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Livalo (pitavastatin) to Lower Cholesterol (cont.)
Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
In this Article
- What is Livalo (pitavastatin)?
- How is Livalo (pitavastatin) prescribed?
- With which drugs does Livalo (pitavastatin) interact?
- What about taking Livalo (pitavastatin) during pregnancy?
- What are the side effects of Livalo (pitavastatin)?
What about taking Livalo (pitavastatin) during pregnancy?
Like other statins, Livalo should not be used during pregnancy because statins are harmful to the fetus.
What are the side effects of Livalo (pitavastatin)?
Common side effects of Livalo include back pain, muscle pain, constipation and diarrhea. Livalo, rarely, may cause abnormal liver function tests. Liver function tests should be performed before and at 12 weeks following both the initiation of therapy and any elevation of dose and periodically (for example, semiannually) thereafter.
Like other statins Livalo may cause fatal rhabdomyolysis at any dose, but most often at higher doses, or when used in combination with other drugs that increase its blood levels. All patients should promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with malaise or fever. Livalo should be discontinued if rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected.
Reference: Livalo (pitavastatin) Prescribing Information, 2009
Last Editorial Review: 10/1/2009 3:01:16 PM
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Reference: Livalo (pitavastatin) Prescribing Information, 2009
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