Are there generic names for every brand name drug?
No. The term “authorized generic” drug is most commonly used to describe an approved brand name drug that is marketed without the brand name on its label. Other than the fact that it does not have the brand name on its label, it is the exact same drug product as the branded product.
Is there a generic equivalent to my brand name drug?
Yes. The FDA must first approve all generic drugs before they are marketed. The FDA requires that generic drugs must be as high in quality, and as strong, pure and stable as brand name drugs. Generic drugs use the same active ingredients as brand name drugs and work the same way.
Is ibuprofen a brand name or a generic name?
The analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen is sold under a wide variety of brand names across the world; the most common being its first registered trademark name of Brufen, along with Advil, Motrin, and Nurofen.
What is generic name and brand name?
The generic name is assigned, in the United States, by an official body—the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council. The brand name is developed by the company requesting approval for the drug and identifies it as the exclusive property of that company. When a drug is under patent protection, the company markets it under its brand name.
Precautions
What is the generic name for pravastatin?
Pravastatin is the generic name for Pravachol. Unlike other statin drugs, pravastatin is not extensively metabolized, or processed, by CYP3A4 enzymes in the liver. Instead, pravastatin is broken down in the stomach. Pravastatin generic tablets are available in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.
Which is better pravastatin or Atorvastatin?
Thus, atorvastatin 80 mg/day causes a greater reduction in LDL-cholesterol than pravastatin 40 mg/day, and this is associated with a reduced progression of atheroma and reduced clinical events.
What are the side effects of taking pravastatin?
Less commonArm, back, or jaw pain.chest pain, discomfort, or tightness.dark-colored urine.difficult or labored breathing.fast or irregular heartbeat.headache.muscle cramps, spasms, tenderness, wasting, or weakness.runny or stuffy nose.More items...•
What's the difference between statin and pravastatin?
Compared to other statins, Pravachol (pravastatin) has fewer interactions with medicines. Pravachol (pravastatin) is less likely to cause muscle and kidney damage than other statin medicines. If you have liver problems, Pravachol (pravastatin) is the safest statin to use. It's available as a generic.
Should pravastatin be taken in the morning or night?
The antioxidant profile of pravastatin is better when the drug is administered in the evening rather than in the morning.
What is the safest statin on the market?
Simvastatin and pravastatin had the best safety profile, according to this review. Overall, the researchers found a 9 percent increased risk of type 2 diabetes in people taking statins.
What drugs should not be taken with pravastatin?
Some products that may interact with this drug include: colchicine, daptomycin, gemfibrozil. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking pravastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin.
Can pravastatin make you gain weight?
Some people may experience weight gain or weight loss while taking pravastatin. Both of these side effects were reported in clinical trials of the drug....Weight gain or weight loss.PravastatinPlacebo*Weight gain3.8%3.3%Weight loss3.3%2.8%
Does pravastatin affect sleep?
Our study suggests that lovastatin and pravastatin do not have a significant effect on sleep parameters in hypercholesterolemic subjects that could explain their complaints of insomnia.
Which is better Crestor or pravastatin?
These drugs work by decreasing the amount of cholesterol the body produces from the fat we eat. Crestor, or rosuvastatin in the generic, is considered a more potent statin than pravastatin.
What is the best statin for the elderly?
Atorvastatin or fluvastatin are usually recommended because there is no need to adjust the dose according to the glomerular filtration rate [28]. In patients without diagnosed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, it is indicated a moderate dose of statin, such as atorvastatin 20 mg daily [28].
Is pravastatin a strong statin?
Pravachol (pravastatin) can improve cholesterol, but it's not as strong as other statin medicines. It does cause fewer side effects and is safer for your kidneys and liver.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use pravastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. liver disease; or 2. if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.To make sur...
How Should I Take Pravastatin?
Take pravastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your d...
Pravastatin Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipidemia:Initial dose: 40 mg once daily.Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg once daily.Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarct...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Pravastatin?
If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, avoid taking them within 1 hour after or 4 hours before you take pravastatin.Avoid eating foods that...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Pravastatin?
Using certain other drugs together with pravastatin can increase your risk of serious muscle problems. It is very important to tell your doctor abo...
What is pravastatin used for?
Pravastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
How to take pravastatin?
Take pravastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets . Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
How to report pravastatin side effects?
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Pravastatin side effects (more detail)
Can you take pravastatin while pregnant?
Stop taking pravastatin and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant. Pravastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.
Can you drink alcohol with pravastatin?
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or pravastatin will not be as effective. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Grapefruit may interact with pravastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Can you stop taking pravastatin for a short time?
You may need to stop using this medicine for a short time if you have: uncontrolled seizures;
Is pravastatin safe for kidney disease?
you have active liver disease. To make sure pravastatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; abnormal liver function tests; muscle pain or weakness; a thyroid disorder; or. if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
Why is pravastatin used in the heart?
Pravastatin is used together with a proper diet to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (fat) in the blood. This medicine may help prevent or slow down medical problems, like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), that are caused by fats clogging the blood vessels. It may also be used to prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems.
What is the name of the drug that blocks the enzyme that makes cholesterol?
Pravastatin belongs to the group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. It works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, so this reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
How it works
Pravastatin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. These are also called statins. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
More common side effects
The more common side effects that can occur with use of pravastatin include:
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Antibiotics
Taking certain antibiotics with pravastatin can increase your risk of myopathy (muscle problems) or rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). If you need to take these drugs with pravastatin, your doctor may change your dosage of pravastatin or they may have you avoid these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:
Cholesterol drugs
Taking certain cholesterol drugs with pravastatin can increase the risk of myopathy (muscle problems) or rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). If you need to take these drugs with pravastatin, your doctor may change your dosage of pravastatin or they may have you avoid these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:
Gout drug
Colchicine is used to treat gout. Taking colchicine with pravastatin can increase your risk of myopathy (muscle problems) or rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). If you need to take colchicine with pravastatin, your doctor may change your dosage of pravastatin or they may have you avoid colchicine.
Immunosuppressant drug
Cyclosporine is used to reduce the strength of the immune system. Taking this drug with pravastatin can increase the amount of pravastatin in your body. This raises your risk of myopathy (muscle problems) or rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Who makes Pravastatin?
It is being marketed outside Japan by the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb. In 2005, Pravachol was the 22nd-highest selling brand-name drug in the United States, with sales totaling $1.3 billion. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved generic pravastatin for use in the United States on April 24, 2006.
When was pravastatin approved?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved generic pravastatin for use in the United States on April 24, 2006. Generic pravastatin sodium tablets were manufactured by Biocon Ltd, India and TEVA Pharmaceuticals in Kfar Sava, Israel.
How does pravastatin affect lipoproteins?
In the major pathway, pravastatin inhibits the function of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. As a reversible competitive inhibitor, pravastatin sterically hinders the action of HMG-CoA reductase by occupying the active site of the enzyme. Taking place primarily in the liver, this enzyme is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate in the rate-limiting step of the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol. Pravastatin also inhibits the synthesis of very-low-density lipoproteins, which are the precursor to low-density lipoproteins (LDL). These reductions increase the number of cellular LDL receptors, thus LDL uptake increases, removing it from the bloodstream. Overall, the result is a reduction in circulating cholesterol and LDL. A minor reduction in triglycerides and an increase in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are common.
How does pravastatin work?
Like all statins, pravastatin works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme found in liver that plays a role in producing cholesterol. Pravastatin was patented in 1980 and approved for medical use in 1989. It is available as a generic medication.
What is the best medicine for cardiovascular disease?
Pravastatin. Pravastatin, sold under the brand name Pravachol among others, is a statin medication, used for preventing cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and treating abnormal lipids. It should be used together with diet changes, exercise, and weight loss. It is taken by mouth.
Where does pravastatin take place?
Taking place primarily in the liver, this enzyme is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate in the rate-limiting step of the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol. Pravastatin also inhibits the synthesis of very-low-density lipoproteins, which are the precursor to low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
Which HIV protease inhibitors are used in conjunction with Darunavir?
Specific HIV protease inhibitors such as: lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra), and ritonavir (Norvir) taken with darunavir (Prezista); and spironolactone (Aldactone). Pravastatin is cleared by the kidneys, giving it a distinct advantage over other statins when a potential for drug interactions using the hepatic pathway exists.
How does Pravastatin work?
Pravastatin (Pravachol) is a statin. Statins are cholesterol-lowering medications that help to lower "bad" cholesterol (called LDL) by blocking cholesterol production in the liver. Statins can also raise "good" cholesterol (called HDL).
What is the best medicine for high cholesterol?
Alternatives. Latest News. Images. Medicare. Pravastatin (Pravachol) helps improve your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels and is a common medication for people with high cholesterol or heart disease.
Is Lipitor stronger than Lipitor?
They are different medications, but are both statins that work to lower your cholesterol levels. However, Lipitor is stronger and may do a better job of lowering your cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about which statin is right for you.
Is Pravastatin safe for pregnant women?
You'll still need to eat a low fat diet and exercise regularly to get the full benefit of pravastatin (Pravachol) Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects may be more common if you are female, 65 years or older, drink alcohol every day, ...
Does Pravastatin interact with other medications?
Pravastatin (Pravachol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Can pravastatin cause liver damage?
People who take pravastatin (Pravachol) may have liver damage. While this is rare, you're more likely to have it if you've had liver disease in the past or binge drink frequently (more than 5 days a month). If you notice dark urine or yellowing of your eyes or skin while taking pravastatin (Pravachol), talk to your doctor. Your doctor may also want to check your liver function regularly.
Can pravastatin cause muscle pain?
Some people who take pravastatin (Pravachol) feel muscle pain, which may be a sign of muscle damage. This is more likely to happen if you're older or if you're taking higher doses. If you suddenly feel muscle pain or weakness (not due to exercise) stop taking pravastatin (Pravachol) and talk to your doctor right away.
How many drugs interact with pravastatin?
Pravastatin has moderate interactions with at least 53 different drugs. This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.
Is pravastatin a positive family history?
there is a positive family history of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) or. two or more other CVD risk factors are present in the patient. Pravastatin is available under the following different brand names: Pravachol. Dosages of Pravastatin: Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths. Tablet as potassium.
Does pravastatin reduce MI?
In hypercholesterolemic patients without clinically evident coronary heart disease ( CHD ), pravastatin is indicated to: reduce the risk of myocardial infarction ( MI) reduce the risk of undergoing myocardial revascularization procedures. reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality with no increase in death from non-cardiovascular causes.
