GENERIC NAME: PRAVASTATIN/BUFFERED ASPIRIN - ORAL (PRAV-uh-stat-in/BUFF-erd ASP-er-in)
BRAND NAME(S): Pravigard PAC
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Children and teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin-containing or aspirin-related medications for flu symptoms or chickenpox without first consulting a doctor. A rare but serious illness known as Reye's syndrome may occur.
USES: The medications in this product are a "statin" (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) and aspirin. Pravastatin works by lowering cholesterol (LDL) and fat (triglycerides) levels in your blood. Aspirin in low doses acts as a "blood thinner" preventing blood clots. When used along with a cholesterol-lowering diet, these medications reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In general, pravastatin is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight).
HOW TO USE: Take these medicines by mouth usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Pravastatin is best taken in the evening, with or without food. The buffered aspirin may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Also, you should take the aspirin with a full glass of water (8 oz or 240 ml) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with pravastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. 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 4 hours after these drugs. The antacids in the buffered aspirin may decrease the absorption of other medicines if taken at the same time. Take the following medications at least 2 hours before or after this product: delavirdine, gabapentin, levothyroxine, quinidine, or tetracyclines (e.g., tetracycline, minocycline). If you are taking a quinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), check with your pharmacist for the exact amount of time to separate the doses of the quinolone and the buffered aspirin. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. It is important to continue taking these medications even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. This medication comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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