Key takeaways
Pravastatin (Pravachol) and fenofibrate (Tricor, Trilipix) are both medications used to manage cholesterol levels, but they belong to different drug classes and work in distinct ways. Pravastatin is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) by blocking a protein in your liver. It is typically taken once a day and is available as a generic. Common side effects include muscle pain, nausea, and headache. Fenofibrate, on the other hand, is a fibrate that primarily lowers triglycerides and also helps with LDL and HDL levels. It is also taken once daily and comes in various brand names and generic forms. Fenofibrate can cause liver problems and stomach pain, and it has a warning against using it with statins due to the risk of muscle damage. While both medications require a healthy diet and regular exercise to be effective, fenofibrate has more specific dietary instructions depending on the brand. Additionally, fenofibrate is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, similar to pravastatin.
