LIVALO (PITAVASTATIN) INDICATIONS

High cholesterol levels can harden arteries, making it difficult for blood to travel throughout the body. These fatty deposits in the bloodstream can grow and eventually break, leading to heart attacks and strokes. With a healthy diet, exercise, and sometimes medication, high levels of cholesterol can be properly managed.

There are numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological regimens for reducing elevated cholesterol levels.

Livalo is an oral medication indicated for adult patients with primary high cholesterol or mixed imbalance of lipids. This medicine helps to decrease high total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or “bad” cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and triglycerides (TG). Similarly, it can increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or “good” cholesterol.

In addition, Livalo may be prescribed for pediatric patients (eight years and above) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) to decrease high TC, LDL-C, and Apo B.

Livalo belongs to a class of medicines known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (also called statins). Its generic name is pitavastatin.

When Livalo is administered correctly and absorbed into the bloodstream, it works by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a liver enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.

In addition, Livalo medicine helps to reabsorb cholesterol from the bloodstream. The body will look for alternate sources of cholesterol in circulation if production is low, like reabsorbing artery plaque, which is primarily made of bad cholesterol. Therefore, this medicine reduces blood levels of bad cholesterol, TC, Apo B, and TG. Similarly, it raises good cholesterol levels in the blood.

LIVALO (PITAVASTATIN) USES AND DOSAGE

The following are Livalo’s approved uses and dosages:

• Lowers TC, bad cholesterol, Apo B, and TG, and increases good cholesterol in adult patients with primary high cholesterol or mixed imbalance of lipids
• Reduces high TC, LDL-C, and Apo B levels in pediatric patients (eight years and older) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

Patients need varying amounts of Livalo depending on their needs. Usually, the frequency and dose are based on the severity of the client’s health condition, other coexisting medical problems, age, and tolerance to the medicine.

• The starting dose for adults and pediatrics is 2 mg once a day, with a maximum daily intake of 4 mg.
• The recommended dosage for individuals with moderate to severe kidney impairment and patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving hemodialysis is 1 mg once daily, not exceeding 2 mg.

When using Livalo cholesterol-lowering medication, make sure to read all prescription information and follow all the directions thoroughly. If you are uncertain about how to use pitavastatin, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

The following are the directions for administering Livalo medicine:

• Administer Livalo orally once daily or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Livalo is taken with or without food at the same time each day.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LIVALO (PITAVASTATIN)

Pitavastatin may have unwanted side effects like similar medicines that may resolve when your body has adjusted to it.

The common side effects of Livalo that can develop are as follow:

• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Pain in extremity

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Right upper stomach discomfort
• Dark urine

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of all the potential health risks associated with Livalo cholesterol-reducing medication. Askyour healthcare provider for additional information about other side effects not listed above related to pitavastatin.

LIVALO (PITAVASTATIN) CAUTIONS

Be cautious about the risks associated with Livalo, as they can lead to serious health problems such as permanent or irreversible muscle damage. In addition, this medicine can cause an autoimmune muscle disorder known as immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy. Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms like proximal muscle weakness.

Livalo may cause an elevation of liver enzymes, leading to liver failure. Make sure to report to your doctor symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, right upper abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of skin or eyes.

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while taking Livalo, as this medication can increase blood glucose levels.

Be cautious when giving Livalo to individuals 65 years and above with uncontrolled hypothyroidism and kidney problems, as these individuals are more at risk of developing muscle problems. When taking this medicine, make sure to watch out for symptoms like muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness, especially if s accompanied with a feeling of illness or fever.

Do not take this cholesterol-reducing medicine if you are allergic to pitavastatin or any of its other ingredients. Seek medical attention right away when allergic reactions develop.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are on while using pitavastatin to prevent unwanted drug interactions.

Make sure to avoid taking Livalo cholesterol-reducing medicine if you:

• Are on continuous use of cyclosporine
• Have active liver problems (e.g., the unusual elevation of liver enzymes)
• Are pregnant
• Are breastfeeding

Keep Livalo tablets out of the reach of children, and do not share your prescription with anyone.

LIVALO (PITAVASTATIN) FORM AND STRENGTH

Livalois available in film-coated tablet formulation with the following strengths:

• Livalo
• • 1 mg film-coated tablet
  • 2 mg film-coated tablet
  • 4 mg film-coated tablet

FAQ

What is Livalo (pitavastatin) used for?

Livalo is used to help reduce total cholesterol, bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and Apo B, along with a healthy diet. This medicine also increases good cholesterol levels.

In addition, Livalo is indicated for pediatric patients (eight years and above) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) to decrease high TC, LDL-C, and Apo B.

What are the side effects of Livalo (pitavastatin)?

The common side effects of Livalo include:

• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Pain in extremity

What is the difference between Lipitor and Livalo?

These medications are both used to decrease cholesterol levels, and both medicines belong to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (also called statins). Livalo contains pitavastatin, while Lipitor has an active ingredient known as atorvastatin.

Livalo is a good option for people who have diabetes. Similarly, Livalo 4 mg lowers bad cholesterol by about the same amount as Lipitor 20 mg, according to clinical trials.