Livalo

Pronunciation: pih-TAH-va-stat-in
Generic Name: Pitavastatin
Brand Name: Livalo

Livalo is used for:

Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Livalo is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin." It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

Do NOT use Livalo if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Livalo


• you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests


• you have severe kidney problems and you are not on dialysis


• you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• you are taking cyclosporine or lopinavir/ritonavir

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Livalo:

Some medical conditions may interact with Livalo. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have kidney problems, low blood pressure, a serious infection, or a history of seizures


• if you are dehydrated or have underactive thyroid, metabolism problems, endocrine problems, hormonal problems, or electrolyte problems


• if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse


• if you are on dialysis or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury


• if you are taking warfarin

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Livalo. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Colchicine, cyclosporine, daptomycin, erythromycin, fibrates (eg, clofibrate, gemfibrozil), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), niacin, or rifampin because they may increase the risk of Livalo's side effects, including muscle or kidney problems

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Livalo may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Livalo:

Use Livalo as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Livalo by mouth with or without food.


• Continue to take Livalo even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.


• If you miss a dose of Livalo, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Livalo.

Important safety information:

• Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems with Livalo. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Livalo.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Doing so may cause an increase in the risk of severe side effects.


• Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Livalo before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking Livalo. Check with your doctor if you have questions about using birth control.


• Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.


• Lab tests, including blood cholesterol levels and liver function, may be performed while you use Livalo. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Livalo with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially serious muscle problems.


• Livalo should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Livalo if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Livalo is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Livalo.

Possible side effects of Livalo:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; constipation; diarrhea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in the amount of urine produced; dark urine; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue); pale stools; severe stomach pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Livalo side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Livalo:

Store Livalo at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Livalo out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Livalo, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Livalo is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Livalo. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Livalo resources

• Livalo Side Effects (in more detail)
• Livalo Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Livalo Drug Interactions
• Livalo Support Group
• 9 Reviews for Livalo - Add your own review/rating

• Livalo Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Livalo Consumer Overview


• Livalo Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Livalo Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Pitavastatin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Livalo with other medications

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