Pitavastatin
Generic name: pitavastatin [ pit-AV-a-STAT-in ]
Brand names: Livalo, Zypitamag
Dosage forms: oral tablet ((as magnesium) 1 mg; (as magnesium) 2 mg; (as magnesium) 4 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 4 mg)
Drug class:Statins
What is pitavastatin?
Pitavastatin is used 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).
Pitavastatin is used to treat high cholesterol in adults. Lowering your cholesterol may help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.
The Livalo brand of pitavastatin is also used to treat an inherited form of high cholesterol in children at least 8 years old.
Pitavastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not take pitavastatin if you have liver disease (including abnormal liver enzyme tests), or if you also take cyclosporine.
Do not take pitavastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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 disease (including abnormal liver enzyme tests);
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or
if you are taking cyclosporine.
Do not use if you are pregnant. pitavastatin can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while you are taking pitavastatin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
a thyroid disorder; or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
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 (
