Pravachol--known generically as pravastatin--is a prescription medication categorized as a statin, a class of drugs that decrease levels of LDL, or harmful, cholesterol in the body. It is indicated for people at risk for heart attack, heart surgery and death due to heart disease caused by high LDL cholesterol. Pravachol is prescribed if changes in diet, weight loss and exercise have not reduced cholesterol, according to the drug's manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. Although Pravachol may be beneficial, its use creates risk for side effects.
Rhabdomyolysis
Pravachol, a statin, can cause muscle pain and tenderness, or myopathy. Statin users experiencing myopathy should stop taking the medication and notify their physician, according to the Mayo Clinic. In severe cases, pravachol can cause rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue. Signs of rhabdomyolysis include severe muscle pain throughout the body, weakness and brown urine. (Reference 4) Rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage, liver damage, kidney failure and death. Pravachol should be discontinued when other conditions occur that increase the risk of rhabdomyolyisis, including surgery, trauma, uncontrolled epilepsy and sepsis. Niacin, erythromycin, cyclosporine and medications called fibrates can increase the risk for this side effect, warns the manufacturer.
Liver Damage
Pravachol and other statins can damage the liver. Elevated liver enzymes indicate the drug's effect on the liver. Patients may be able continue taking Pravachol for mild elevations in liver enzymes, but the drug may need to be discontinued for serious elevations, which usually reverses the problem. If elevated liver enzymes are not noted, serious and permanent liver damage can result. Because liver damage often begins without symptoms, liver enzymes should be measured six weeks after starting statin therapy and every three to six months during the first year, advises the Mayo Clinic. Lopid and niacin, medications commonly used with Pravachol, increase the risk of liver damage. (Reference 2)
Memory Loss
Memory loss is listed as a possible side effect of Pravachol by Bristol-Myers Squibb. (Reference 1) Dr. Andrew Weil reported that the second most common complaint of statin users is memory loss, according to an ongoing study investigating the side effects of statins by the University of California, San Diego. Normal memory was regained when the drugs were discontinued. It is not known how statins can effect memory loss. Dr. Weil advises that memory loss be reported to the prescribing physician and that a lower dose might help. (Reference 3) The Mayo Clinic says researchers have found no link between statins and memory loss. (Reference 2)
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