According to the American Heart Association, over 35 million adults in the United States have elevated cholesterol levels in the high risk category, which greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, a variety of different classes of medications can help lower cholesterol levels. Pravastatin sodium belongs to the statin class of cholesterol-lowering medications, which works by blocking the production of cholesterol. As with all statins, it has its associated side effects and health risks.
Side Effects
Side effects can occur during pravastatin sodium therapy. Call a doctor if any severe side effects occur, such as chest pain, severe nausea or stomach pain, loss of appetite, urinary color changes, clay-colored stools or jaundice or a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, according to the website RxList.com. Less serious and more common side effects include mild diarrhea or constipation, indigestion, headache or dizziness, cold or flu like symptoms, mild pain and skin rash.
Rhabdomyolysis
Pravastatin sodium, as well as other statin medications, may cause a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare condition in which muscle fibers break down and release a substance called myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin is broken down by kidneys into by-products that can damage the kidneys leading to possible kidney failure. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include severe muscle pain and weakness, fatigue, joint pain and abnormally-colored urine, according to MedlinePlus. It is important to call a doctor immediately if the signs of rhabdomyolysis are present.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pravastatin sodium is classified as a pregnancy category X medication by the Food and Drug Administration. Breast-feeding women and pregnant women or women planning on becoming pregnant should not use pravastatin sodium, as it may cause birth defects or harm the newborn infant. According to the University of Washington, the risks associated with category X medications in pregnant women far outweigh the potential benefits. Women who become pregnant should stop taking pravastatin sodium immediately, and women of child-bearing age should practice proper birth control while taking the medication.
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