Livalo

The active ingredient in Livalo is pitavastatin calcium. This medication belongs to a class called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. Its mechanism of action works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol in the blood by blocking a specific enzyme. This helps lower cholesterol levels and prevents hardening of the arteries, which can reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Livalo. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Livalo:

• Take this medication orally as directed by your physician. It is typically taken by mouth once daily.
• Your cholesterol levels will be monitored with a lipid panel test 4 weeks after beginning treatment.

The most common side effects of Livalo include:

• Muscle pain.
• Back pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Pain in extremities.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Livalo. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction - hives, swelling, rash, and itching.
• Muscle problems, including rhabdomyolysis - muscle weakness, unexplained muscle pain, dark urine, extreme fatigue, and fever.
• Kidney problems - vomiting, pain in your side or lower back, little or no urinating, swelling, and rapid weight gain.
• Liver problems - yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, dark or bloody stools, or dark urine.
• Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) - an autoimmune condition that causes muscle inflammation and muscle weakness.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Livalo. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Livalo, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney disease.
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
• Alcohol abuse.
• Diabetes.
• Liver disease - high liver enzymes.

• Previous hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to ingredients of Livalo.
• Coadministration with cyclosporine.
• Active liver disease, which may include unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminase levels.
• Pregnancy.
• Lactation.

It may take about several weeks for your cholesterol levels to improve after you start taking Livalo.

When Livalo is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Gemfibrozil.
• Erythromycin.
• Fenofibrate.
• Niacin.
• Colchicine.
• Rifampin.

Livalo comes in the following dosage forms:

• Oral tablets - 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Kowa Pharmaceuticals America Inc. is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Livalo.

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand name Livalo.

Do not stop or adjust your use of this medication without first consulting your doctor.

Do not take Livalo if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Livalo can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking Livalo. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.