at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you differently. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. If a dose is missed: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra Generic Pravachol to make up for a missed dose.
Storage and Disposal of Generic Pravachol: Store Generic Pravachol in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated Generic Pravachol or medicine no longer needed. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.Drugs and Foods to Avoid: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), gemfibrozil (Lopid®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or cholestyramine (Questran®).
Warnings While Using Generic Pravachol: Using Generic Pravachole while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using Generic Pravachol, tell your doctor right away. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor how much, and how often you drink alcohol. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Generic Pravachol. You may need to stop using Generic Pravachol several days before having surgery or medical tests. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Generic Pravachol. Be sure to keep all appointments. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Generic Pravachol. Generic Pravachol may affect the results of certain medical tests. Do not stop using Generic Pravachol suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely. Possible Side Effects While Using Generic Pravachol: Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing; muscle pain, weakness, or cramps; skin or whites of your eyes turn yellow; skin rash or hives; stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; unexplained fever. If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor: Constipation or diarrhea; headache; mild stomach upset, gas, or indigestion.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Generic Pravachol, tell your doctor.
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