Hello, I recently found out that I am pregnant, of course this was not planned at all.  I was taking Pravastatin 40mg a day.  I stopped as soon as I found out.  Everything I have read is not good.  Im so worried about what I may have done to my baby.  Is there real evidence that this causes birth defects?  Im so scared.
Hi & Welcome. I can understand your concern for the safety of Pravastatin during pregnancy. Pravastatin use is considered contraindicated during pregnancyPravastatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) is an effective medication to lower the cholesterol level. It has been assigned to pregnancy category X by the FDA. It is known to inhibit biosynthetic processes necessary for fetal development which may be harmful to growing fetus & which may cause congenital central nervous system and limb abnormalities if taken during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Hence, I advise you to consult your gynecologist for meticulous ante natal checkup which may require serial examination of the fetus by ultrasound scans. Meanwhile, continue to take iron and folic acid as prescribed by your doctor. Hope this answers your query.