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What Does Unexplained Weight Loss While On Pravastatin Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017

Question: I recently went to see my doctor he did blood work and called me and said I need to quit taking my pravastatin sodium 20 mg tab and schedueled me for a ultrasound I have lost weight and keep losing can you tell me what might be wrong?

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It might be a myopathy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
All cholesterol lowering medications (including pravastatin) can cause inflammation of muscles called as myopathy resulting in muscle pain & weight loss. It is easily treatable in which we only stop the medicine for some time.
In your case i think it must have deranged your liver function as these medicines are eliminated through liver. You need a ultrasonography & monitoring of liver functions.
Don't worry you will be fine soon.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Dr Sameer Maheshwari

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (1 hour later)

I didn't mention earlier in my question that my stomach feels funny and sick do you still have the same answer?

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please refer to detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Liver dysfunction due to hepatitis caused by statin(pravastatin) can cause stomach upset or maybe vomiting.
So you need to follow up your liver function tests & get a ultrasound done.
If you have further queries, you can contact me.
Regards
Dr Sameer Maheshwari

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad