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Pitavastatin

Generic name: pitavastatin [ pit-AV-a-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 Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

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.

In rare cases, pitavastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading 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 colored urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of pitavastatin may include:

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.

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:

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:

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).

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

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.

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

You will need frequent blood tests.

You may need to stop using pitavastatin for a short time if you have:

Pitavastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

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 can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

What other drugs will affect pitavastatin?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Like pitavastatin, certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, especially:

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

Frequently asked questions

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.