A patient who has recently started taking pravastatin (Pravachol)and niacin reports several symptoms to the nurse. Which information is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Muscle aches and pains may indicate myopathy and rhabdomyolysis,which have caused acute kidney injury and death in some patients who have taken the statin medications. These symptoms indicate that the pravastatin may need to be discontinued. The other symptoms are common side effects when taking niacin,and although the nurse should follow-up with the health care provider,they do not indicate that a change in medication is needed.

A Patient Who Has Recently Started Taking Pravastatin (Pravachol)and Niacin