Pravastatin is the generic name for Pravachol, a statin, which is also often marketed as Selektine. Statins in general are used to lower levels of “bad” cholesterol, in order to prevent cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and stroke. This medication was originally known as CS-514, and it was initially discovered in a bacterium, known as Nocardia autotrophica, by researchers of the Sankyo Pharma Inc. in Japan. It is now marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb outside of Japan.

Pravastatin, or Pravachol, was designed to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while also increasing the HDL, or “good” cholesterol levels. It is reported that using Pravachol has been shown to reduce instances of heart attack and stroke. It belongs to a class of lipid-lowering drugs, known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which may diminish cholesterol biosynthesis. These drugs are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is the enzyme used by the liver to produce cholesterol. This action stimulates LDL receptors, so that they increase the clearance of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, from the bloodstream, which in turn decreases blood cholesterol levels.

These medications may all have side effects associated with their use, and Pravachol may be no different. Heartburn and headache are said to be the most common side effects, but there may be other, more serious side effects, which should be reported to a doctor. These side effects may include: muscle pain, tenderness or weakness; lack of energy; fever; yellowing of the skin or eyes; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; nausea; extreme tiredness; unusual bleeding or bruising; loss of appetite; flu-like symptoms; rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs; and hoarseness. There may be other side effect as well, so an unusual problem should be addressed as soon as possible.

High cholesterol levels are dangerous, because they may cause a buildup of cholesterol and other fats along the walls of the blood vessels, which is a condition also known as atherosclerosis. This condition reduces the blood flow and the supply of oxygen to the brain and heart, as well as other parts of the body. For this reason, lowering cholesterol levels may be really important in maintaining quality of life, but many individuals are unwilling to put up with the side effects outlined above.

For this reason, they have started investigating other options, such as exercise, dietary changes and holistic supplementation. Plant Sterols, a plant-based substance, has become popular with some people, because they have shown some excellent results when it comes to lowering bad cholesterol and increasing levels of good cholesterol. In some instances, they have rivaled the results achieved with medications.

• May lower cholesterol levels

• May have many side effects for some people
• Available by prescription only

Clearly, Pravachol has assisted many individuals in getting their cholesterol levels back on track, which is an important part of maintaining and promoting heart health. Some individuals find them to be extremely useful in this arena, and experience few side effects.

However, some people have reported that they find the side effects that go hand in hand with this medication to be overwhelming and lifestyle-altering, which has caused them to forgo using them. Holistic supplements, such as Plant Sterols, have actually been shown to produce some really effective results in this arena – naturally and safety.