What is Pitavastatin?

Pitavastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or “statins.” Pitavastatin reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
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.
Pitavastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Pitavastatin?

You should not take pitavastatin if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease or severe kidney disease. You should not take pitavastatin if you are also taking cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra).
Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Before taking pitavastatin, tell your doctor if you have a thyroid disorder, if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
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, and dark colored urine.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Pitavastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Pitavastatin?

You should not take pitavastatin if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease or severe kidney disease. You should not take pitavastatin if you are also taking cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• kidney disease
• history of liver disease
• a thyroid disorder; or
• if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily

In rare cases, pitavastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them:

• gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), or fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide); or
• medicines that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others)

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not take pitavastatin if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are taking pitavastatin.
It is not known whether pitavastatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Pitavastatin Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Pitavastatin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking pitavastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild muscle pain
• back pain, pain in your arms or legs
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• mild skin rash

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.

Pitavastatin Interactions

What other drugs affect Pitavastatin?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin)
• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate)
• HIV medications such as atazanavir (Reyataz), ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), and others; or
• any other “statin” medication such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin)

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with pitavastatin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Pitavastatin?

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Pitavastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Pitavastatin Dosage

How should I take Pitavastatin?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Pitavastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
You may need to stop using pitavastatin for a short time if you have:

• uncontrolled seizures
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood)
• severely low blood pressure
• a severe infection or illness
• dehydration; or
• surgery or a medical emergency

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
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 overdose on Pitavastatin?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What happens if I miss a dose of Pitavastatin?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com