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Overview: Pitavastatin is used to treat high cholesterol levels. It works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the removal of bad cholesterol from the blood. Common side effects include muscle pain, constipation, diarrhea, and back pain. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, muscle cramps, or dark-colored pee, as these may be signs of a serious side effect. Pitavastatin is a tablet that is taken by mouth.

Uses

What is pitavastatin used for?

Pitavastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). 

Pitavastatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does pitavastatin work (mechanism of action)?

Pitavastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the removal of bad cholesterol from the blood.

How is pitavastatin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Livalo
  • Zypitamag

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg oral tablets
  • 2 mg oral tablets
  • 4 mg oral tablets

How should I store pitavastatin?

Pitavastatin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pitavastatin?

The most common side effects of pitavastatin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Muscle pain
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Back pain
  • Pain in your arms and legs

There may be other side effects of pitavastatin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pitavastatin?

The most serious side effects of pitavastatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Muscle Problems. Pitavastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking pitavastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark colored urine
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking pitavastatin. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Increased Blood Sugar. Pitavastatin may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pitavastatin can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pitavastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use pitavastatin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pitavastatin.

  • Livalo
  • Pitavastatin
  • Zypitamag
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed 

Your pharmacist can tell you all the ingredients in the specific pitavastatin products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Pitavastatin should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking pitavastatin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Liver Problems. Pitavastatin should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about pitavastatin before using it?

Do not take pitavastatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share pitavastatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep pitavastatin out of the reach of children.

People who are age 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of pitavastatin, including muscle pain, weakness, and injury. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, while you are taking this medicine. Follow any advice from your health care provider about diet and exercise.

What should I tell my health care provider before using pitavastatin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pitavastatin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following:

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Muscle weakness or pain that cannot be explained
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid problems

Pregnancy. Pitavastatin may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. Do not take pitavastatin while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if pitavastatin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does pitavastatin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between pitavastatin and foods or drinks.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking pitavastatin. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink large amounts of alcohol. 

Does pitavastatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using pitavastatin.

  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
  • Colchicine, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
  • Erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Niacin or a fibrate, such as fenofibrate (Tricor), fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), or gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of pitavastatin. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with pitavastatin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pitavastatin?

If you or someone else has taken too much pitavastatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of pitavastatin?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.