Pivasta

Pivasta contains the active ingredient Pitavastatin. Pitavastatin is a statin and is indicated in the treatment of high cholesterol. It can help to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, and to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels.

Pitavastatin works by inhibiting the action of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol in the body.

Pivasta is available in three different dosages:

• Strips of 10 x 1mg tablets
• Strips of 10 x 2mg tablets
• Strips of 10 x 4mg tablets

To treat high cholesterol in otherwise healthy patients, a starting dose of 2mg per day is often used. A maintenance dose between 1mg and 4mg is then prescribed after seeing how well the patient responds to treatment. It is not recommended to take more than 4mg per day.

Dosage adjustments may be required in patients with kidney or liver problems.

It is important that you follow all instructions provided by your doctor, as Pivasta should be prescribed at an individualised dosage. This includes how much Pivasta you should take, when to take it, and how long treatment with Pivasta should last.

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Pivasta can be taken with or without food.

Pitavastatin has been known to cause liver problems in some patients. If you frequently drink alcohol, the risks of liver problems are increased.

Pitavastatin has been associated with muscular problems (myopathy). If you notice any unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, tell your doctor.

Pitavastatin will commonly cause back pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

Less common, but more dangerous side effects that can be caused by Pivasta include the following:

• 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)

Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if you develop any of the above side effects while taking Pivasta (Pitavastatin).

Pitavastatin is contraindicated 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

If any of the above apply to you, you must not take Pivasta.

Some conditions can change the way Pivasta works, or need monitoring while taking Pivasta. You should make sure your doctor is aware if you:

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