The Side Effects of Generic Pravastatin
Pravastatin is classified as an enzyme blocker, sometimes called a "statin." It is prescribed to help lower triglycerides (fats) and cholesterol in adults and children age eight and older. Generic pravastatin side effects will be experienced differently by each patient and some patients may not experience any. However, it is important to know what they are so the patient can identify those that are serious and obtain medical attention if necessary.
Common Side Effects
The common side effects of generic pravastatin (and the approximate percentage of patients that experience them) include nausea and vomiting (7.3 percent), the flu (2.4 percent), common cold (7 percent), muscle pain (2.7 percent), headache (6.2 percent), heartburn or indigestion (3.5 percent), diarrhea (6.2 percent), gas (3.3 percent), unexplained rash (4 percent), fatigue (3.8 percent), dizziness (3.3 percent) and constipation (4 percent).
According to eMedTV, more than one percent of patients can also experience joint pain, vision problems (such as double or blurry vision), stomach pain and other pain, and muscle cramps.
Serious Side Effects
Certain side effects if generic pravastatin are considered serious and should be reported to the patient's doctor immediately. According to eMedTV, these include muscle pain/weakness/tenderness (especially when accompanied by feeling ill or a fever), memory loss, muscle aches, an indication of liver damage (yellow eyes/skin, dark urine, increased liver enzymes and pain in the upper right abdomen).
Rare Side Effects
The rare side effects of this medication occurred in less than 1 percent of patients. It is not completely clear whether these are associated with pravastain or something else, according to eMedTV. However, patients should be aware of them and they include dry skin, impotence, hair loss, insomnia, sexual problems, taste changes and vertigo (feels like spinning/whirling).
Tags: Side Effects, Effects Generic Pravastatin, generic pravastatin, muscle pain, percent patients