Pravastatin Sodium

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Oct 17, 2023

Common Questions


Common Questions about Pravastatin


Is pravastatin the same as Lipitor?

Pravastatin is not the same as Lipitor. Lipitor is the brand name of atorvastatin, which is also a statin medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best statin for your condition. 



What is the most serious side effect of pravastatin?

One of the most serious side effects of pravastatin is muscle breakdown and kidney damage. This can happen a few weeks to a few months after starting treatment. The risk is higher if you are taking higher doses of the drug. Call your doctor right away if you develop muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness while on this medicine.



How quickly does pravastatin work?

It can take 4-6 weeks for you to see an improvement in your cholesterol numbers after starting pravastatin.



How long should I take pravastatin?

If your cholesterol levels are well controlled on pravastatin, and you don’t have any intolerable or serious side effects, your health care professional may ask you to take this medicine for life. Pravastatin only works as long as you continue taking it. If you stop pravastatin and don’t start another treatment for elevated cholesterol, your cholesterol levels may go up again.



Can you drink alcohol while on pravastatin?

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while on pravastatin because of an increased risk of liver damage and hepatic impairment.



What is the price of pravastatin without insurance?

Without insurance, pravastatin can be as high as $279.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $17.90 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of pravastatin with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on pravastatin—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for pravastatin. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.