Pravachol is the trade name for pravastatin sodium. Pravachol is indicated for the treatment of heart conditions and the prevention of stroke. This medication also slows the hardening of arteries and reduces cholesterol levels. Pravachol was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1991 and has been studied in clinical trials and post-marketing research. Pravachol has proven generally safe and effective, but it may cause mild to serious side effects depending on length of use.
Short-Term Use
According to Drugs.com, the most common side effect from short-term use is musculoskeletal pain, occurring in approximately 10 percent of patients. Patients also experience a high rate of gastrointestinal side effects. The most common is nausea and vomiting, occurring in 7.3 percent of patients. Diarrhea and abdominal pain occur in 6.2 and 5.4 percent of patients, respectively. Other gastrointestinal side effects include constipation, gas and heartburn. Seven percent of short-term patients acquired the common cold. Another 6.2 percent of short-term patients experienced headache from taking Pravachol.
Long-Term Use
Patients taking Pravachol for long-term or permanent treatment of heart conditions also experience side effects. Many of the short-term side effects may subside, while others persist or worsen. According to the prescribing label for Pravachol, the most common side effect is musculoskeletal pain and arthritis, occurring in about 6 percent of patients. Upset stomach and heartburn are the second most common side effects in long-term patients, occurring in 3.5 percent of patients. Other common gastrointestinal disturbances include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gas and constipation. Another 3.1 percent of patients experience chest pains. Although classified as side effects, some adverse events occur less frequently in patients taking placebo, suggesting that Pravachol may reduce these specific side effects rather than cause them. Some of these lowered side effects include chest pain, rash, upset stomach and heartburn.
Other Side Effects
According to eMedTV, patients may experience liver problems resulting in yellow eyes and skin, upper right abdominal pain, darkened urine and elevated liver enzymes. Although liver problems are rare, occurring in 1.2 percent of patients, the damage may be significant and cause permanent scarring. EMedTV also states that patients taking Pravachol may experience significant muscle aches and memory loss. Patients may also have an allergic reaction to Pravachol, which may result in rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, throat and tongue.
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