Do not take Pravastatin 40 mg if you have a history of allergies associated with the use of this drug. Taking it again could lead to serious complications and even death. For best results, use it regularly. Most people with high cholesterol do not show symptoms hence continue taking it even if you feel better and do not show symptoms.  It may take up to four weeks to get normal blood cholesterol. Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially of kidney disorder, liver disease, or alcohol use. Inform your doctor if you are having a surgery or what products you use before surgery. Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive use of alcohol may make you more likely to develop liver problems in combination with cholesterol-lowering drug.  Speak to your doctor for more information. Pregnant women must avoid the use of oral Pravastatin as the drug may harm the unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking the cholesterol-lowering drug. Look for a reliable method of birth control while receiving this medicine.  

Pravastatin 40 mg oral medications can cause side effects, the more common ones that can occur with the use of cholesterol-lowering drug includes vomiting, common cold, nausea, muscle pain, diarrhea, headache, and the common cold. If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a couple of few weeks. If there are more severe and persist for a longer duration, seek immediate medical help. Serious side effects and their symptoms include muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, dark-coloured urine, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin, and pain in the upper abdomen.

Take the medicine before or after consuming food once daily, preferably at the same time. Your doctor will decide the appropriate dosage based on your condition and other associated factors. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using any other medicine including those you get without a prescription. If you are using other medications to lower blood cholesterol, consider taking Pravastatin at least an hour before or at least four hours after taking these medications. Be careful while using other cholesterol-lowering drugs as these can react with Pravastatin, preventing its full absorption. It is important to continue to follow diet restrictions prescribed by your doctor.