Pitavastatin
Information about Pitavastatin
Pitavastatin uses
Pitavastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
How pitavastatin works
Pitavastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects of pitavastatin
Constipation, Muscle pain, Back pain, Diarrhea, Headache, Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in blood, Increased glucose level in blood, Joint pain, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Pain in extremity, Influenza, Hypersensitivity, Increased transaminase level in blood, Muscle damage, Rhabdomyolysis
Available Medicine for Pitavastatin
Expert advice for Pitavastatin
- It can be taken with or without food at any time of the day.
- It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and a low-fat diet to lower the levels of fat in the blood.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Pitavastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Pitavastatin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Pitavastatin
Pitavastatin
Q. What is Pitavastatin used for?
Pitavastatin is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to reduce bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of medicines called statins that lower the cholesterol in the blood. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the liver in order to decrease the amount of cholesterol that accumulates on the walls of the arteries. Improving the levels of cholesterol in the blood helps to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Q. What is the most important thing I should be aware of while using Pitavastatin?
If you notice unexplained muscle pain or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, you should immediately consult your doctor. Pitavastatin should be discontinued immediately as these could be signs of serious side effects of Pitavastatin. Similarly, if you experience tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine or yellowish discoloration of skin, consult your doctor who will suggest whether to continue or discontinue Pitavastatin.
Q. Can I take Pitavastatin if I have liver disease or if my liver enzymes are raised?
No, you should not take Pitavastatin if you have active liver disease and if your liver enzymes are increased. Taking Pitavastatin will further deteriorate your liver condition.