Drug Notes

Pitavastatin (By mouth)

Pitavastatin (pi-tav-a-STAT-in)

Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This medicine is a statin.

Brand Name(s):

Livalo

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with cyclosporine.
• Some medicines can affect how pitavastatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Colchicine, erythromycin, niacin, rifampin
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS
  • Other medicine to lower cholesterol (including fenofibrate, gemfibrozil)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease or if you drink alcohol regularly.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage) that could lead to kidney damage
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you use this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine if you have major surgery or medical tests, a major injury, or other serious health problems.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Unusual tiredness or fever

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017