LIVALO

Name:   Trade Name        Generic Name
              Livalo                  Pitavastatin

Purpose:   

To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, & triglycerides, and to raise HDL.

Action:   

Livalo inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver.

Dose:    

The recommended dosing range is 1-4 mg orally at bedtime.  This dose may need to be adjusted depending on your response.

You should not take Livalo if any of the following apply:

• You have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes.
• Females who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to conceive.
• You take Erythromycin-type antibiotics or Rifampin.
• You take the immunosuppressant Cyclosporine (Sandimmune or Neoral).
• You take HIV protease inhibitors.
• You should be cautious about taking Livalo with  Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor, Zetia, or high doses of Niacin (Niaspan); however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the Lipid MD with careful monitoring.

Possible side effects:
Livalo is generally well tolerated.  Call your doctor  if you have: GI problems, rash, fatigue, cold/flu symptoms, muscle aches, headache, or dizziness. Report muscle pain and brown urine immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and/or weakness.

Lab tests:
In addition to a lipid profile, the blood tests AST and ALT will be done periodically to help assess liver function.

Special instructions:

• Always take the prescribed amount of medicine.
• Can be taken with or without food at anytime of day.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
• Avoid substantial use of alcohol.
• Have lab tests done promptly when ordered to avoid risks.
• If you are taking Coumadin, prothrombin/INR times should be monitored closely.

PRECAUTION:
Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category X drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.

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