What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Livalo (Pitavastatin)
Prescription Required
-
Related Products & Conditions
-
Product Details
Description
Livalo is a prescription drug that lowers certain types of cholesterol. Cholesterol has been linked with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Livalo works by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
Fact Table
Formula
C25H24FNO4
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
60%
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Pitavastatin
Elimination half-life
11 hours
Dosage (Strength)
1mg, 2mg, 3mg
Pregnancy
Not Recommended
Brands
Livalo, Livazo
Protein binding
96%
PubChem CID
5282452
MedlinePlus
a610018
ChEBI
32020
ATC code
C10AA08
DrugBank
DB08860
KEGG
-
Routes of administration
By mouth
Directions
The starting dosage of Livalo is 2 mg by mouth once daily. The dosage may be adjusted based on your response and also based on kidney function. The dose may also be adjusted for certain drug interactions.
The maximum daily dosage is 4 mg, and the dose may be lowered to 1 mg daily in certain cases.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Livalo is pitavastatin.
Interactions
The most common drug-drug interactions occur between Livalo and the following:
- Acipimox
- Asunaprevir
- Bezafibrate
- Ciprofibrate
- Clarithromycin
- Cobicistat
- Colchicine
- CycloSPORINE
- Daclatasvir
- DAPTOmycin
- Darolutamide
- Eltrombopag
- Encorafenib
- Erythromycin
- Etravirine
- Fenofibrate and Derivatives
- Fostemsavir
- Fusidic Acid
- Gemfibrozil
- Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir
- Lanthanum
- Leflunomide
- Letermovir
- Niacin
- Niacinamide
- Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, and Dasabuvir
- Raltegravir
- Red Yeast Rice
- Repaglinide
- RifAMPin
- Rupatadine
- Simeprevir
- Telithromycin
- Teriflunomide
- Trabectedin
- Voclosporin
- Voxilaprevir
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver disease before starting this drug.
Stop Livalo immediately if you develop sudden and unexplained muscle pain. Call your doctor.
Do not take Livalo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor and pharmacist for a full list of precautions that apply to you.
Side Effects
Common side effects of this drug can include:
- Abdominal Distress
- Abdominal Pain
- Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
- Angioedema
- Arthralgia
- Asthenia
- Back Pain
- Chest Pain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia
- Elevated Glycosylated Hemoglobin
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hepatic Failure
- Hepatitis
- Hypersensitivity Reaction
- Hypoesthesia
- Increased Creatine Phosphokinase
- Increased Serum Alkaline Phosphatase
- Increased Serum Bilirubin
- Increased Serum Glucose
- Increased Serum Transaminases
- Influenza
- Insomnia
- Interstitial Pulmonary Disease
- Jaundice
- Malaise
- Muscle Spasm
- Myalgia
- Myopathy
- Nasopharyngitis
- Nausea
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Rhabdomyolysis
References
Livalo [package insert]. Montgomery, AL: Kowa Pharmaceuticals America,Inc.; 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions about Livalo (Pitavastatin)
What is Livalo used for?
Livalo is a medicine that helps lower cholesterol levels in adults with high cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). It's also used in kids over 8 years old with a specific genetic cholesterol problem called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Lowering cholesterol is important for heart health.
How does Livalo work?
Livalo works by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of cholesterol, thereby reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
How should Livalo be taken?
Livalo can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. It's recommended to be consistent with the time you take your tablets. The starting dose is typically 2 mg once daily, which may be increased up to a maximum of 4 mg once daily based on cholesterol test results.
What are the common side effects of Livalo?
Common side effects include nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, belching, constipation or diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, and urinary tract infections.
Can Livalo cause muscle and kidney problems?
Yes, although uncommon, severe muscle and kidney problems can occur, manifesting as dark brown urine, severe muscle weakness or pain, fever, and swelling in hands or feet.
Is Livalo safe for elderly patients?
Studies have not shown geriatric-specific problems that would limit the use of pitavastatin in the elderly, but they may be more sensitive to its effects compared to younger adults.
Can Livalo be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Livalo should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Does Livalo interact with grapefruit juice?
Livalo is not reported to interact significantly with grapefruit juice.
What precautions should be considered when taking Livalo?
It's advisable to be cautious if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, muscle aches or weakness, thyroid disease, or if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Is there a generic version of Livalo available?
Yes, a cost-saving generic version of Livalo is available under the name pitavastatin.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 11620
-
Product Reviews