Pravachol and Joint Pain

There are a number of potential side effects that may occur with Pravachol, and joint pain is one of them. Many people find short-term relief by using over-the-counter pain relief medications, moist heat (such as a warm bath), dry heat (such as a heating pad), or cold packs. If joint pain does not subside after the first couple of months, your healthcare provider may choose to adjust your dosage or switch to another cholesterol medicine.

Pravachol Medication

Does Pravachol Cause Joint Pain?

Joint pain is a possible side effect of Pravachol^® (pravastatin sodium). It is not exactly clear how many people experienced joint pain in Pravachol clinical studies. In one study, up to 6 percent of people had problems with "musculoskeletal pain," a term that includes joint pain as well as other muscle, joint, or both pain. In another study, as many as 10 percent of people reported pain in a specific area ("localized" pain) of a muscle, joint, or bone.

Joint Pain With Pravachol: Suggestions

If you are taking Pravachol and joint pain is a problem, there are some things that you can try.

These short-term relief suggestions include medications and heat/cold remedies.

Medications

Patients who take Pravachol and experience joint pain often benefit from using over-the-counter pain relief medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^®), aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin^® or Advil^®).

Heat/Cold Remedies

Moist heat (such as a warm bath or shower) or dry heat (such as a heating pad) placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve joint pain. In some cases, cold packs (a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) can relieve pain or numb the sore area. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs. Water therapy in a heated pool or whirlpool also may relieve joint pain and stiffness.

(Pravachol and Joint Pain Continued: Page 2)