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Pravastatin Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Special Alerts

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: Evidence Does Not Suggest Increased Incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - Results of FDA Analysis - September 30, 2008

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) review of 41 long-term controlled clinical trials of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors finds no evidence of an increased incidence of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) related to these medications. This analysis occurred after the FDA had received notice of numerous adverse events of which 109 of these reports mentioned ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, or motor neurone disease. The clinical trials included in the analysis had a median duration of treatment of 3.3 years (range of duration: 6 months to 5 years) and involved 120,964 patients. The analysis identified a total of 19 cases of ALS – 9 cases per 64,602 patients (0.014%) with statin therapy and 10 cases per 56,362 patients (0.017%) with placebo. The incidence rates, based on approximately 400,000 person-years, were 4.2 per 100,000 person-years in the statin-treated group and 5 per 100,000 person-years in the placebo-treated group.

The FDA recommends that health care providers continue to prescribe, and patients continue to use these products as described within their labeling.

For more information, healthcare professionals may refer to the following:

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Statin

Colman E, Szarfman A, Wyeth J, et al, “An Evaluation of a Data Mining Signal for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Statins Detected in FDA's Spontaneous Adverse Event Reporting System,” Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf, 2008 (epub ahead of print)

Medication Safety Issues

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Pravachol® may be confused with Prevacid®, Prinivil®, propranolol

Pronunciation

(prav a STAT in)

U.S. Brand Names

  • Pravachol®

Index Terms

  • Pravastatin Sodium

Generic Available

Yes

Canadian Brand Names

  • Apo-Pravastatin®
  • CO Pravastatin
  • Novo-Pravastatin
  • PMS-Pravastatin
  • Pravachol®
  • ratio-Pravastatin
  • Riva-Pravastatin
  • Sandoz-Pravastatin

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antilipemic Agent, HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Dyslipidemia Treatment Agent, HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
  • HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
  • Statin

Use: Labeled Indications

Use with dietary therapy for the following:

Primary prevention of coronary events: In hypercholesterolemic patients without established coronary heart disease to reduce cardiovascular morbidity (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization procedures) and mortality.

Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary heart disease: To slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis; to reduce cardiovascular morbidity (myocardial infarction, coronary vascular procedures) and to reduce mortality; to reduce the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attacks

Hyperlipidemias: Reduce elevations in total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides (elevations of 1 or more components are present in Fredrickson type IIa, IIb, III, and IV hyperlipidemias)

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH): In pediatric patients, 8-18 years of age, with HeFH having LDL-C ?190 mg/dL or LDL ?160 mg/dL with positive family history of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) or 2 or more CVD risk factors in the pediatric patient

Pregnancy Risk Factor

X

Pregnancy Considerations

Cholesterol biosynthesis may be important in fetal development. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Administer to women of childbearing potential only when conception is highly unlikely and patients have been informed of potential hazards.

Lactation

Enters breast milk/contraindicated

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any component of the formulation; active liver disease; unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases; pregnancy; breast-feeding

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis: Patients receiving HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have developed rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure and/or myopathy; patients should be monitored closely. This risk is dose-related and is increased with concurrent use of other lipid lowering medications. Temporarily discontinue for elective major surgery, acute medical or surgical conditions, or in any patient experiencing an acute or serious condition predisposing to renal failure (eg, sepsis, hypotension, trauma, uncontrolled seizures). Based upon current evidence, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy should be continued in the perioperative period unless risk outweighs cardioprotective benefit. Use caution in patients with renal impairment, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, and those taking other drugs associated with myopathy (eg, colchicine); these patients are predisposed to myopathy. Patients should be instructed to report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or brown urine.

Disease-related concerns:

• Hepatic impairment and/or ethanol use: Use with caution in patients who consume large amounts of ethanol or have a history of liver disease.

Special Populations:

• Elderly: Use with caution in patients with advanced age, these patients are predisposed to myopathy.

• Pediatrics: Treatment is not recommended in patients <8 years of age.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Hyperlipidemia: Secondary causes of hyperlipidemia should be ruled out prior to therapy.

• Liver function tests: Must be monitored by periodic laboratory assessment.

Adverse Reactions

As reported in short-term trials; safety and tolerability with long-term use were similar to placebo

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Chest pain (4%)

Central nervous system: Headache (2% to 6%), fatigue (4%), dizziness (1% to 3%)

Dermatologic: Rash (4%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea/vomiting (7%), diarrhea (6%), heartburn (3%)

Hepatic: Transaminases increased (>3x normal on two occasions - 1%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Myalgia (2%)

Respiratory: Cough (3%)

Miscellaneous: Influenza (2%)

<1%: Allergy, alopecia, appetite decreased, dermatitis, dry skin, edema, fever, flushing, insomnia, lens opacity, libido change, memory impairment, muscle weakness, neuropathy, paresthesia, pruritus, sexual dysfunction, taste disturbance, tremor, urticaria, vertigo

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Anaphylaxis, angioedema, cholestatic jaundice, cirrhosis, cranial nerve dysfunction, dermatomyositis, erythema multiforme, ESR increase, fulminant hepatic necrosis, gynecomastia, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, hepatoma, lupus erythematosus-like syndrome, myopathy, pancreatitis, peripheral nerve palsy, polymyalgia rheumatica, positive ANA, purpura, rhabdomyolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, vasculitis

Additional class-related events or case reports (not necessarily reported with pravastatin therapy): Angioedema, cataracts, depression, dyspnea, eosinophilia, erectile dysfunction, facial paresis, hypersensitivity reaction, impaired extraocular muscle movement, impotence, leukopenia, malaise, memory loss, ophthalmoplegia, paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy, photosensitivity, psychic disturbance, skin discoloration, thrombocytopenia, thyroid dysfunction, toxic epidermal necrolysis, transaminases increased, vomiting

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP3A4 (minor); Inhibits CYP2C9 (weak), 2D6 (weak), 3A4 (weak)

Drug Interactions

Antifungal Agents (Azole Derivatives, Systemic): May decrease the metabolism of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Colchicine: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Colchicine may increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CycloSPORINE: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

DAPTOmycin: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of DAPTOmycin. Specifically, the risk of skeletal muscle toxicity may be increased. Management: Consider temporarily stopping HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy prior to daptomycin. If used together, regular (i.e., at least weekly) monitoring of CPK concentrations is recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Fenofibrate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Gemfibrozil: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Niacin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Niacinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

P-Glycoprotein Inducers: May decrease the serum concentration of P-Glycoprotein Substrates. P-glycoprotein inducers may also further limit the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Risk C: Monitor therapy

P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of P-Glycoprotein Substrates. P-glycoprotein inhibitors may also enhance the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Phenytoin: May increase the metabolism of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Protease Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Limited data suggest pravastatin may slightly decrease protease inhibitor concentrations. Management: Lovastatin and simvastatin are contraindicated with many protease inhibitors; use lowest possible HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor dose and monitor for signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis if these agents are used concomitantly. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Rifamycin Derivatives: May increase the metabolism of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Ethanol: Consumption of large amounts of ethanol may increase the risk of liver damage with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Food: Red yeast rice contains an estimated 2.4 mg lovastatin per 600 mg rice.

Herb/Nutraceutical: St John's wort may decrease pravastatin levels.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture and light.

Mechanism of Action

Pravastatin is a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in de novo cholesterol synthesis.

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: Several days

Peak effect: 4 weeks

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed; average absorption 34%

Protein binding: 50%

Metabolism: Hepatic to at least two metabolites

Bioavailability: 17%

Half-life elimination: ?2-3 hours

Time to peak, serum: 1-1.5 hours

Excretion: Feces (70%); urine (?20%, 8% as unchanged drug)

Dosage

Oral: Note: Doses should be individualized according to the baseline LDL-cholesterol levels, the recommended goal of therapy, and patient response; adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more; doses may need adjusted based on concomitant medications

Children: HeFH:

8-13 years: 20 mg/day

14-18 years: 40 mg/day

Dosage adjustment for pravastatin based on concomitant cyclosporine: Refer to adult dosing section

Adults: Hyperlipidemias, primary prevention of coronary events, secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: Initial: 40 mg once daily; titrate dosage to response; usual range: 10-80 mg; (maximum dose: 80 mg once daily)

Dosage adjustment for pravastatin based on concomitant cyclosporine: Initial: 10 mg/day, titrate with caution (maximum dose: 20 mg/day)

Elderly: No specific dosage recommendations. Clearance is reduced in the elderly, resulting in an increase in AUC between 25% to 50%. However, substantial accumulation is not expected.

Dosing adjustment in renal impairment: Initial: 10 mg/day

Dosing adjustment in hepatic impairment: Initial: 10 mg/day

Administration: Oral

May be taken without regard to meals.

Monitoring Parameters

Obtain baseline LFTs and total cholesterol profile; creatine phosphokinase due to possibility of myopathy. Repeat LFTs prior to elevation of dose. May be measured when clinically indicated and/or periodically thereafter.

Dietary Considerations

May be taken without regard to meals. Before initiation of therapy, patients should be placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet for 6 weeks and the diet should be continued during drug therapy. Red yeast rice contains an estimated 2.4 mg lovastatin per 600 mg rice.

Patient Education

Do not take any new prescription or OTC medications or herbal products during therapy without consulting prescriber. Take at same time each day with or without food. Follow cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regimen as prescribed. Avoid excess alcohol. You will have periodic blood tests to assess effectiveness. You may experience mild nausea or vomiting (small, frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help); diarrhea (buttermilk, boiled milk, or yogurt may help); constipation (increased exercise, fruit, fluids, or fiber may help); or headache, dizziness, or insomnia (use caution when driving or engaged in potentially hazardous tasks until response to drug in known). Contact prescriber immediately with persistent muscle pain or cramping, skeletal or joint pain, or numbness. Report other persistent adverse effects. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are pregnant. Consult prescriber for appropriate barrier contraceptive measures to use during and for 1 month following therapy. This drug may cause severe fetal defects. Do not donate blood during or for 1 month following therapy. Do not breast-feed.

Geriatric Considerations

Effective and well tolerated in the elderly. No specific dosage recommendations. Clearance is reduced in elderly, resulting in an increase in AUC between 25% to 50%. However, substantial accumulation is not expected.

The definition of and, therefore, when to treat hyperlipidemia in elderly is a controversial issue. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that all adults maintain a plasma cholesterol <160 mg/dL. Elderly with one additional risk factor, goal LDL would be <130 mg/dL. It is the authors' belief that pharmacologic treatment be reserved for those who are unable to obtain a desirable plasma cholesterol concentration by diet alone and for whom the benefits of treatment are believed to outweigh the potential adverse effects, drug interactions, and cost of treatment.

Anesthesia and Critical Care Concerns/Other Considerations

Myopathy: Currently-marketed HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors appear to have a similar potential for causing myopathy. Incidence of severe myopathy is about 0.08% to 0.09%. The factors that increase risk include advanced age (especially >80 years), gender (occurs in women more frequently than men), small body frame, frailty, multisystem disease (eg, chronic renal insufficiency especially due to diabetes), multiple medications, and drug interactions (use with caution or avoid).

Based on current research, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be continued in the perioperative period. Postoperative discontinuation of statin therapy is associated with an increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality.

Cardiovascular Considerations

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are effective in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with hyperlipidemia. For primary prevention, a patient's major risk factors (cigarette smoking, hypertension or currently taking antihypertensives, low HDL-C, family history, age, gender) should be evaluated. Patients with multiple risk factors (?2) require more intensive therapy guided by the calculation of a 10-year absolute CHD risk (eg, the percent probability of having a CHD event in next 10 years). An individual's 10-year absolute CHD risk can be calculated at www.med-decisions.com/cvtool/phys/phys.html. LDL cholesterol goals, therapeutic lifestyle changes, and drug therapy are determined based upon a patient's risk factor profile.

Primary prevention trials show that cholesterol-lowering drugs reduce the risk of major coronary events, coronary death, and cerebrovascular events even in the first 6-12 months of use. The WOSCOP trial suggested a trend towards enhanced survival using pravastatin in their patients (mean LDL-cholesterol of 192 mg/dL and no history of MI). In a recent trial (Sever, 2003), patients with HTN and at least three other risk factors were randomized to 10 mg daily of atorvastatin or placebo. These patients had a total nonfasting cholesterol <250 mg/dL before treatment. LDL-C levels were 132 mg/dL before treatment and fell to an average of 90 mg/dL in the atorvastatin-treated group. There was a significant reduction in stroke, cardiovascular events, and coronary events in the atorvastatin-treated group as compared to the placebo group. There was no difference in mortality between the groups.

Secondary prevention trials indicate that “statin” therapy reduces mortality, major coronary events, coronary artery procedures, and stroke. The Heart Protection Study proved that lowering serum cholesterol levels reduces the rate of major vascular events among high-risk individuals with documented vascular disease (CHD, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular) or diabetes regardless of initial cholesterol concentrations. PROVE IT is a randomized, double-blind trial evaluating hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome to determine the effects of intense LDL-C lowering therapy. Four thousand patients with an LDL-C levels of 106 mg/dL were randomized to pravastatin 40 mg daily or atorvastatin 80 mg daily. After 2 years, the combined cardiovascular endpoint (death, MI, unstable angina requiring hospitalization, revascularization and stroke) was ~26% in the pravastatin patients (median LDL-C 95 mg/dL) and ~22% in the atorvastatin treated patients (median LDL-C 62 mg/dL).

LaRosa and colleagues assessed the efficacy and safety of lowering LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL in patients with stable coronary heart disease (LaRosa, 2005). Ten thousand and one patients with baseline LDL levels <130 mg/dL were randomized to atorvastatin 10 mg or 80 mg daily and followed for a median of 4.9 years. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of the first major cardiovascular event (death from CVD, MI, resuscitation after cardiac arrest, or stroke). A primary event occurred in 434 patients (8.7%) receiving 80 mg daily (mean LDL 77 mg/dL) and 548 patients (10.9%) receiving 10 mg dose (mean LDL 101 mg/dL) (95% CI, 0.69-0.89; p <0.001). There was no mortality difference between the two treatment groups.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors decrease levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). They also possess pleiotropic properties including improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation at the site of the coronary plaque, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and anticoagulant effects. These nonlipid effects may be beneficial when HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are introduced early in the management of acute coronary syndromes (de Denus, 2002).

Myopathy: Currently-marketed HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors appear to have a similar potential for causing myopathy. Incidence of severe myopathy is about 0.08% to 0.09%. The factors that increase risk include advanced age (especially >80 years of age), women more frequently than men, small body frame, frailty, multisystem disease (eg, chronic renal insufficiency especially due to diabetes), multiple medications, drug interactions (use with caution or avoid). The combination of a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor plus nicotinic acid seems to carry a lower risk of myopathy than does a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor plus a fibrate. Other medications, when used concurrently, may enhance the risk of myopathy associated with statins; these include drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 isoenzymes (lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin) or CYP2C9 isoenzymes (fluvastatin). HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may exacerbate exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury. Many experts favor getting a baseline creatine kinase (CK) measurement before initiating therapy (asymptomatic CK elevations are common). Obtain a CK measurement if patient complains of muscle soreness, tenderness, or pain.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause dizziness

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Use caution with history of hepatic disease. Assess potential for interactions with other pharmacological agents or herbal products patient may be taking (eg, other lipid-lowering agents may increase risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis). Evaluate results of laboratory tests (LFTs and lipid profile) at baseline and periodically. Assess patient response on a regular basis throughout therapy (eg, rash, myalgia, gastrointestinal effects). Teach patient proper use (as adjunct to diet and exercise program), possible side effects/appropriate interventions, and adverse symptoms to report. Pregnancy risk factor X: Determine that patient is not pregnant before starting therapy. Do not give to women of childbearing age unless they are capable of complying with effective contraceptive use. Instruct patient in appropriate contraceptive measures.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, as sodium: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg

Pravachol®: 10 mg; 20 mg [DSC]; 40 mg, 80 mg

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Tablets (Pravachol)

10 mg (30): $114.99

20 mg (30): $114.99

40 mg (30): $159.97

80 mg (30): $179.12

Tablets (Pravastatin Sodium)

10 mg (30): $18.99

20 mg (30): $27.00

40 mg (30): $25.99

80 mg (30): $119.99

References

de Denus S and Spinler SA, “Early Statin Therapy for Acute Coronary Syndromes,” Ann Pharmacother, 2002, 36(11):1749-58.

Dupuis J, Tardif JC, Cernacek P, et al, “Cholesterol Reduction Rapidly Improves Endothelial Function After Acute Coronary Syndromes. The RECIFE (Reduction of Cholesterol in Ischemia and Function of the Endothelium) Trial,” Circulation, 1999, 99(25):3227-33.

“Executive Summary of The Third Report of The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III),” JAMA, 2001, 285(19):2486-97.

Fleisher LA, Beckman JA, Brown KA, et al, “ACC/AHA 2007 Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Care for Noncardiac Surgery: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 2002 Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation for Noncardiac Surgery) Developed in Collaboration With the American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology, and Society for Vascular Surgery,” J Am Coll Cardiol, 2007, 50(17):e159-241.

Fonarow GC, French WJ, Parsons LS, et al, “Use of Lipid-Lowering Medications at Discharge in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Data From the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 3,” Circulation, 2001, 103(1):38-44.

Heeschen C, Hamm CW, Laufs U, et al, “Withdrawal of Statins Increases Event Rates in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes,” Circulation, 2002, 105(12):1446-52.

Koren MJ, Smith DG, Hunninghake DB, et al, “The Cost of Reaching National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Goals in Hypercholesterolaemic Patients. A Comparison of Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Lovastatin and Fluvastatin,” Pharmacoeconomics, 1998, 14(1):59-70.

LaRosa JC, Grundy SM, Waters DD, et al, “Intensive Lipid Lowering With Atorvastatin in Patients With Stable Coronary Disease,” N Engl J Med, 2005, 352(14):1425-35.

LeManach Y, Godet G, Coriat P, et al, “The Impact of Postoperative Discontinuation or Continuation of Chronic Statin Therapy on Cardiac Outcome After Major Vascular Surgery,” Anesth Analg, 2007, 104(6):1326-33.

Lewis SJ, Moye LA, Sacks FM, et al, “Effect of Pravastatin on Cardiovascular Events in Older Patients With Myocardial Infarction and Cholesterol Levels in the Average Range. Results of the Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) Trial,” Ann Intern Med, 1998, 129(9):681-9.

“MRC/BHF Heart Protection Study of Cholesterol Lowering With Simvastatin in 20,536 High-Risk Individuals: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial. Heart Protection Study Collaborative Group,” Lancet, 2002, 360(9326):7-22.

Pasternak RC, Smith SC Jr, Bairey-Merz CN, et al, “ACC/AHA/NHLBI Clinical Advisory on the Use and Safety of Statins,” Stroke, 2002, 33(9):2337-41. Available at: http://www.acc.org/clinical/alerts/statins_june02.htm. Accessed June 18, 2003.

Pearson TA, Mensah GA, Alexander RW, et al, “Markers of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease: Application to Clinical and Public Health Practice: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association,” Circulation, 2003, 107(3):499-511.

Phillips BG, Yim JM, Brown EJ Jr, et al, “Pharmacologic Profile of Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction at United States Academic Hospitals,” Am Heart J, 1996, 131(5):872-8.

Poldermans D, Bax JJ, Kertai MD, et al, “Statins Are Associated With a Reduced Incidence of Perioperative Mortality in Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Vascular Surgery,” Circulation, 2003, 107(14):1848-51.

“Prevention of Cardiovascular Events and Death With Pravastatin in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease and a Broad Range of Initial Cholesterol Levels. The Long-Term Intervention With Pravastatin in Ischaemic Disease (LIPID) Study Group,” N Engl J Med, 1998, 339(19):1349-57.

Sacks FM, Pfeffer MA, Moye LA, et al, “The Effect of Pravastatin on Coronary Events After Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Average Cholesterol Levels. Cholesterol and Recurrent Events Trial Investigators,” N Engl J Med, 1996, 335(14):1001-9.

Sever PS, Dahlof B, Poulter NR, et al, “Prevention of Coronary and Stroke Events With Atorvastatin in Hypertensive Patients Who Have Average or Lower-Than-Average Cholesterol Concentrations, in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial - Lipid Lowering Arm (ASCOT-LLA): A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial,” Lancet, 2003, 361(9364):1149-58.

Shepherd J, Cobbe SM, Ford I, et al, “Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease With Pravastatin in Men With Hypercholesterolemia. West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study Group,” N Engl J Med, 1995, 333(20):1301-7.

White HD, Simes RJ, Anderson NE, et al, “Pravastatin Therapy and the Risk of Stroke,” N Engl J Med, 2000, 343(5):317-26.

International Brand Names

  • Astin (MX)
  • Brakhor (MX)
  • Bristacol (ES)
  • Brufincol (MX)
  • Cholespar (ID)
  • Cholstat (AU)
  • Col-Alphar (MX)
  • Colpradin (MX)
  • Elisor (FR)
  • Emipastin (MX)
  • Genoestatina (MX)
  • Kenstatin (MX)
  • Koloskol (ID)
  • Lipemol (ES)
  • Liplat (ES)
  • Lipostat (AU, BG, CZ, EE, GB, HN, HU, IE, NZ, PH, PL)
  • Liprachol (AU)
  • Liprevil (DE)
  • Loretsin (MX)
  • Mevachol (ID)
  • Mevalotin (CL, DE, ID, JP, KP, TH)
  • Novales (ID)
  • Novina (MX)
  • Prastan (KP)
  • Pratin (TW)
  • Prava (ZA)
  • Pravachol (AT, AU, BB, BM, BS, BZ, CO, DK, FI, GR, GY, HK, ID, JM, MY, NL, NO, PE, PK, PL, SE, SR, TT, VE)
  • Pravacol (AR, BR, CN, EC, MX, PE, PT)
  • Pravalip (IL)
  • Pravaselect (IT)
  • Pravasin (DE, LU)
  • Pravasine (BE)
  • Pravastar (KP)
  • Pravator (IN)
  • Pravyl (CO)
  • Sanaprav (AT, IT)
  • Selectin (IT)
  • Selektine (NL)
  • Selipran (AT, CH)
  • Tissulest (MX)
  • Vasten (FR)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision October 2008

Content last modified October 2008

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