Is Pravachol affected by genetics?

Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.

Relevant genes: SLCO1B1

Pravachol is affected by pharmacogenetics through the SLCO1B1 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Pravachol, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Strong, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.

What's in Pravachol

pravastatin affected by SLCO1B1

Affected by SLCO1B1 · CPIC · Strong evidence

Read the full pravastatin genetics guide →

Pravastatin phenotype recommendations

Published guidance from CPIC on how pravastatin should be dosed or substituted based on your SLCO1B1 phenotype.

Phenotype	What it means	Recommendation	Evidence
Increased Function SLCO1B1	Your body handles this medication normally; standard dosing applies.	CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of pravastatin based on disease-specific guidelines.	Strong
Normal Function SLCO1B1	Your body processes this medication as expected; regular dosing works.	CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of pravastatin based on disease-specific guidelines.	Strong
Decreased Function SLCO1B1	Your body may process this drug more slowly, so higher doses might carry added risks.	CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of pravastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. Prescriber should be aware of possible increased risk for myopathy especially with doses >40 mg per day.	Strong
Possible Decreased Function SLCO1B1	Your body may process this drug more slowly, so higher doses might carry added risks.	CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of pravastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. Prescriber should be aware of possible increased risk for myopathy especially with doses >40 mg per day.	Strong
Poor Function SLCO1B1	Your body processes this drug much more slowly; doctors usually start with a lower dose and watch carefully if more is needed.	CPIC Prescribe ≤40 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of pravastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. If patient is tolerating 40-mg dose but higher potency is needed, a higher dose (>40 mg) or an alternative statin or combination therapy (pravastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy) could be considered. Prescriber should be aware of possible increased risk for myopathy especially with pravastatin doses >40 mg.	Strong
Possible Poor Function SLCO1B1	Your body processes this drug much more slowly; doctors usually start with a lower dose and watch carefully if more is needed.	CPIC Prescribe ≤40 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of pravastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. If patient is tolerating 40-mg dose but higher potency is needed, a higher dose (>40 mg) or an alternative statin or combination therapy (pravastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy) could be considered. Prescriber should be aware of possible increased risk for myopathy especially with pravastatin doses >40 mg.	Strong
Indeterminate SLCO1B1	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown.	CPIC Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—
Not available SLCO1B1	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown.	CPIC Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—

Source: CPIC

The gene behind the guidance

SLCO1B1 Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter 1B1

SLCO1B1 is the transporter that moves statins into liver cells where they work. A common variant (called *5) reduces transporter function and leaves more statin circulating in the bloodstream and muscle tissue. That's directly linked to statin-associated muscle pain and, rarely, more serious muscle damage.

People with reduced SLCO1B1 function are at higher risk of statin myopathy, especially on simvastatin and high-dose atorvastatin. Dose reduction or switching statin usually resolves it.

See all drugs affected by SLCO1B1 →

Browse the full drug-class: Statins.

Related medications

Find out how your genetics affect Pravachol

This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.

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Informational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.