Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin
Brand names: Pravigard PAC
Why is Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin prescribed?
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Each Pravigard PAC contains a single dose of two medications—one tablet of aspirin and one tablet of the cholesterol-lowering drug Pravachol (pravastatin sodium). Both Pravachol and aspirin are prescribed for people with heart disease to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as reduce the risk of dying from heart disease. They're also used to improve the chances of avoiding heart surgery and procedures such as angioplasty.
In addition, Pravachol is used to lower cholesterol levels and slow the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. It's important to remember, however, that Pravigard PAC is not a substitute for diet, exercise, and weight loss. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.
Most important fact about Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin
On rare occasions, Pravachol (one of the medications in Pravigard PAC) has caused severe muscle damage. It's important to tell your doctor right away about any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or you just generally do not feel well.
How should you take Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin?
Pravigard PAC comes in individual blister cards that contain aspirin and Pravachol tablets packaged side by side. You should take both tablets at the same time.
The daily dose of Pravigard PAC can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. Unless your doctor tells you to restrict fluids, you should take the medication with a full glass of water
- If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
- Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Pravigard PAC.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, chest pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, gas, headache, heartburn, inflammation of nasal passages, muscle aching or weakness, nausea, possible involvement in formation of stomach ulcers and bleeding (aspirin component), rash, small amounts of blood in stool (aspirin component), stomach or intestinal discomfort, urinary problems, vomiting
Why should Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin not be prescribed?
Do not take Pravigard PAC if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Pravachol, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin if you have asthma or asthma-related conditions such as rhinitis and nasal polyps.
Because Pravigard PAC contains aspirin, children and teenagers should not use this product because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a dangerous disorder characterized by disorientation, lethargy, and eventually coma.
In addition, you should not use Pravigard PAC if you have liver disease, ulcers or ulcer symptoms, or if you are taking a medication that affects the clotting of your blood, unless specifically told to do so by your doctor.
Because the aspirin component of Pravigard PAC contains salt, you should not use Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin if you have a condition that causes you to retain salt, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.
You should not use Pravigard PAC if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Special warnings about Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin
The drug manufacturer of Pravigard PAC recommends liver function testing before using Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin. In addition, the doctor will need to monitor you closely if you have kidney problems.
Be sure to report any muscle aches or weakness to your doctor immediately (see "Most important fact about Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin").
If you have more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day, check with your doctor before using Pravigard PAC, since this could increase the chance of internal bleeding.
Be aware that the aspirin component of Pravigard PAC could raise your risk of developing ulcers or internal bleeding, especially if you also have an inherited bleeding disorder such as hemophilia. Call your doctor immediately if you develop stomach pain, chronic heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin
If Pravigard PAC is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pravigard PAC with any of the drugs listed below. Also check the interactions listed in the individual Pravachol and aspirin drug profiles.
Possible interactions with Pravachol include:
Cholestyramine
Colestipol
Diltiazem
Erythromycin
Gemfibrozil
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Mibefradil
Possible interactions with aspirin include:
Acetazolamide
Alcohol (three or more drinks a day)
Blood pressure and heart medications that are ACE inhibitors
Blood pressure and heart medications that are beta-blockers
Blood thinners such as heparin and warfarin
Diabetes medications
Diuretics
Methotrexate
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Probenecid
Seizure medications
Sulfinpyrazone
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
You should not use Pravigard PAC if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Pavastatin sodium with Buffered aspirin
ADULTS
The recommended daily dose is 40 milligrams of Pravachol with either 81 milligrams or 325 milligrams of aspirin. Depending on your response, the doctor may increase the dose of Pravachol to 80 milligrams.
Some people, especially those with kidney or liver problems, may require lower doses.
CHILDREN
Pravigard PAC should not be used in children.
Overdosage
Although no specific information on Pravachol overdose is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Pravigard PAC, seek medical attention immediately.
Theoretically, an extremely large dose of aspirin could cause death. Symptoms of aspirin overdose include abnormally fast breathing, dehydration, high body temperature, and ringing in the ears.
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