Pravastatin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.

Applies to pravastatin: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of pravastatin

Along with its needed effects, pravastatin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pravastatin:

More common side effects

• difficulty with moving
• muscle or bone pain
• muscle stiffness
• pain in the joints
• pain, localized

Less common side effects

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• chills
• cough
• dark-colored urine
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• ear congestion
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle cramps, spasms, tenderness, wasting, or weakness
• nausea
• runny or stuffy nose
• shivering
• sneezing
• sore throat
• sweating
• swollen joints
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Other side effects of pravastatin

Some side effects of pravastatin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• stomach pain

Less common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• bloated or full feeling
• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• difficult or painful urination
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• dizziness
• double vision
• fear or nervousness
• feeling sad or empty
• increased urge to urinate during the night
• irritability
• loss of interest or pleasure
• pain in the chest below the breastbone
• passing gas
• rash
• stomach discomfort or upset
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pravastatin: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects were musculoskeletal pain, nausea/vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and headache.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal pain (up to 24.9%), musculoskeletal traumatism (10.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia, muscle cramp, arthralgia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle weakness
• Postmarketing reports: Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, lupus erythematosus-like syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, arthritis, myositis, polymyositis, tendon disorder^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea/vomiting (up to 10.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, flatulence, dyspepsia/heartburn, abdominal distension, constipation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal pain
• Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Chest pain (up to 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, influenza, creatinine phosphokinase increased, edema, fever, weight gain, weight loss, viral infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, weakness, hearing loss, tinnitus
• Frequency not reported: Head/neck edema, vertigo
• Postmarketing reports: Chills, asthenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): ALT increased, GGT increased, AST increased
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, fatty change in liver, cirrhosis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, fatal hepatic failure, nonfatal hepatic failure, liver function test abnormalities^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, paresthesia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Numbness
• Frequency not reported: Memory impairment, neuropathy/peripheral neuropathy, taste disturbance
• Postmarketing reports: Intraocular movement impaired, facial paresis, peripheral nerve palsy, cognitive impairment, forgetfulness, amnesia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 21.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, cough, pulmonary infection, sinus abnormality/sinusitis, tracheobronchitis, dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, dermatitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, urticaria, scalp/hair abnormality, alopecia
• Postmarketing reports: Skin discoloration, skin nodules, dry mucous membranes, changes to hair/nails, angioedema, dermatomyositis, purpura, photosensitivity, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Angina pectoris
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Disturbance of rhythm, hypertension, myocardial infarction
• Frequency not reported: Flushing
• Postmarketing reports: Vasculitis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, diplopia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye inflammation, lens opacity^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Sleep disturbance, anxiety/nervousness, depression
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia
• Frequency not reported: Libido change^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysuria, urinary frequency, nocturia, sexual dysfunction^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Thyroid function abnormalities, gynecomastia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Hemolytic anemia, erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased, transient asymptomatic eosinophilia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Allergic/hypersensitivity reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, positive antinuclear antibodies^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Postmarketing reports: Hepatoma^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are the side effects of statins?
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Further information

Pravastatin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer