The monthly cost of pravastatin depends on the dosage, quantity, and pharmacy you use. On average, generic pravastatin 40mg capsules can cost around $12 for a month’s supply. Pravastatin 20mg and 80mg tablets can cost slightly more, with a price range of around $14-$20 per month.
The brand-name pravastatin (Pravachol) can be more expensive than the generic version, with a range of around $20-$30 per month. If you have prescription insurance benefits, you may be able to save money with your coverage.
You can also check online or ask your local pharmacist for information on patient assistance and coupon programs.
Table of Contents
Why do doctors prescribe pravastatin?
Pravastatin is a medication that is prescribed by doctors to help lower cholesterol levels as well as prevention of heart disease and stroke. Pravastatin, which is also known by its brand name Pravachol, is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or a statin drug.
This means it is reducing the body’s production of cholesterol by blocking the enzyme responsible for its production. Pravastatin is an effective treatment for those who have high cholesterol, hereditary forms of high cholesterol, and mixed dyslipidemia.
It can also help people prevent future problems with cholesterol levels, such as the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke. In addition, pravastatin is also prescribed to help reduce risk factors that may be associated with a person’s lifestyle, such as smoking or poor diet.
Pravastatin can also reduce the risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes. Therefore, doctors may prescribe pravastatin in order to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Is pravastatin a high risk medication?
Pravastatin is generally considered to be a low risk medication. It belongs to the class of drugs known as statins, which are cholesterol-lowering agents. They are usually well tolerated by most people and have few side effects.
However, they can cause serious side effects in some people, including an increased risk of muscle, liver and kidney problems, as well as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, pravastatin can be considered a high risk medication if you have any of the following conditions: kidney or liver disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypothyroidism, or if you are pregnant or taking certain other medications.
It is always important to discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
Is 20 mg of pravastatin a lot?
It depends on the individual situation. 20 mg of pravastatin is a relatively low dose, so it may not be a lot for some people; however, depending on the patient’s medical history and risk factors, it may still be considered a large dose.
The amount is ultimately determined by a doctor or medical provider, as they can assess the individual’s needs and make the best decisions for their health. Generally, it is suggested that only the lowest necessary dose is chosen in order to reduce the potential for side effects.
As always, be sure to speak to your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Does pravastatin stabilize plaque in arteries?
Yes, pravastatin can play a role in stabilizing plaque in arteries. Pravastatin is a medication in the statin family that works by lowering your cholesterol levels. These medications can be used to reduce the build-up of plaque in your arteries, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Studies have shown that pravastatin can reduce the buildup of plaque by up to 25 percent. This can help to stabilize the plaque, which will decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events.
Furthermore, pravastatin can also reduce inflammation, which is a factor in plaque buildup. So if you have high cholesterol levels and want to reduce your risk of plaque buildup and other heart conditions, pravastatin can be an effective option for you.
Is pravastatin generic for Crestor?
No, pravastatin is not generic for Crestor. Both pravastatin and Crestor are prescription medications used to lower cholesterol, but they contain different active ingredients. Pravastatin is the generic name for Pravachol, which is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
On the other hand, Crestor is the brand name for rosuvastatin calcium, which is manufactured by AstraZeneca. Although they can be used to treat the same condition, they are different medications. Some patients may have better results with one medication than the other, so it is important to discuss the options with your doctor.
What’s the difference between statin and pravastatin?
The difference between statin and pravastatin is that pravastatin is a specific type of statin. Statins are a class of medicines that are used to lower cholesterol levels, and pravastatin is in this class of medicines.
It works by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the production of cholesterol. The other types of statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, and lovastatin.
Pravastatin is typically prescribed for those with higher cholesterol levels who may already be at risk for developing heart disease. It is known to be safer than some of the other statins, and it is generally better tolerated by older adults, who may be more likely to experience side effects from taking other types of statins.
Pravastatin is also not metabolized in the liver, unlike other statins, which makes it even safer for those with liver issues.
It is important to talk to your health care provider about any medications that you are considering taking, including pravastatin, to ensure that it is right for you and to help you understand any potential side effects.
Will pravastatin raise blood pressure?
No, pravastatin will not raise blood pressure. Pravastatin is a type of cholesterol-lowering medication known as a statin. Its main purpose is to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL).
Although statin drugs can have a variety of side effects, including muscle aches and headaches, they generally do not affect blood pressure. Some patients may experience an increase in blood pressure due to weight gain, but this is not a direct result of taking pravastatin.
It is important to discuss potential side effects, such as changes in blood pressure, with your doctor before taking any medication.
