Adverse reaction to Pravachol

Posted By Sandi on March 17, 1998 at 18:28:26:









After some routine blood work, my doctor told me I had high cholesterol and suggested I try taking Pravachol to lower it.  He left some samples at the front desk, with instructions to take one at night before going to bed.
I read over the literature provided with the sample.  I guess I saw "thrombocytopenia" but I really didn't know what it meant.
After taking the medicine for several days, I noticed that I had some bruises, but couldn't remember injuring myself.  However, since I work in a machine shop and am somewhat of a klutz, I thought I had just whacked myself and didn't remember.
However, it really got my attention when I scratched a mosquito bite and the next morning had a large bruise on the site. Upon closer inspection I found about a dozen bruises as large or larger than a silver dollar. Then I noticed that my legs were covered in little red dots.  That was a Saturday morning.  I didn't think a visit to the emergency room was warrented, since I was experiencing no pain or discomfort. I decided to call my Dr. on Mon. AM for an appointment.
He had me come in right away.  My thrombocytes were only 6,000. It has taken 6 months, numerous CBC's, and what seems like a ton of prednisone but it seems I'm finally back to normal.
Except, regardless of trying to improve my diet, I still have high cholesterol.  Needless to say, after this experience, I have a new respect for prescription meds.
Are there any cholesterol-lowering drugs that are less likely to cause adverse reactions?  I also take Accupril for hypertension.
I sure wish that darned bottle had said in large red letters.  "IF YOU START TO GET A LOT OF BRUISES, STOP TAKING THIS MEDICATION IMMEDIATELY AND CALL YOU DOCTOR." "May cause thrombocytopenia" doesn't mean much to the average patient.