| Brand Name: |
Pivasta |
| Generic Name: |
Pitavastatin |
| Form: |
Tablet |
| Manufacturer: |
Zydus Cardiva |
What is Pivasta?
Pivasta (Pitavastatin) belongs to a group of medicines called statins. Statins are used to treat cases of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). They ca reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol).
Pitavastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol in the body.
How is Pivasta used?
Pivasta 2mg is packaged in a 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. Your doctor will advise your recommended dose.
Pivasta is also available in 1mg and 4mg dosages.
Each Pivasta tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Pivasta can be taken with or without food.
Adverse effects
The most common side effects associated with the use of Pitavastatin are:
- back pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
These can be expected and in general are not serious. However you should contact your doctor if they persist or become severe.
More serious side effects associated with Pitavastatin are:
- 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)
The majority of these sever side effects are rare. If you notice any of them, tell your doctor right away.
Warnings
You must not take Pivasta if you:
- are allergic to any ingredient in pitavastatin
- have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
- are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- are taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil
Some conditions can cause Pivasta to work differently from expected. These conditions include:
- if you are taking any other medicines, particularly colchicine, cyclosporine, daptomycin, erythromycin, fibrates (fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, etc), niacin, rifampin or warfarin
- if you have any 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
If any of the above apply to you, make sure to discuss the suitability of pitavastatin before taking it. |
