Is pravastatin a generic?

Is pravastatin available as a generic?

Yes. Pravastatin is available as a generic medication. The brand-name versions (such as Pravachol) have had generic equivalents for years, and multiple generic pravastatin products are marketed.

Why do people still see “Pravachol” listings if pravastatin is generic?

Even when a drug is generic, brand products can still be sold. “Pravachol” refers to the original brand name, while “pravastatin” is the generic name used for lower-cost versions that contain the same active ingredient.

What should patients check when switching to generic pravastatin?

People usually check the active ingredient (pravastatin), strength (for example, 10 mg/20 mg/40 mg/80 mg), and how it’s taken (typically once daily for many indications). If a prescriber writes for “pravastatin,” the pharmacy can often substitute a licensed generic.

Does generic pravastatin work the same as the brand?

Generics are required to match the active ingredient and generally have the same dosage form and dosing as the brand product. The main differences are usually the manufacturer and the inactive ingredients.

Sources

• [1] DrugPatentWatch.com – Pravastatin patent/generic information: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/