Pravachol & Weight Loss

Pravachol or pravastatin is a medicine used to lower cholesterol by inhibiting the body's ability to produce it. Cholesterol reduction can be important for the prevention of heart disease and other conditions related to high blood cholesterol such as hardening of the arteries and stroke. Pravachol is being touted as the first cholesterol-lowering medicine known to prevent first heart-attacks, meaning that it is now being marketed to otherwise healthy individuals as a preventative measure. One question that has emerged is whether there is a connection between taking Pravachol and weight loss.

History

• Pravachol was studied for nearly two decades before researchers found the results they were looking for. They knew that Pravachol had the ability to lower blood cholesterol, but were unable to substantively conclude that the drug had the ability to prevent the occurrence of "cardiac events." According to a November 1996 article in Health Facts, studies showed lower incidence of cardiovascular death among Pravachol users, but the research was tainted by the fact that there was an usually high amount of deaths from other sources. In 1995, researchers obtained the results they wanted, showing much more conclusively that death rates caused by cardiovascular disease were significantly lower in those taking Pravachol.

Side-Effects

• There are a number of possible side-effects associated with taking Pravachol. Some of the more serious side-effects include chest and muscle pain along with flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, appetite-loss and weakness. Less serious side effects include heartburn, gas, constipation, diarrhea, rash and mild pain. People taking Pravachol who experience any of these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Considerations

• Before taking Pravachol it is necessary to consult a physician. People with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, thyroid conditions and kidney disease may need to have dosages adjusted for their specific condition. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Pravachol. It is also necessary to let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs you take due to possible side effects caused by interaction. Some people are naturally allergic to statins and should avoid taking Pravachol.

Taking Pravachol

• Pravachol is generally taken orally once per day. It should be taken with plenty of water. Dosage should be determined by a medical professional based on the severity of your medical condition and what other drugs you may currently be taking. Because of the nature of the drug and its intended effect, it is necessary to have your blood checked often to make sure that is doing what it is intended to do.

Pravachol and Weight Loss

• There is no evidence indicating that Pravachol causes or aids in weight loss. It may however, be linked to weight loss because it is intended to be taken in conjunction with a low-fat diet and a proper exercise regimen. Pravachol has been noted in rare cases to cause breakdown in muscle-tissue which would have the side effect of accompanying weight-loss. More commonly, Pravachol has been linked to depression and its side effects such as insomnia, restlessness and loss of appetite, all of which could contribute to weight loss in some individuals. In any case, Pravachol is best used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and should not be considered a weight-loss aid.