Pravastatin Tablets

What is Pravastatin?

Pravastatin is a lipid-lowering statin. It is mostly used to prevent cardiovascular disease in individuals with high cholesterol.

You must have a prescription to buy Pravastatin, although it can be ordered from our online pharmacy after an online consultation with a prescriber. 

What are Pravastatin tablets used to treat?

Pravastatin is a lipid-lowering medicine belonging to the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors group of medicines, also known as statins. It is prescribed to lower the non-HDL cholesterol levels in the body, in particular LDL cholesterol levels.

Pravastatin helps to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and provides protection against future heart attacks and strokes. 

Statins are the first-line treatment for high cholesterol levels and are particularly effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss. More information on how to lower your cholesterol can be found on the NHS website.

Why is Pravastatin recommended for high cholesterol?

Clinical studies have shown Pravastatin to be a very effective and safe treatment for high cholesterol. It is safe for young and old patients alike, although you should only take this medicine if it is prescribed by a doctor. 

How does Pravastatin work for high cholesterol?

The two most well know lipoproteins are called Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) also known as bad cholesterol, and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol.

Pravastatin works by reducing the amount of LDL that is produced by your liver, while also increasing the amount of HDL in your blood.

Pravastatin works by increasing the number of LDL receptors that are responsible for passing the LDL cholesterol into the liver, where it is then excreted from the body.

The increased levels of HDL also help to remove excessive levels of LDL from the body and help to prevent disease and inflammation that can be caused by high LDL levels.

Who can take Pravastatin tablets?

Pravastatin is generally considered to be a very safe medication to use in lowering bad cholesterol levels, but it may not be suitable for everyone to use.

Before taking Pravastatin, you should tell your doctor if any of the below apply to you:

• You have had an allergic reaction to pravastatin sodium, any other ingredients contained in this medicine, or any other medicines in the past
• You have liver problems
• You have kidney problems
• You have an underactive thyroid
• You drink large quantities of alcohol
• You have severe lung disease
• You have had muscular side effects while taking any statins in the past
• You have or have had any muscle disorders

Can you buy Pravastatin over the counter in the UK?

Pravastatin is a prescription-only medicine and must be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional. Your cholesterol levels may also need regular monitoring if you have been prescribed pravastatin to ensure that the treatment is working as expected.

Can you buy Pravastatin online in the UK?

You can buy pravastatin online from most online UK pharmacies including Medicine Direct. You will need to complete an online health questionnaire so our healthcare professionals can assess your condition to ensure that pravastatin is the most suitable treatment option for you.

Pravastatin Alternatives

There are five types of statins that are used to treat high cholesterol in the UK. Several of these are available to buy online at Medicine Direct:

• Atorvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Fluvastatin
• Pravastatin
• Rosuvastatin

All statins will have a very similar mechanism of action, although indications and doses can vary depending on which statin you are prescribed.

You should always take the statin that you have been prescribed by your doctor, do not switch between statins.

Pravastatin Dose and Directions

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE prescribing guidelines when prescribing Pravastatin.

Pravastatin is available in 3 different doses:

Source - NICE 

When should I take Pravastatin?

Pravastatin should be taken at night. Studies have shown that pravastatin is more effective when taken in the evening rather than in the morning.

Always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before taking any medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely when taking Pravastatin.

How to take Pravastatin

You can consume the tablet before or after eating as it will not affect your stomach, it should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Pravastatin Side Effects

Pravastatin is considered to be a very safe medicine and does not seem to cause many side effects.

It is rare to suffer any adverse reactions while taking Pravastatin. Different statins can affect people in different ways, but you should speak to your doctor if any of these effects persist or do not go away.

Muscle aches and pains are rare side effects of Pravastatin, but they are serious. This may happen after a few weeks or even months after you start using the medication for your high cholesterol. You should report any tenderness, pain, or weakness in your muscles to a doctor straight away.

Memory loss is another rare side effect that is known to occasionally happen in people who take this medicine. This will usually stop when you complete your course of treatment.

This list may not be exhaustive; always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you start to take a new medication.

Pravastatin Warnings and Drug Interactions

Pravastatin is a safe medicine that effectively lowers your cholesterol levels and promotes good cholesterol, but it may interact with other medicines you are currently using.

You should always make sure your doctor is aware of any and all medications you are currently using. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal remedies, supplements and vitamins.

More information on drug interactions with Pravastatin can be found on the NICE website. 

Can I take pravastatin during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

It is not recommended you take Pravastatin while pregnant. If you need to be treated for high cholesterol levels, you should inform your doctor if you are currently pregnant, are trying to get pregnant, or think you might be pregnant.

Your doctor may advise you to take a different medication to treat your cholesterol.

Similarly, you should not take Pravastatin if you are breastfeeding. Make sure your doctor is aware if you are breastfeeding; they can recommend alternative cholesterol medicines that may be more suitable.

Pravastatin Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Pravastatin sodium

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Pravastatin online in the UK?

Pravastatin FAQs