Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Pravastatin is a generic statin with fewer CYP3A4-related interactions than simvastatin or lovastatin. In STELLAR, pravastatin lowered LDL cholesterol by 20% at 10 mg daily to 30% at 40 mg daily. Study results
How much does pravastatin lower LDL cholesterol?
Pravastatin reduced LDL cholesterol by 20%, 24%, and 30% at daily doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg in STELLAR. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 10 mg daily | |
| 20 mg daily | |
| 40 mg daily |
The table reports six-week changes from baseline. Pravastatin 80 mg is also available, but it was not one of these STELLAR treatment groups.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is pravastatin taken?
Pravastatin is taken once daily with or without food. Severe kidney impairment requires a lower starting dose. Separate pravastatin from a bile-acid sequestrant by at least one hour before or four hours after. Prescribing information.
How does pravastatin compare with other medications?
Pravastatin may be useful when drug interactions limit another statin, but it is less potent than Rosuvastatin or Atorvastatin. Fewer CYP3A4 interactions does not mean no interactions: cyclosporine and some antibiotics still require dose limits.
Which medications can be combined with pravastatin?
A statin can be combined with Ezetimibe or a PCSK9-directed treatment such as Repatha when additional LDL lowering is needed. These medicines act through different mechanisms. Their percentage reductions should not be added together: an added treatment lowers the LDL that remains. Bempedoic acid should not be combined with pravastatin doses above 40 mg daily. Gemfibrozil should be avoided.
How much does pravastatin cost?
Cost Plus Drugs lists pravastatin 40mg, 30 tablets, at $6.30 before shipping ($11.55 with standard shipping). Prices were checked October 6, 2026; the quantity is not necessarily a month’s supply.
Cost Plus Drugs
Pravastatin 40mg, 30 tablets: $6.30 including the dispensing fee, or $11.55 with standard shipping.
GoodRx
Compare local coupon prices for the same 40mg strength and 30 tablets. The pharmacy, ZIP code, and coupon can change the price; this is a live comparison, not a second fixed quote.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover pravastatin?
Coverage for pravastatin varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare lists pravastatin at Tier 1, with no prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limit listed. Commercial PDL, September 2026. |
| Aetna | Aetna lists pravastatin as a preferred generic across the listed strengths, without a listed prior-authorization or step-therapy requirement. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna lists generic pravastatin at Tier 1 with preventive coverage for eligible patients and a possible home-delivery requirement. California Standard 4-Tier (DMHC), July 2026. |
| Anthem | Anthem lists pravastatin at Tier 1 with a preventive $0 pathway; 10–40 mg have dose optimization and 80 mg is limited to one tablet daily. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California lists pravastatin at Tier 1, limited to one tablet daily. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | BCBS of Texas lists pravastatin as a preferred generic with a preventive-coverage marker; eligibility determines cost sharing. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of pravastatin?
Muscle pain can occur; severe muscle injury and serious liver injury are uncommon but important risks. Report unexplained weakness, dark urine, or jaundice promptly. A clinician should review liver disease, pregnancy plans, and the full medication list before treatment. Pravastatin can still cause muscle symptoms despite its different metabolism. Kidney function and interacting medicines affect the safest dose. Full safety information.
Does pravastatin reduce heart attacks or strokes?
In WOSCOPS, pravastatin 40 mg reduced coronary heart disease death or nonfatal heart attack by 31% relative to placebo over an average of 4.8 years. The participants were men aged 45–64 with high cholesterol and no previous heart attack; that relative effect is not an individual risk estimate. Read the supporting evidence.
Is pravastatin right for you?
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