Lipostat, also known by the generic name pravastatin, is a type of medication known as a statin. According to MedlinePlus, statins slow the production of cholesterol in the body, thereby decreasing a patient's chances of developing heart disease, angina, stroke or heart attack. Currently, lipostat is not available for use in the United States; however, pravastatin is available under the brand name Pravachol.
Abnormal Laboratory Test Results
Abnormal laboratory results are a common side effect of lipostat usage. Laboratory results affected by lipostat include liver function and thyroid function, according to RxList. Creatine phosphokinase levels can also be abnormal, according to a 2009 University of Bern, Switzerland study performed by Mohaupt MG, et al. This study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that patients experiencing muscle pain while taking statins may have muscle fiber damage, even if their laboratory findings are normal. Muscle damage was found in 57 percent of the test subjects, while only one of the 44 subjects had abnormal serum creatine phosphokinase levels typically expected with this type of damage.
Muscle Problems
Muscle problems are also commonly associated with taking lipostat. Patients may experience muscle or joint pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps. Common areas affected are the shoulders, jaw and leg muscles. According to RxList, drugs containing pravastatin can cause severe skeletal muscle tissue breakdown, which can lead to kidney failure. While this condition, called rhabdomyolysis, is rare, it is important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any muscle-related side effects. In addition to muscle pain, patients with rhabdomyolysis will complain of dark, red or cola-colored urine.
Abdominal Upset
Patients taking lipostat may experience abdominal upset. Symptoms of abdominal upset include nausea, diarrhea, gas, constipation and mild abdominal pain, according to Drugs.com. Typically, these symptoms will decrease or resolve completely as the body becomes used to this drug. Small and frequent meals, proper oral care and taking this medication with food may help decrease the severity of these symptoms.
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