Pivasta

Uses
Pivasta 4mg contains the active ingredient Pitavastatin, a statin indicated in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). It can help to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol).

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

Dosage and Administration
Pivasta is sold as a strip of 10 tablets. This product is a 4mg tablet, which is the maximum recommended daily dosage. Most people will begin with a 2mg starting dosage. 1mg or 4mg are usually used as a maintenance dosage, depending on the treatment response.

Pivasta also comes in a strip of 10 x 1mg tablets or 10 x 2mg tablets.

Pivasta may be taken with or without food. Each tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Side effects
The most common side effects of Pitavastatin are back pain, constipation, and diarrhea. If these become troublsome 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
Pivasta must not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to any ingredient in pitavastatin
• has liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
• is pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• is 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