Active Ingredient(s)	Pitavastatin
Manufacturer	Zydus Cardiva
Country of Origin	India
Reference	N/A

What is Pivasta (Pitavastatin) used for?

Pivasta (Pitavastatin) is used to help control high cholesterol. It can reduce the bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) and tricglycerides, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Pivasta belongs to a class of medicines called statins.

Cholesterol synthesis is largely dependant on an ezyme called HMG-CoA reductase. Statins, including Pitavastatin, help to control cholesterol by inhibiting the actions of this enzyme.

How should I use Pivasta (Pitavastatin)?

Pivasta is available in three differenct dosages and comes packaged as a strip of 10 tablets. Available dosages are 1mg, 2mg and 4mg.

To treat high cholesterol in people without any other contravening factors, a starting dose of 2mg per day is often used. A maintenance dose between 1mg and 4mg is then prescribed after seeing how well the patient responds to treatment. It is not recommended to take more than 4mg per day.

Pivasta tablets are to be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallowed tablets with a glass of water. Pivasta can be taken with or without food.

Pivasta may need to be taken even after cholesterol levels have been lowered. Take these tablets for as long as you are advised to do so by your doctor.

What are the side effects of Pivasta (Pitavastatin)?

In few cases, Pitavastatin has been know to cause liver problems. This risk of liver damage is higher in patients with heavy alcohol consumption.

Myopathy (muscular dysfunction) has been reported with Pitavastatin. Tell your doctor if you experience any unexplained muscle pain or tenderness.

The most common side effects of Pitavastatin are back pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

More severe side effects that will require medical attention include:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• change in the amount of urine produced
• confusion, memory problems, mental or mood changes (eg, depression)
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue)
• symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine; pale stools; severe or persistent nausea, loss of appetite, or stomach pain; unusual tiredness; yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Please Note

Do not take Pivasta if any of the following apply to you:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in pitavastatin
• you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
• you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• you are taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil

Before taking Pivasta, make sure your doctor is aware of any of the following:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are able to become pregnant
• if you are taking any other medicines, particularly colchicine, cyclosporine, daptomycin, erythromycin, fibrates (fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, etc), niacin, rifampin or warfarin
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diabetes, kidney problems, low blood pressure, a serious infection, or a history of seizures
• if you have muscle problems (eg, pain, weakness), an underactive thyroid, or if you are dehydrated
• if you have metabolism, hormonal, endocrine, or electrolyte problems
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse
• if you are on dialysis or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury