Livalo (Pitavastatin) from Maple Leaf Medications.

Livalo (pitavastatin) Indications

Livalo, generic name pitavastatin, is an oral prescription medication used for adults with hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia. It reduces the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and increases the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Livalo is used for pediatric patients who are 8 years of age and older who have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Livalo is used in conjunction with a proper diet.

Livalo is classified as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or “statin”. HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme that is responsible for the biosynthesis of cholesterol. This reduces the level of bad cholesterol made by the liver.

Livalo (pitavastatin) Uses and Dosage

Read the medication guide and know all the necessary information before taking Livalo.

Always take Livalo exactly as prescribed. Livalo is to be taken by mouth once daily with a glass of water and may be taken with or without food. Splitting, crushing, chewing, or dissolving this product is not recommended.

Do not modify your prescribed dose and keep taking this medication for as long as deemed necessary by the doctor. Dosage changes from your physician may occur depending on your response to Livalo.

Livalo (pitavastatin) Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Livalo are:

• Headache
• Mild memory problems
• Mild confusion
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Muscle or joint pain

If these side effects persist or worsen, then please consult your physician.

Serious Side Effects

While severe adverse effects are uncommon, they may occur while using Livalo. Some of the severe side effects are:

• Changes in the amount of urine
• Muscle weakness
• Fever
• Unusual tiredness
• Yellowish eyes and skin
• Severe abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Elevated blood sugar levels

These serious adverse effects must be reported to the doctor immediately.

Allergic Reactions

You must avoid taking Livalo if you are allergic to pitavastatin or any of the non-medicinal ingredients that this contains. Seek emergency assistance immediately if an allergy develops while using this medication. Signs of an allergy include:

• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Hives
• Rashes
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, mouth, and neck
• Severe dizziness
• Swollen lymph nodes

Livalo (pitavastatin) Cautions

Taking Livalo is contraindicated in people with:

• Liver conditions
• Renal impairments
• History of alcohol use or abuse

Women must avoid using Livalo during pregnancy. Livalo is known to cause harm to the developing baby. Women are also advised to use birth control methods to avoid conceiving while using this medication.

It is not fully known if Livalo can be excreted through breast milk. However, breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid taking this medication because of its potentially harmful effects on breastfed babies.

Livalo (pitavastatin) Form and Strength

Livalo is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Livalo, film-coated tablets
  • 1 mg
  • 2 mg
  • 4 mg
• Pitavastatin (generic), tablets
  • 1 mg
  • 2 mg
  • 4 mg

FAQ

How is Livalo different from other statins?

Livalo is typically prescribed for patients who do not tolerate other statins well. This statin does not cause as much muscle pain.

What is the difference between Livalo and Lipitor?

These oral medications are both indicated to lower cholesterol levels. Lipitor is usually used as a first-line treatment, whereas Livalo is used if other statins are not effective.

What happens if you stop taking Livalo?

Once you stop taking Livalo, your cholesterol levels may rise. This can place you at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

How long does it take for Livalo to lower cholesterol?

You must take Livalo regularly for it to lower your cholesterol levels. According to studies, it usually takes four weeks for this medication to take full effect.

Resources

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022363s015lbl.pdf

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-154156/livalo-oral/details