How does it work?

This medicine 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 used to reduce the blood levels of cholesterol and other fats when these cannot be lowered by diet and exercise alone. It is important to continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regime while taking pravastatin. Statins have an important role in the prevention of heart disease and stroke, because they reduce the risk of cholesterol being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart and brain. This process is known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, and can reduce or block the blood and oxygen supply to organs such as the heart or brain. In severe cases this can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. Pravastatin is not only used to lower high cholesterol levels. In people with high cholesterol it also prevents the subsequent development of coronary heart disease and reduces the risk of heart problems, such as heart attacks. In people who already have hardended arteries it is used to slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of heart problems. In people with coronary heart disease who have already had a heart attack or unstable angina, pravastatin is also used to reduce the risk of further heart attacks or stroke and to improve survival.

What is it used for?

Coronary artery disease

High blood cholesterol levels

Prevention of coronary heart disease, in association with dietary means, in people with high cholesterol levels

Slowing down the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in people who already have coronary heart disease associated with high cholesterol

Warning!

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 pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness while taking this medicine, 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.

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 should continue eating a cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor.

Blood lipid levels should be monitored before starting and regularly throughout treatment.

There is no information regarding the use of this medicine in children and adolescents under the age of 18.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

History of heavy alcohol consumption

History of liver disease

History of muscular side effects during previous treatment with a statin or fibrate medicine

Hypothyroidism

People aged over 70 years

Personal or family history of hereditary muscle disorders

Not to be used in

Active liver disease

Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Unexplained raised results in liver function tests

Women of child-bearing potential, unless effective contraception is used to prevent pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Women of child bearing potential should use adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk and women taking this medicine should therefore not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Diarrhoea

Fatigue

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Disease of the muscles (myopathy)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Chest pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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