Pravastatin is a medication prescribed to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. It is also helpful in improving the levels of healthy cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), as explained by Drugs.com. They also point out that some patients may use pravastatin treatment to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from coronary heart disease. Several other uses exist for pravastatin, as it works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances, including cholesterol. As with any medication, pravastatin has the potential for side effects.
Common Side Effects
Most individuals experience few, if any side effects with the use of pravastatin, reports Drugs.com. The most common response is headache or heartburn.
Other mild effects, according to RxList.com, can include rash, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, dizziness, common cold, rhinitis, cough, mild sleep disturbances or mild stomach upset, such as diarrhea.
Serious Side Effects
Any of the serious side effects that may accompany pravastatin require medical attention. Drugs.com identifies these hazards, including reduction or increase in urine, chest pain, darkened urine, fever, chills, persistent sore throat, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, muscle tenderness, muscle weakness and pale colored stools. Other serious effects can include red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin. Some individuals may experience severe abdominal pain, vision changes or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Allergic Reaction
Severe signs of allergy include rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, swelling of the mouth, swelling of the face and swelling of the lips or tongue. These side effects, as identified by RxList.com, can lead to asphyxiation if they are not treated by a medical care provider immediately. RxList.com also indicates some users may experience a blueish tint to the skin as their body is starved of oxygen from the airways closing.
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