What is the recommended action for a patient experiencing fatigue and darker urine while on pravastatin?

In the context of a patient experiencing fatigue and darker urine while on pravastatin, the recommended action of discontinuing the medication and ordering a liver function profile is based on the potential risk of statin-induced liver injury. Fatigue and changes in urine color can indicate the possibility of hepatotoxicity, which is a known adverse effect of statins, particularly when there are elevated liver enzyme levels.

Discontinuing the pravastatin allows for immediate mitigation of any potential harmful effects while the healthcare provider assesses liver function. Ordering a liver function profile is essential to determine if there are any abnormalities in liver enzymes that would confirm liver injury or if the symptoms are related to another underlying issue. This approach ensures patient safety and helps guide further management.

Monitoring for side effects is crucial in any pharmacotherapy, particularly with medications like statins that have a risk of causing significant side effects like liver damage. Hence, taking immediate action by discontinuing the drug and assessing liver function is warranted in this scenario.