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Pitavastatin

Information about Pitavastatin

Pitavastatin Uses

Pitavastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides.

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, Pain in extremity

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Subita Alagh

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated

08 Nov 2024 | 06:28 AM (UTC)

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Medicine brands for Pitavastatin

PivastAZydus Cadila

₹106 to ₹3263 variant(s)

LivaloBennet Pharmaceuticals Limited

₹721 variant(s)

PitanextKindspirit Pharmaceutical

₹1921 variant(s)

PitamedMednich Pharmaceuticals

₹2761 variant(s)

ElvastinEleadora Pharma

₹205 to ₹2802 variant(s)

PivastinJohnlee Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹116 to ₹1842 variant(s)

PevastinGlobus Labs

₹182 to ₹2762 variant(s)

PitsafeAAR ESS Remedies Pvt Ltd

₹204 to ₹2702 variant(s)

PitavamedOldmed Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

₹74 to ₹1392 variant(s)

DiabastatNYG Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹1861 variant(s)

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.
Pitavastatin treats high cholesterol by lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats). It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and low-fat diet.
It also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In general, Pitavastatin is safe. It may cause diarrhea, gas or an upset stomach. If any of these happen to you, take it with food.
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.

Q. Will taking Pitavastatin increase my risk of diabetes?

Yes, taking Pitavastatin may further increase the risk if you are already at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because Pitavastatin like other statins may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Hence, regular checking and monitoring of blood sugar levels are important if you already have diabetes, especially during the first few months.

Q. Is it safe to take Pitavastatin?

Yes, Pitavastatin is safe if used as prescribed by the doctor and if the doctor’s instructions are followed. The side effects of this medicine are few and do not occur in everyone.

Q. For how long should I take Pitavastatin?

You may need to take Pitavastatin for life or for as long as directed by your doctor. The cholesterol levels will be maintained only until you are taking Pitavastatin. Stopping Pitavastatin without starting a different treatment may increase your cholesterol levels again. This medicine has only a few side effects and is usually considered safe if taken as directed by the doctor.

Q. What foods should be avoided when taking Pitavastatin?

Pitavastatin is used to decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, to seek the best results of this medicine, you should avoid foods which are high in calories like fried food and junk food. It is recommended to eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.

Q. Does Pitavastatin make you tired?

Yes, Pitavastatin can make you feel tired. This is because they reduce the energy supply to the muscles in the body. However, the exact reason behind the phenomenon is unknown and needs more research. Tiredness usually occurs after exertion. Generalized fatigue is more often seen in people with heart disease or in those suffering from liver illness. Pitavastatin also causes muscle damage which further worsens the tiredness. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Pitavastatin.

Q. Does Pitavastatin cause hair loss?

No, hair loss has not been reported with the use of Pitavastatin. If you are experiencing hair loss then it could be due to some other medicine that you are taking or because of some other condition.

Q. Can I take alcohol with Pitavastatin?

No. It is not advised to take alcohol with Pitavastatin. This is because the risk of developing liver problems increases if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Moreover, there is a significant increase in triglyceride levels if Pitavastatin is taken along with alcohol. This can further lead to liver damage and also worsen some of the side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and tenderness. People with liver problems are therefore advised, not to take Pitavastatin without consulting your doctor. They should also refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this medicine to get maximum benefit.