Why is Livalo prescribed?

Livalo (Pitavastatin) is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides, to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Pitavastatin belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Livalo is used to treat high cholesterol in adults. Lowering your cholesterol may help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

What is the most effective way to take Livalo?

Take Livalo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

• You may take Livalo with or without food.
• While using Livalo, you may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
• You may need to stop using Livalo for a short time if you have: uncontrolled seizures; an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood); a severe infection or illness; dehydration; or surgery or a medical emergency, etc.
• Livalo is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Before taking pitavastatin,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, and alcohol use.
• tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• It is recommended to limit alcoholic beverages to avoid increasing your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with pitavastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.
• This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Pitavastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Discuss with your doctor when you should stop pitavastatin if you are trying to become pregnant.
• It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Pitavastatin may cause side effects including:

• back pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• memory loss or forgetfulness
• confusion

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• nausea
• extreme tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• flu-like symptoms
• rash, itching, hives

Pitavastatin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.