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Pravastatin Sodium

 

Pravastatin Sodium (generic Pravachol) Review

brand name: Pravachol
generic names: Pravastatin sodium, Pravastatin

How does it work?

Lipostat contains the active ingredient pravastatin sodium, which is a type of medicine called a statin. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver.

For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol in the blood; a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease by clogging and narrowing the arteries, while HDL actually protects the arteries against this.

Pravastatin decreases the production of LDL cholesterol by blocking the action of the enzyme in the liver (called HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for its production. This decreases the amount of cholesterol in the liver cells, causing them to take up LDL cholesterol from the blood. The decreased cholesterol production and increased removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood ultimately results in lowered blood cholesterol levels.

Pravastatin also causes a small decrease in the production of other 'bad fats' in the blood called triglycerides, and a small increase in the level of HDL cholesterol. This results in lowered levels of 'bad fats' and raised levels of 'good fats' in the blood.

As the body produces most cholesterol at night, statins are generally more effective if taken at night.

Pravastatin is prescribed to lower high blood levels of cholesterol (primary hypercholesterolaemia) and other fats (mixed dyslipidaemia) if these cannot be lowered by diet and exercise alone. However, it is important to continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regime while taking pravastatin.

Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of cholesterol being deposited in the blood vessels. This process is known as atherosclerosis , or hardening of the arteries. If it occurs in the major blood vessels of the heart it can reduce the blood and oxygen supply to the heart, causing angina. It can ultimately block the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the heart, causing a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Pravastatin therefore has an important role in preventing illness and death from heart disease.

Pravastatin has also been shown to reduce illness and death from heart disease and stroke in people who have already had a heart attack or unstable angina. In these cases pravastatin is beneficial even for people whose cholesterol levels are normal or only slightly raised.

What should I watch for while taking Pravastatin (Pravachol)?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need to have blood tests drawn to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

Pravastatin (Sodium) is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Pravastatin.

This medicine should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Most important fact about Pravastatin (Pravachol) sodium

Pravachol is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It's important to remember that Pravachol is a supplement--not a substitute--for those other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. All these efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important because together they may lower your risk of heart disease.

How should you take Pravachol?

For an even greater cholesterol-lowering effect, your doctor may prescribe Pravachol along with a different kind of lipid-lowering drug such as Questran or Colestid. However, you must not take Pravachol at the same time of day as the other cholesterol-lowering drug. Take Pravachol at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking the other drug.

Pravachol should be taken once daily. You may take it anytime, with or without food.

Warning!

• This medicine is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, except for treating familial hypercholesterolaemia. It should not be used in children under 8 years of age for this purpose.
  
  
• This medicine may very rarely have side effects on the muscles. For this reason you should inform your doctor immediately if you experience any muscular symptoms such as or weakness while taking this medicine, cramps, tenderness, pain, particularly if it is accompanied by a fever or feeling generally unwell. Your doctor may need to check for side effects on the muscles by taking a blood test to measure the level of a compound called creatinine kinase in your blood. If this is the case, the test should not be done following strenuous exercise.
  
  
• This medicine may be harmful to the development of an unborn baby. It must not be used by pregnant women. Women who could get pregnant should ensure they use effective contraception to avoid falling pregnant while taking this medicine.
  
  
• You should have blood tests to monitor your liver function (liver function tests) before starting treatment and regularly throughout treatment with this medicine.
  
  
• You should continue eating a cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment with this medicine, and not use it as a substitute for eating healthily and exercising regularly. Discuss this with your doctor.
  
  

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.