Pravastatin side effects in elderly: Pravastatin Side Effects in Elderly: What You Need to Know

11.07.202323.06.2023 by alexxlab

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Pravastatin Side Effects in Elderly: What You Need to Know

Pravastatin is a commonly prescribed medication for managing high cholesterol levels. While it is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects that can occur, especially in elderly patients. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common pravastatin side effects in elderly patients and how Nao Medical can help you manage them.

Common Pravastatin Side Effects in Elderly Patients

Muscle pain and weakness
Joint pain
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness
Fatigue

If you experience any of these side effects while taking pravastatin, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication.

How Nao Medical Can Help

At Nao Medical, we specialize in providing comprehensive healthcare services to patients of all ages, including geriatric care. Our team of experienced healthcare providers can help you manage your pravastatin side effects and ensure that you’re getting the care you need to stay healthy.

When you book an appointment with Nao Medical, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art facilities, technologically driven approach, and exceptional staff. We offer same-day appointments, minimal wait times, and extensive after-hours virtual care to ensure that you always have access to the care you need.

FAQs

What is pravastatin?

Pravastatin is a medication used to manage high cholesterol levels.

What are the most common side effects of pravastatin?

The most common side effects of pravastatin include muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and fatigue.

Can pravastatin cause serious side effects?

In rare cases, pravastatin can cause serious side effects such as liver damage, muscle damage, and kidney problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

How can I manage my pravastatin side effects?

Your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication to manage your pravastatin side effects. They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet.

How can I book an appointment with Nao Medical?

You can book an appointment with Nao Medical by visiting our website at https://www.nao.md/geriatrics or by calling us at (917) 310-3371.

Key Takeaways

Pravastatin is a medication used to manage high cholesterol levels.
The most common side effects of pravastatin in elderly patients include muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and fatigue.
If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.
Nao Medical can help you manage your pravastatin side effects and ensure that you’re getting the care you need to stay healthy.
Book an appointment with Nao Medical today to get the care you deserve.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered, construed or interpreted as legal or professional advice, guidance or opinion.

Pravastatin Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Pravastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower “bad” cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as “statins.” It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides and raising “good” cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

How to use Pravastatin SODIUM

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take pravastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with pravastatin, preventing its full absorption.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

It is very important to continue to follow your doctor’s advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Side Effects

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very small number of people taking pravastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor.

Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.

This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms last after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

This medication may rarely cause liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking pravastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with pravastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, liver function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.