Pitavastatin

Livalo

Livalo (pitavastatin) is an FDA-approved statin for treating high cholesterol in adults and children eight years or older. Livalo also treats primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia in adults, as well as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in children. It is generally well-tolerated, with a convenient once-daily dosing schedule and a lower risk of muscle pain and weakness than other statins. Regular use, alongside a low-cholesterol diet, maximizes its benefits.

Product Overview

Livalo (pitavastatin) is a prescription medication belonging to the statin class. It is designed to manage and lower high cholesterol levels in adults and children aged eight years and older. It effectively reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, and can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol levels, Livalo reduces the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks & strokes.

Livalo is also indicated for treating primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia in adults. It provides a tailored treatment option for children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). The typical dosage for adults ranges from 2 to 4 mg daily, starting at 2 mg and adjusted based on cholesterol levels after four weeks. 

Livalo should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, with or without food, usually once daily. It is essential to continue taking Livalo even if you feel well, as it works best when used consistently alongside a low-cholesterol diet. Patients should inform their doctor of any other medicines they are taking, as certain drugs can interact with Livalo, including some antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications, and autoimmune disease treatments. 

Uses of Livalo

• Treat and lower high cholesterol in adults and children eight years or older.
• Treats primary hyperlipidemia in adults.
• Manages mixed dyslipidemia in adults.
• Treats heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in children aged eight years and older.

Benefits of Livalo

• Effectively lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol levels.
• May help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
• Can be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Generally well-tolerated, with a lower risk of muscle pain and weakness compared to some other statins.
• Convenient once-daily dosing, improving medication adherence.
• May have a lower potential for drug interactions compared to certain other statins.
• Can be used in people with mild to moderate renal impairment.
• May help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol levels.
• Provides an additional treatment option for patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond well to other statins.
• May be a suitable alternative for patients at risk of developing diabetes, as it has a lower risk of increasing blood sugar levels.

Side Effects of Livalo

Common side effects of Livalo may include:

• Back pain
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Constipation
• Pain in your arms and legs
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Flu symptoms
• Sore throat

[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

Livalo Dosage

Forms & Strengths

It comes in the form of an oral tablet that you swallow and has the following strengths:

• Livalo 1 mg tablet
• Livalo 2 mg tablet
• Livalo 4 mg tablet

Recommended Dosages

Dosage for High Cholesterol

• Dosage Range: 2 to 4 mg daily
• Initial Dose: 2 mg daily
• After 4 Weeks: Your healthcare provider will check your cholesterol levels. If cholesterol is still high, they will increase your dose.
• Maximum Dose: 4 mg daily

Dosage for Children with HeFH (8 Years & Older)

• Initial Dose: 2 mg once daily
• Maintenance Dose: 2 mg to 4 mg once daily
• Maximum Dose: 4 mg once daily

How to Take Livalo?

• Your doctor will usually begin you on a low dose of Livalo. Over time, they will adjust the dose to find the smallest amount that still provides the necessary benefits.
• Take Livalo orally, with or without food, as your doctor instructs, usually once daily.
• Your dosage depends on your health condition, your response to the treatment, & any other medications you take.
• If you’re also taking certain cholesterol-lowering drugs like cholestyramine or colestipol, take Livalo either 1 hour before or 4 hours after these drugs, as they may interfere with the absorption of Livalo.
• Continue taking Livalo even if you feel well, as most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides don’t feel sick.
• Follow your doctor’s guidelines about diet and exercise. It might take up to four weeks to experience the full benefits of this drug.

Missed Dose 

If you forget to take a dose of Livalo, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip it & continue with your regular dosing schedule.

[Note: Do not simultaneously take two doses of Livalo to compensate for a missed dose. This may increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]

Overdose

Use Livalo only as prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect you’ve taken excessive Livalo, contact your doctor immediately.

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Livalo Work?

Livalo belongs to a group of medications called statins. Its main job is to block a specific enzyme (a type of protein) that helps in producing cholesterol in your body. By blocking this enzyme, Livalo effectively lowers your cholesterol levels.

Important Safety Precautions

• Inform your doctor if you have kidney issues, as Livalo can cause muscle and kidney damage with intense pain.
• If you have liver problems or liver disease, Livalo may not be recommended as it can cause liver issues.
• In rare cases, Livalo may cause autoimmune-mediated muscle weakness, requiring medication discontinuation.
• If you have untreated low thyroid hormone levels, inform your doctor.
• Do not take Livalo if you have experienced an allergic reaction to it.
• Inform your doctor about heavy alcohol consumption, as it may increase the risk of liver problems with Livalo.
• Monitor your blood sugar levels, as Livalo may increase blood glucose levels.
• Avoid taking Livalo during pregnancy.
• Do not breastfeed while taking Livalo.
• If you are a female of childbearing age, use effective birth control while taking Livalo.
• If you are a male taking Livalo & your partner can get pregnant, consult your doctor about birth control needs.

Storage 

• Store Livalo tablets at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
• Keep the Livalo tablets in a tightly sealed container and away from light.
• Avoid storing this medication in areas that might be damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Livalo Interactions

Here are some of the interactions of Livalo mentioned below:

• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Alcohol
• Red Yeast Rice
• Atazanavir (Reyetaz)
• Tuberculosis Drugs: rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• Autoimmune Disease Drugs: cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune)
• Cholesterol Lowering Drugs: Fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Lipofen, Antara, Trilipix, others)
• Antibiotic Medicines: erythromycin (Eryc, EryPed, Ery-Tab, EES)
• Niacin (Niacor)
• Gout Treating Drugs: colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Lodoco, Gloperba)
• Itraconazole (Tolsura, Sporanox)

[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]

Livalo Alternatives

• Lovaza (omega-3-acid esters)
• Praluent (alirocumab)
• Lescol XL (fluvastatin)
• Zetia (ezetimibe)
• Juxtapid (lomitapide)
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• Tricor (fenofibrate)
• Welchol (colestipol)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Questran (cholestyramine)
• Advicor (lovastatin)
• Repatha (evolocumab)
• Niaspan (niacin ER)
• Leqvio (inclisiran)
• Pravastatin
• Lopid (gemfibrozil)
• Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
• Lovastatin
• Vascepa (icosapent ethyl)
• Zocor (simvastatin)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Livalo alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Livalo cause weight gain?

Initial studies of Livalo did not report weight gain or hair loss. However, some studies of statins (the group of drugs Livalo belongs to) suggest these side effects may occur in rare cases.

How long does it take to work?

It may take several weeks for your cholesterol levels to improve after taking Livalo. You likely won’t notice it working in your body, but your doctor will monitor your progress with a lipid panel, a blood test that checks cholesterol levels. This test is usually done about 4 weeks after starting the medication.

Can I take Livalo if I’m having surgery?

If you have a planned surgery while taking Livalo, you may need to stop the medication temporarily. Surgery can increase your risk of muscle damage and pain with Livalo. Discuss any upcoming surgeries with your doctor, and they will advise you on whether to stop taking Livalo.

Should I take Livalo at night or in the morning?

You can take Livalo once daily, either in the morning or at night, depending on your preference or your healthcare provider’s recommendation. It is essential to take it simultaneously each day to maintain consistent medication levels in your body. 

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