Pravastatin

Pravastatin is a medication that is prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels in individuals at risk of cholesterol-induced cardiovascular problems.

When there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can build up on the walls of blood vessels, eventually blocking your arteries. In turn, this can then cause lethal cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.

Pravastatin is also available under the brand name Lipostat and contains the active ingredient, pravastatin sodium.

It is administered orally in the form of a 10mg, 20mg or 40mg tablet. Your doctor will determine which dosage is best for you.

When people talk about cholesterol, they usually refer to "good" cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol.

"Good" cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and it fulfils important roles in your body including, insulating nerve fibres, creating hormones and transporting chemical signals in your body.

"Bad" cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and it is this type of cholesterol that builds up in your arteries, causing them to become clogged.

If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is because the LDL cholesterol levels are too high.

Pravastatin is a type of medication known as a ‘statin’. Statins prevent your liver from producing LDL cholesterol. This is achieved by blocking a necessary enzyme.

When less LDL cholesterol is produced, the "good" HDL cholesterol is more effective in the body.

Please note, Pravastatin is most effective if it is taken as part of a healthy lifestyle designed to lower cholesterol.

Pravastatin is available in tablet form in a range of dosages, including 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. A doctor will determine which dosage is most suitable for you.

It is important that you follow the course of treatment exactly as it has been prescribed. Never increase or decrease your dosage unless you have been advised to do so by a doctor.

Follow instructions detailed in your patient leaflet. If you are unsure, contact your doctor for clarification.

• you should take one tablet daily, ideally in the evening or before you go to bed, with a glass of water
• it is not necessary to take the tablets with food, but it is not harmful to do so
• do not break, chew or crush tablets

If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Instead, take your next dose as normal.

If you take more than the advised dosage, or someone you know accidentally takes Pravastatin, please seek immediate medical attention.

Please note, you should avoid consuming grapefruit while taking Pravastatin, as it can affect the medication's efficacy and cause adverse effects.

The majority of people who take this medication will not notice any side effects, however, there is a small chance that some may occur. These could include:

• asthenia (weakness)
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• flatulence
• gastrointestinal discomfort
• headache
• myalgia (muscle pain)
• nausea
• sleep disorders
• thrombocytopenia

If you experience any side effects, which are more serious, such as memory problems, depression, hair loss, or problems sleeping, you should speak to a doctor for advice.

You should seek urgent medical assistance if you experience an allergic reaction to this medication. Symptoms include skin reactions, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face and neck.

Pravastatin tablets can be taken by men and women over the age of 18, who are struggling with high cholesterol and need an effective way to reduce it alongside lifestyle changes.

Before you decide to buy Pravastatin, there are some precautions that need to be considered. You should exercise caution (and consult your doctor) if you:

• are over the age of 70
• have decreased kidney or liver function
• have hypothyroidism
• are at increased risk of muscle toxicity
• suffer from alcoholism

You should first see how you react to Pravastatin before driving or operating machinery - it has been known to cause dizziness. You should also avoid driving and operating machinery if you drink and take this medication.

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please consult a doctor for alternative treatments.

You can purchase Pravastatin from HealthExpress if the medication has been previously prescribed to you by a doctor.

HealthExpress requires you to complete a quick and simple online consultation form. You will be asked a few simple medical questions, which will allow our doctors to establish if Pravastatin is safe for you to use.