Pravachol and Muscle Aches

There is a link between Pravachol and muscle aches -- more than 1 percent of patients taking Pravachol experience muscle aches as a side effect. It is more common to develop muscle aches when you are first starting the medication or when the dosage is altered. In rare cases, people can develop a serious muscle condition while using Pravachol. If you develop muscle aches, weakness, tenderness, or pain while on Pravachol (especially if you also have a fever or feel ill), call your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign that you have a serious condition that needs treatment right away.

 

Pravachol and Muscle Aches: An Introduction

Muscle aches are a possible side effect of Pravachol® (pravastatin sodium), occurring in more than 1 percent of patients. Muscle aches are more common when Pravachol is first started or when the Pravachol dosage is increased. Typically, muscle aches occur without any other more serious muscle symptoms.
 

Pravachol and Muscle Aches -- What to Watch For

However, in rare cases (less than 0.
 1 percent of patients), people can develop a serious problem with their muscles while on Pravachol, and muscle aches can be one of the symptoms. Two serious muscle problems that are seen are myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is very serious because it can cause muscles to break down. This can cause the kidneys to stop working properly (acute kidney failure) and, in some cases, result in loss of life.
 
If you develop muscle aches, weakness, tenderness, or pain while on Pravachol (especially if you also have a fever or feel ill), call your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign that you have a serious condition that needs treatment right away.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;