pravastatin sodium- In rare cases, pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of
skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you
have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark
colored urine.
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if
you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment.
Do not take pravastatin if you have liver disease, or if you are breast-feeding.
Before taking pravastatin, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, underactive thyroid,
kidney disease, a muscle disorder, or if you drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Pravastatin will not be as effective
in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking pravastatin. Alcohol can raise triglyceride
levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking pravastatin.
There may be other drugs that can interact with pravastatin. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.