Livalo ratings & reviews

Pitavastatin Calcium
Company: Kowa
Brand: Livalo
Drug class: Cardiovascular System
+2 more
Cardiovascular System, Lipid Modifying Agents/Antilipemics, HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Sermo AI Overview

  • Access to Livalo poses significant challenges due to high costs and inconsistent insurance coverage, leading to difficulties in prescribing and variability in patient adherence across different specialties.
  • Livalo is recognized for its good safety and tolerability, making it a favorable option for patients who are statin intolerant. Many healthcare providers note it causes fewer side effects compared to other statins.
  • While Livalo effectively lowers LDL cholesterol levels and is appreciated for its efficacy, concerns exist about its effectiveness compared to other more commonly prescribed statins and generics for managing cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • There remains mixed feedback on Livalo's potency for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, with some specialists suggesting better alternatives may exist, adding to the challenges regarding its adoption and prescribing.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Livalo contains the active ingredient pitavastatin calcium, which is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It is formulated as an oral tablet with dosage strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg. Key inactive ingredients in the tablets include lactose monohydrate, magnesium carbonate, and hypromellose.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 8 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. To get rid of medication that is no longer needed or has expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision -Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue -Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Back pain -Constipation -Diarrhea -Pain in the hands or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Diabetes (high blood sugar) -Frequently drink alcohol -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Muscle cramps, pain -Stroke -Thyroid disease -An unusual or allergic reaction to pitavastatin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin -Cyclosporine -Gemfibrozil -Supplements, such as red yeast rice This medication may also interact with the following: -Alcohol -Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin -Colchicine -Fenofibrate -Niacin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team. If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health. Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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