Pravachol – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Pravachol belongs to a group of medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or “statins.” The drug helps reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood. At the same time, Pravachol helps increase the levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) in the body.

Additionally, Pravachol is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in patients with or without coronary heart disease or other risk factors.

Pravachol is prescribed to adults and children who are at least eight years old. The drug’s generic name is pravastatin.

Known health risks or side effects of Pravachol

Pravachol may cause common side effects such as:

• Confusion
• Forgetfulness or memory loss
• A headache
• Heartburn

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

• Appetite loss
• Dark-colored urine
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fatigue, lack of energy, or weakness
• A fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hives, itching, or rash
• Hoarseness
• Jaundice/yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Nausea
• Pain (specifically, in the upper right part of the stomach)
• Swelling of the face, eyes, tongue, lips, throat, hands, feet, lower legs, or ankles
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

List of organs that might be affected by Pravachol

The statin Pravachol may cause complications like an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Pravachol

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Pravachol and they can help lower your cholesterol:

• Fenugreek – The plant fenugreek has small brown seeds that can be used to lower cholesterol. You can buy fenugreek as a spice in either whole or powdered form. It is also sold as concentrated pills or liquid supplements.
• Fish oil – Fish, such as anchovies, salmon, sardines, and tuna, are full of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can help lower triglyceride levels and prevent heart disease. If you don’t like eating fatty fish, you can take fish oil supplements instead.
• Psyllium – The herb psyllium is used to treat constipation because it is rich in fiber. Psyllium seed and husk are used for medical purposes and the herb is available in powder form. Psyllium can be added to foods or mixed with water. Consume 10 to 12 grams (g) of the herb daily to lower your LDL cholesterol.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Pravachol

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Pravachol, such as nausea:

• Cumin – If you’re feeling nauseated, drink cumin tea. Cumin can help stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, and it can help soothe the queasy feeling caused by digestive problems. Make cumin tea by adding half a teaspoon of ground cumin seeds to a cup of warm water. Drink the tea if you feel nauseous. You can also take cumin powder and cardamom powder added to a teaspoon of honey.
• Ginger – Ginger can relieve the digestive system and it is an effective natural anti-emetic if you feel like vomiting. Add one teaspoon each of ginger juice and lemon juice, mix, then consume several times a day until you no longer feel nauseated.
• Rice water – Rice water can soothe vomiting, especially when it is caused by gastritis. Boil a cup of white rice in one cup of water. Strain the solution before drinking.

Where to learn more

• Are Statins Right for You?
• Despite the claims of the mainstream media, Lesco and other statins are not magic bullets for cholesterol
• Pravachol side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes
• Statin drugs expose patients to dangerous, debilitating side effects
• Statins For Cancer Treatment

Summary

Pravachol belongs to a group of medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or “statins.” The drug helps reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood.

Pravachol may cause common side effects such as confusion, a headache, heartburn, or nausea.

The statin Pravachol may cause complications like an allergic reaction.

Fenugreek, fish oil, and psyllium have similar effects to Pravachol and they can help lower your cholesterol.

Cumin, ginger, and rice water can help prevent the side effects associated with Pravachol, such as nausea.

Sources include:

Drugs.com

EverydayHealth.com

Healthline.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com