Pravastatin - Oral

Pravastatin helps lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) in the blood.

Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.

Pravastatin may also be used to lower fat levels in the blood in individuals who are receiving therapy to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant.

This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Take Pravastatin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. It is best to take it in the evening. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Pravastatin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have active liver disease or unexplained high levels of liver enzymes as Pravastatin may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Pravastatin, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Pravastatin.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• underactive thyroid gland
• personal or family history of muscle disorders
• history of muscle problems during treatment with other cholesterol-lowering medicines
• history of liver disease
• kidney disease

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Pravastatin.

Some genetic traits can increase your risk of side effects from this medicine. If you have an alteration in your gene called SLCO1B1, you are more likely to develop persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, numbness or weakness from Pravastatin. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor. However, you may still develop muscle problems even if you do not have this gene type. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness especially if it is accompanied by fever or general body discomfort.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver function, blood cholesterol levels) may be done while you are being treated with Pravastatin. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of muscle problems may also be needed.

What lifestyle changes should I make to reduce my cholesterol levels?

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to helping you reduce your cholesterol levels. Try to control the type and amount of food that you eat each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoid eating fried foods or foods that are high in fat. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity.

Pravastatin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, cough, difficulty sleeping, and skin rash.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, weakness or numbness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. gemfibrozil, fenofibrate
• certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin, fusidic acid
• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
• colchicine (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pravastatin.

Do not take Pravastatin with colestyramine or colestipol (other cholesterol-lowering medicines). Colestyramine and colestipol may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine when taken at the same time. If you are taking any of these medicines, take Pravastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you have taken your colestyramine or colestipol dose.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.