Pravastatin Sodium

Generic Name: pravastatin sodium

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Pravastatin Sodium

11 DESCRIPTION Pravastatin sodium is a statin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Pravastatin sodium is designated chemically as Sodium (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-[(1S,2S,6S,8S,8aR)-6-hydroxy-2-methyl-8-[[(2S)-methylbutanoyl]oxy]-1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl]heptanoate. Structural Formula: Pravastatin sodium is an odorless, white to off-white, fine or crystalline powder.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Pravastatin sodium is a statin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Pravastatin sodium is designated chemically as Sodium (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-[(1S,2S,6S,8S,8aR)-6-hydroxy-2-methyl-8-[[(2S)-methylbutanoyl]oxy]-1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl]heptanoate. Structural Formula: Pravastatin sodium is an odorless, white to off-white, fine or crystalline powder.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pravastatin sodium tablets are indicated: To reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization procedures, and cardiovascular mortality in adults with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) without clinically evident coronary heart disease (CHD). To reduce the risk of coronary death, myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization procedures, stroke or transient ischemic attack, and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in adults with clinically evident CHD. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in pediatric patients ages 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Take orally once daily at any time of the day, with or without food ( 2.1 ). For patients that require a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving pravastatin sodium tablets 80 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment ( 2.1 ). Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating pravastatin sodium tablets, and adjust the dosage if necessary ( 2.1 ). Adults: recommended starting dosage is pravastatin sodium tablets 40 mg to 80 mg once daily. ( 2.2 ) Pediatric Patients ( 2.3 ): aged 8 to 13 years, the recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily. aged 14 to 18 years, the recommended starting dosage is 40 mg once daily.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] In short-term clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥2% and greater than placebo) were: musculoskeletal pain, nausea/vomiting, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex at 1-800-706-5575 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of pravastatin sodium tablets with other drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. ( 2.5 , 7.1 ) Bile Acid Sequestrants: in patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer pravastatin sodium tablets at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with Pravastatin Pravastatin is a substrate of the transport protein OATP1B1. Pravastatin plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of OATP1B1.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis : Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher pravastatin dosage. Discontinue pravastatin if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue pravastatin in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing pravastatin dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Hypersensitivity to any pravastatin or any excipients in pravastatin sodium tablets. Hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any excipient in pravastatin sodium tablets ( 4 ) Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 , 5.3 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue pravastatin when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. Pravastatin decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, pravastatin may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )]. In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Pravastatin Sodium Tablets, USP 10 mg are available for oral administration as light pink, round, unscored tablets, imprinted “APO” on one side and “PRA” over “10” on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pravastatin Sodium used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pravastatin sodium tablets are indicated: To reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization procedures, and cardiovascular mortality in adults with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) without clinically evident coronary heart disease (CHD). To reduce the risk of coronary death, myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization procedures, stroke or transient ischemic attack, and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in adults with clinically evident CHD. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in pediatric patients ages 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

What are the side effects of Pravastatin Sodium?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] In short-term clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥2% and greater than placebo) were: musculoskeletal pain, nausea/vomiting, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex at 1-800-706-5575 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Pravastatin Sodium during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue pravastatin when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. Pravastatin decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, pravastatin may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )]. In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy.

What are the important warnings for Pravastatin Sodium?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis : Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher pravastatin dosage. Discontinue pravastatin if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue pravastatin in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing pravastatin dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Hypersensitivity to any pravastatin or any excipients in pravastatin sodium tablets. Hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any excipient in pravastatin sodium tablets ( 4 ) Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 , 5.3 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.