Pitavastatin

Generic name: pitavastatin [ pi-TA-va-STAT-in ]
Brand names: Livalo, Zypitamag
Dosage forms: oral tablet ((as magnesium) 2 mg, (as magnesium) 4 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg)
Drug class: Statins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 6, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pitavastatin?

Pitavastatin is used in adults together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Certain brand forms of pitavastatin can be used together with diet in adults and children at least 8 years old with an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol.

Pitavastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pitavastatin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pitavastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• trouble lifting your arms or standing;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects of pitavastatin may include:

• muscle pain;

• pain in your arms or legs;

• back pain; or

• diarrhea, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not take pitavastatin if you have liver failure or cirrhosis.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with pitavastatin.

Pitavastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use pitavastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver failure or cirrhosis.

Some drugs should not be used with pitavastatin. Your treatment plan may change if you also use cyclosporine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a thyroid disorder;

• diabetes;

• if you drink alcohol;

• liver disease, alcoholism; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Pitavastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in older adults or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using pitavastatin.

How should I take pitavastatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Pitavastatin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take pitavastatin with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. You will need blood tests to determine if this medicine is lowering your cholesterol. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

You will need other medical tests before and during treatment with pitavastatin, including blood tests to check your liver function and blood sugar.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, and weight control.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking pitavastatin?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or pitavastatin will not be as effective.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

What other drugs will affect pitavastatin?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect pitavastatin, especially:

• colchicine;

• an antibiotic--erythromycin, rifampin; or

• other cholesterol lowering medicine--gemfibrozil, niacin, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect pitavastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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