Pivasta

Uses
Pivasta (Pitavastatin) is one of a group of medicines called Statins. Statins are used in cases of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol).

Pitavastatin, like most statins, inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol in the body.

Dosage and Administration
Pivasta comes in a strip of 10 tablets. These 2mg tablets are the most common starting dosage prescribed, and may also be used as a maintenance dose.

Pivasta is also available in 2mg and 4mg dosages.

Each tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. You can take Pivasta with or without food.

Side effects
The most common side effects of Pitavastatin are back pain, constipation, and diarrhea. If these become troublesome to you, contact your doctor.

Pitavastatin can cause some serious side effects. However this is rare. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of:

• liver problems (increased risk in patients who frequently drink alcohol)
• muscular problems (myopathy)
• 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)

Precautions
Do not take Pivasta if:

• 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, your doctor should be aware if:

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