- The effects of pravastatin on the developing human fetus at the recommended therapeutic dose are unknown. For this reason and because statins are known to be teratogenic, women who are able to become pregnant must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her study physician immediately.