Special Warnings With Pravachol

Pravachol may cause serious, but rare, side effects, including the following:
 

• Muscle breakdown (myopathy): Muscle breakdown symptoms include widespread muscle aches, muscle tenderness, and generalized weakness. Rarely, widespread muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis, can occur, usually in people who are taking other drugs that interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize the statin and in people with advanced kidney problems. Therefore, it is extremely important that you inform your doctor about all the medications, herbal preparations, and dietary supplements you are currently taking. If you experience diffuse muscle pain and weakness or if your urine is brown (a possible sign of muscle breakdown), contact your doctor immediately and stop taking the statin medication.

• Liver problems: Pravachol can cause liver problems. Your doctor may do a blood test to check your liver before you start taking Pravachol, and while you take it.