Livalo (pitavastatin) belongs to 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).
Livalo 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.
Livalo may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not take Livalo if you have liver disease (including abnormal liver enzyme tests), or if you also take cyclosporine.
Do not take Livalo if you are pregnant.
Do not breast-feed while you are taking Livalo.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Livalo if you are allergic to pitavastatin, or if you have:
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liver disease (including abnormal liver enzyme tests);
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if you are pregnant or breast-feeding; or
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if you are taking cyclosporine.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use Livalo if you are pregnant. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Livalo.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Pitavastatin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Livalo.
To make sure Livalo is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Livalo 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).
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Livalo?
Take Livalo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Livalo with or without food.
While using Livalo, you will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
You may need to stop using Livalo for a short time if you have:
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uncontrolled seizures;
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an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
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severely low blood pressure;
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a severe infection or illness;
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dehydration; or
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surgery or a medical emergency.
Livalo 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.
Livalo dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipidemia:
Initial dose: 2 mg orally once a day with or without food
Maintenance dose: 1 to 4 mg once a day with or without food
Maximum dose: 4 mg once a day with or without food
What happens if I miss a dose?
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.
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 Livalo?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Livalo 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.
Livalo side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Livalo: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, Livalo 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.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
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confusion, memory problems;
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kidney problems--vomiting, pain in your side or lower back, little or no urinating, swelling, rapid weight gain; or
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liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common Livalo side effects 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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Livalo?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines 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:
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colchicine;
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gemfibrozil;
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fenofibric acid;
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fenofibrate; or
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medicines that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pitavastatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
