General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Pitavastatin
PITAVASTATIN CALCIUM
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pitavastatin tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: Adult with primary hyperlipidemia. Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Pediatric use information is approved for Kowa Co Ltd’s LIVALO (pitavastatin) tablets. However, due to Kowa Co Ltd’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Pitavastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indic...
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Brand names:Pitavastatin
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- PITAVASTATIN CALCIUM
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Pitavastatin
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Pitavastatin?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pitavastatin tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: Adult with primary hyperlipidemia. Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Pediatric use information is approved for Kowa Co Ltd’s LIVALO (pitavastatin) tablets. However, due to Kowa Co Ltd’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Pitavastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indic...
Pitavastatin (PITAVASTATIN CALCIUM) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Pitavastatin. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Pitavastatin with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Pitavastatin is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pitavastatin tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: Adult with primary hyperlipidemia.
Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
Pediatric use information is approved for Kowa Co Ltd’s LIVALO (pitavastatin) tablets.
However, due to Kowa Co Ltd’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Pitavastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: ( 1 ) Adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia.
Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Take orally once daily with or without food at the same time each day ( 2.1 ). For patients requiring a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving pitavastatin tablets 4 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. ( 2.1 ). Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiation of pitavastatin tablets, and adjust the dosage if necessary. ( 2.1 ). Recommended dosage is 2 mg to 4 mg once daily. Maximum recommended dosage is 4 mg once daily. ( 2.2 ) Recommended starting dosage for patients with moderate and severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis is 1 mg once daily. Maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) See full prescribing information for pitavastatin tablets dosage modifications due to drug interactions. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Take pitavastatin tablets orally once daily with or without food at the same time each
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.4 )].
- The most frequent adverse reactions (rate ≥2%) were myalgia, constipation, back pain, diarrhea, and pain in extremity.
- ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of one drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- Adverse Reactions in Adults with Primary Hyperlipidemia In 10 controlled clinical studies and 4 subsequent open-label extension studies, 3,291 adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia were administered pitavastatin tablets 1 mg to 4 mg daily.
- The mean continuous exposure of pitavastatin (1 mg to 4 mg) was 36.7 weeks (median 51.1 weeks).
- The mean age of the patients was 60.9 years (range;
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 or greater, renal impairment, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher doses of pitavastatin tablets.
- Discontinue pitavastatin tablets if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.
- Temporarily discontinue pitavastatin tablets in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis.
- Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the pitavastatin tablets dosage.
- Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever ( 5.1 , 7 , 8.5 , 8.6 ).
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 or greater, renal impairment, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher doses of pitavastatin tablets. Discontinue pitavastatin tablets if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue pitavastatin tablets in patients experie
How Pitavastatin Works
Pharmacokinetics
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Pitavastatinwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pitavastatin side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Pitavastatin
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.