Pravastatin is marketed as Pravachol in the United States, and is used for the treatment of high cholesterol levels. Along with cholesterol treatment, pravastatin may be used as a preventative for heart ailments. Pravochol functions to block the creation of an enzyme your body requires in the production of cholesterol, so the total level of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the "bad" kind of cholesterol, will be reduced in your body. Pravastatin is available in pill form.
Serious Typical
Using pravastatin may cause typical serious side effects such as joint pain, pain in specific areas of the body, bodily motion difficulties, stiffness in the muscles, pain in the muscles or pain in the bones. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible about any of these side effects.
Serious Non-Typical
Fewer people experience the wide variety of serious side effects possible with pravastatin. Again, report any of these to your physician as soon as you can. These side effects include pain in the chest, chills, chest discomfort, congestion of the ears, headaches, a sore throat, chest tightness, wheezing, nausea, labored breathing, vomiting, ill feelings, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, decreased appetite, inability to speak, sneezing or nasal congestion, a runny nose, shortness of breath, shivering, irregular heartbeat or spasms, cramps, weakness or tenderness in the muscles. Other side effects may include fatigue, a skin rash, restless sleep, depression, anxiety or an infection of the upper respiratory system.
Temporary
Pravastatin may cause temporary side effects that may disappear upon discontinued use of the medication. These, in general, aren't serious and, unless they bother you or continue, do not need to be reported to a doctor. They include a need to urinate during sleep, upset stomach, concentration difficulties, belching, tiredness, a feeling of bloating, nasal congestion, vision changes such as blurring, urination that burns, frequent or painful urination, double vision (also known as diplopia), flatulence, decreased sense of pleasure or interest, discouragement, difficulty defecating, fear, irritability, sad feelings, empty feelings, indigestion, nervousness or abdominal pain.
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