Pravachol

Other names used:

• Pravastatin®

Active Ingredients:

• Pravastatin

How does Pravachol work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Pravachol contains the active ingredient pravastatin that belongs to a group of medicines called statins. Therapeutic effect of the medication is associated with blocking a ferment called(HMG-CoA reductase). This enzyme is responsible for the production of cholesterol in the body by the liver. The decreas of cholesterol production causes the liver to collect free cholesterol from the blood and eliminate bad cholesterol(LDL). Pravastatin also increases the level of good cholesterol(HDL) and decreases triglycerides levels.

Which conditions are treated with Pravachol?

Pravachol is indicated for the treatment of:

• High cholesterol in the blood(hypercholesterolemia).
• High triglycerides in the blood.
• Prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, atherosclerosis and strokes.

What should a patient know prior to taking the medication?

Pravachol should not be taken in the following conditions:

• Aggravation of the liver diseases
• Increased amount of the liver enzymes
• Severe kidney diseases
• Severe cardiovascular diseases
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Make sure to consult your doctor if you had recently a heart attack or stroke
• Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?
• The most common Pravachol side effects include: nausea, vomiting, common cold, diarrhea, skin rash, constipation, fatigue, gas, dizziness, heartburn, muscle pain, flu.

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Pravachol?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Antifungals(ketoconazole)
• Certain antibiotics(erythromycin)
• Fibrates
• Immune suppression therapy(cyclosporine)
• Nicotinic acid

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient:

Pravachol is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.