PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
LIPOSTAT TABLETS
Your doctor has prescribed Lipostat tablets for you. Please read this before you take your medicine.
This leaflet gives a summary of information about your medicine. If you want to know more, or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
REMEMBER
This medicine is for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them even if they have the same symptoms as you.
WHAT IS IN LIPOSTAT TABLETS?
The active ingredient in Lipostat is pravastatin sodium. Lipostat is one of a group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors which work by lowering your body's production of cholesterol.
The tablets are pink in colour and come in two different strengths: 10 mg and 20 mg. The tablets are available in blister packs of 28 tablets.
The other ingredients are croscarmellose sodium, erythrosine, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvidone.
Q: WHO SUPPLIES LIPOSTAT TABLETS?
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PRODUCT LICENCE HOLDER: E.R. Squibb & Sons Limited Hounslow, Middlesex |
PRODUCT AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Bristol Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited Dublin. Ireland |
MANUFACTURER:
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited,
Moreton, Merseyside
Q: WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE FOR?
A. Lipostat is used to lower levels of cholesterol in the blood and should always be used together with a low fat diet. You probably feel quite well and would not notice you have high cholesterol, but too much of it in the blood stream is one of the important causes of heart attacks. Your doctor has prescribed Lipostat to try to reduce the chances of this happening.
BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE
Q: SHOULD I BE TAKING LIPOSTAT TABLETS?
A. DO NOT take these tablets if you answer YES to any of the following questions:
Go back to your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your concerns and follow the advice given.
Q: CAN I TAKE ANY OTHER MEDICINES?
A. It is usually all right to take Lipostat with other sorts of medicines, however, if you are also taking a resin-type lipid-lowering agent such as cholestyramine or colestipol, Lipostat should usually be taken at least one hour before or four hours after you have taken the resin. Always tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using, even those you have bought from a pharmacy, supermarket or elsewhere.
continued
Q: IS IT ALL RIGHT TO DRIVE?
A. Lipostat tablets do not usually affect your ability to drive.
Q. IS IT ALL RIGHT TO DRINK ALCOHOL?
A. Lipostat should not be taken by patients who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol. Alcohol intake should be kept within guidelines suggested by your doctor. It is particularly important to stick to these as alcohol can increase your cholesterol level. If you are not sure about this please talk to your doctor.
TAKING YOUR MEDICINE
Q. HOW SHOULD I TAKE LIPOSTAT TABLETS?
A. The usual dose of Lipostat is 10 - 40mg once a day. Tablets should be swallowed with half a glass of water at bedtime.
Your doctor may do regular blood tests to ensure that your body is responding correctly to treatment.
Q. WHY IS LIPOSTAT TAKEN AT BEDTIME?
A. Your body produces the most cholesterol when you are asleep and Lipostat acts best when it is taken at night.
Q. SHOULD I TAKE THE TABLETS BEFORE OR AFTER MEALS?
A. It does not matter.
Q. HOW LONG SHOULD I TAKE THEM FOR?
A. It is important that you continue to take Lipostat until your doctor tells you otherwise. Your doctor will tell you to come back for regular check-ups. Keep your doctor's appointment even if you feel well.
Q. WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
A. If you miss a dose do not worry. Take your normal dose when it is next due. DO NOT take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
Q. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MANY TABLETS OR A CHILD SWALLOWS SOME?
A. Contact your nearest hospital Casualty Department or tell your doctor immediately.
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Q. ARE THERE ANY UNWANTED EFFECTS OF LIPOSTAT?
A. Any medicine may cause some unwanted effects, but most people feel well while taking these tablets. A few people may develop rashes, headache, muscle pain, chest pain tiredness or minor stomach upsets (diarrhoea or sickness) but these generally disappear after a week or so. Unwanted effects on the liver or kidney may occur but these are rare. If you experience any unpleasant or unusual effects whilst taking Lipostat, or if you want to discuss other problems before taking your medicine, arrange to see your doctor as soon as possible.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR MEDICINE
You will see an 'EXPIRY DATE' on the outer packaging of Lipostat Tablets. Do not use after this date.
Keep all your medicines where children cannot reach them, preferably in a locked cupboard or medicine cabinet. Keep Lipostat Tablets below 30°C. They should not get too hot or damp- so do not leave your tablets near a radiator, on a window sill or in the bathroom.
If your doctor tells you to stop taking these tablets, we suggest that you take any tablets you have left back to your pharmacist who will dispose of them safely.
Further information about cholesterol and self-help may be obtained from your doctor and from: Family Heart Association, Wesley House, 7 High Street, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 2DH.
DATE OF LAST REVISION: August 1995