Uses
What is pitavastatin used for?
Pitavastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL).
Pitavastatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does pitavastatin work (mechanism of action)?
Pitavastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol.
How is pitavastatin supplied (dosage forms)?
Pitavastatin is available as Livalo, Zypitamag, and generic pitavastatin in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 1 mg oral tablets
- 2 mg oral tablets
- 4 mg oral tablets
How should I store pitavastatin?
Pitavastatin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of pitavastatin?
The most common side effects of pitavastatin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Muscle aches or pains
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Pain in your arms and legs
- Back pain
There may be other side effects of pitavastatin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of pitavastatin?
The most serious side effects of pitavastatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Muscle Problems. Pitavastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking pitavastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking pitavastatin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light colored poop
- Dark colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Increased Blood Sugar. Pitavastatin may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Pitavastatin can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pitavastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use pitavastatin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pitavastatin.
- Pitavastatin
- Livalo
- Zypitamag
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all the ingredients in the specific pitavastatin products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Pitavastatin should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking pitavastatin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Liver Problems. Pitavastatin should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about pitavastatin before using it?
Do not take pitavastatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share pitavastatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep pitavastatin out of the reach of children.
People aged 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of pitavastatin, including muscle pain, weakness, and injury. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using pitavastatin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if pitavastatin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following:
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Muscle weakness or pain that cannot be explained
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Pitavastatin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using pitavastatin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. Pitavastatin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take pitavastatin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Do not take pitavastatin while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if pitavastatin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does pitavastatin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between pitavastatin and foods or drinks.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking pitavastatin. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink significant amounts of alcohol.
Does pitavastatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using pitavastatin.
- Colchicine, which is commonly used for gout
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Erythromycin, which is a medicine used to infections caused by bacteria
- Niacin or a fibrate such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which are medicines for high cholesterol
- Rifampin, which is a medicine used to treat tuberculosis and other infections caused by bacteria
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of pitavastatin. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much pitavastatin?
If you or someone else has taken too much pitavastatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of pitavastatin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Pitavastatin?
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