Pravachol and Muscle Aches: Drug Interactions
Serious muscle problems are more common when
Pravachol is first started or when the dosage is increased, but it can happen at any time. There are also certain medicines that can increase the risk for serious muscle problems if taken together with Pravachol. These medicines include:
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®)
- Danazol (Danocrine®)
- Fibrates (Lopid®, Tricor®, Antara®, Lipofen®, Triglide®, Lofibra™)
- Niacin (nicotinic acid, Niacor®, Nicolar®)
- Erythromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Telithromycin
- HIV protease inhibitors
- Nefazodone (Serzone®)
- Amiodarone (Cordarone®)
- Verapamil (Calan®, Calan SR, Verelan®, Verelan PM, Isoptin®, Covera-HS®)
- Antifungals, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), and itraconazole (Sporanox®).
Pravachol and Muscle Aches: Summary
For people taking Pravachol, muscle aches and pain are common problems, especially when first starting the medication or when the dosage is increased. If muscle aches become a problem while you are taking Pravachol, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to give you other suggestions for dealing with muscle aches. If the muscle aches continue, he or she may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to another
cholesterol medication.
Also, if muscle aches, weakness, pain, or tenderness occurs with a fever or while you feel sick, it can mean there is a serious problem. Call your healthcare provider immediately.