Pravachol

Your doctor will probably do blood tests for cholesterol levels every 4 weeks to determine the effectiveness of the dose.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects from Pravachol cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Pravachol.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, chest pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, gas, headache, heartburn, inflammation of nasal passages, muscle aching or weakness, nausea, rash, stomach or intestinal discomfort, urinary problems, vomiting

Why should Pravachol not be prescribed?

Do not take Pravachol if you are sensitive or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Do not take Pravachol if you have liver disease.

Special warnings about Pravachol

Pravachol should not be used to try to lower high cholesterol that stems from a medical condition such as alcoholism, poorly controlled diabetes, an underactive thyroid gland, or a kidney or liver problem.

Because Pravachol may cause damage to the liver, your doctor will probably do blood tests before you start taking the drug and whenever he plans a dosage increase. The doctor should monitor you especially carefully if you've recently had liver disease, if you have any symptoms that might mean liver disease, or if you're a heavy drinker.

Since Pravachol may cause damage to muscle tissue, promptly report to your doctor any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or you just generally do not feel well.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Pravachol

If Pravachol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pravachol with the following:

Cholestyramine (Questran)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac)
Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as Sandimmune and Neoral
Erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, others)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Niacin (Niacor, Niaspan)
Warfarin (Coumadin)