Could Dermatitis Outbreak be the Result of Pravachol [posted 11/6/98]
Question: I have been on pravachol for about 3 years. Recently developed an unusual dermatitis, specifically Purpuric perivascular dermatitis with capillitis and eosinophilia. The dermatitis was fairly generalized but mainly extremities. Has this been described with reductase inhibitors?

Answer: This would be too rare to show up on most searches. I would contact the company's medical department-Bristol Meyers Squibb 609-252-3737.

Does Pravachol Cause a Deep Sleep [posted 10/29/98]
Question: I take 20 mg of Pravachol in the evening. Within an hour I am in a DEEP sleep. It is difficult to wake me. This is unusual as I have always been a very light sleeper. Have you heard of this being a side effect of the medication?

Answer: Not usually.

Pravachol & Alcohol [posted 10/13/98]
Question: I have just started PRAVACHOL for a diagnosis of high cholesterol past 10 years and family history(brother MI @ 34). I have been on a low (not no) cholesterol diet past 3 years and have participated in intense cardio workout's approx 2 to 5 times a week. I drink approx 2 to 3 alcohol beverages a night during the week and am much more liberal on the weekend. I feel this has helped my condition. I'm sure that can be disputed. How will this alcohol intake interact with pravachol, and what are the contraindications?

Answer: Alcohol is a known stimulant of HDL and is generally thought to be ok in cardiac patients if taken in moderation. There is no problem with pravachol unless you develop liver enzyme elevation-both drugs can raise liver enzymes and some think they are additive when taken together. However, check them regularly(which you should be doing with or without alcohol) and abstain is they rise. I'd decrease your weekend libations somewhat-the rest is ok.

Pravachol
Question: What is Pravachol? Is 20 mg per day considered normal for a 63 year old man?

Answer: Pravachol is a cholesterol lowering agent from the family of HMG-CoA inhibitors. This is a class of drugs that works by inhibiting the enzyme in the liver responsible for turning on and off cholesterol metabolism. By blocking this enzyme, the cholesterol manufacturing capacity of the liver is decreased. 20 mg is a usual starting dose for this particular drug.
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