What is Livalo
PitavastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPitavastatin, marketed under the name Livalo, is a type of cholesterol-lowering drug called a statin. Statins work by blocking an enzyme that helps the body produce cholesterol. This drug and other statins, such as atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin and lovastatin, are typically prescribed to people who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as those with type 2 diabetes. Pitavastatin has been proven to be effective in lowering LDL-C (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL-C (good cholesterol), and is
Livalois the brand name
Livalo Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Livalo
Pitavastatin
2010
21
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Pitavastatin, also called Livalo, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemia .Hypercholesterolemia
Hyperlipidemia
Helps manage primary Hyperlipidemia
Dyslipidemias
Helps manage Mixed Dyslipidemias
Effectiveness
How Livalo Affects PatientsPitavastatin is a medication that helps to lower cholesterol levels. It reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and triglycerides (TG) in the blood, while increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Having too much LDL-C, low HDL-C and high TG in the blood increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Taking statins, like pitavast
How Livalo works in the bodyPitavastatin is a drug that helps reduce cholesterol levels. It does this by blocking the enzyme that turns a molecule called HMG-CoA into cholesterol. This creates less cholesterol in the liver, which causes the body to absorb more of it from the blood. Pitavastatin has been found to have additional benefits, such as improving blood vessel function, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and preventing the formation of blood clots. It also binds to a type of white blood cell, which helps reduce inflammation.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Livalo is established by the determined condition, such as Hyperlipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia and Dyslipidemias. The amount of dosage shifts, in line with the method of administration (e.g. Tablet, film coated - Oral or Tablet, film coated) as detailed in the following table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hypercholesterolemia
2.09 mg, 4.18 mg, 1.045 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, , 1.0 mg
Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Oral
Hyperlipidemia
2.09 mg, 4.18 mg, 1.045 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, , 1.0 mg
Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Oral
Dyslipidemias
2.09 mg, 4.18 mg, 1.045 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, , 1.0 mg
Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Oral
Warnings
Livalo ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
active liver disease
Do Not Combine
Breast Milk Production
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Transaminases
Do Not Combine
Common Livalo Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Pitavastatin.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Pitavastatin.
Enasidenib
Major
The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Pitavastatin.
Fluorouracil
Major
The metabolism of Fluorouracil can be decreased when combined with Pitavastatin.
Fosphenytoin
Major
The metabolism of Fosphenytoin can be decreased when combined with Pitavastatin.
Livalo Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Livalo?
Currently, 6 active clinical trials are exploring the potential of Livalo to ameliorate Dyslipidemias, Hyperlipidemia and Hypercholesterolemia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Dyslipidemias
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypercholesterolemia
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable
Livalo Reviews: What are patients saying about Livalo?
5Patient Review
12/17/2019 I had tried a variety of different statins before, and they all made me feel awful-- body aches, malaise, pain in my limbs. It was terrible. My PA finally convinced me to try LIVALO, and I'm so glad she did! I've been on it for over a year now with no problems whatsoever. Plus, my levels are "awesome" according to my PA.
4.3Patient Review
9/4/2016 I saw a significant decrease in my cholesterol levels, but have had some negative side effects like rashes, muscle cramps, and memory loss. I'm going to talk to my doctor about getting off of the medication.
3.7Patient Review
3/24/2017 The side effects I experienced from taking livalo were so bad that I had to stop. My doctor said that the benefits of this drug are not worth the pain and suffering it caused me. All I want is to feel normal again.
3Patient Review
9/29/2018 Livalo didn't give me the body aches that other statins did, but it did have some pretty severe anxiety and depression symptoms. I'm a 53 year old male, and these effects were really not worth it for me.
3Patient Review
4/8/2022 I saw some good results in the short-term, but they weren't worth the intense leg pain and weakness I experienced. I would rather make a drastic change to my diet than deal with this medication long-term.
3Patient Review
8/26/2017 I stopped taking this medication after only two months because I found that I had to urinate more frequently and my left kidney started hurting. Since I haven't gotten a blood test yet, it's hard to say how effective the drug actually was.
2.3Patient Review
10/29/2021 I have had a lot of negative side effects from taking statins in the past, including rashes, itching, and leg pain. Livalo has also made me feel very depressed and anxious, which is not how I usually feel. I am going to stop taking it and see if that makes a difference.
2.3Patient Review
5/12/20161.7Patient Review
5/30/2018 After only taking Livalo for three weeks, I started experiencing a host of negative side effects. My hair has been falling out, my scalp and skin have been itching incessantly, and I've been having leg cramps. But the most concerning issue by far is that I've begun forgetting words and my speech has been slurring. I stopped taking the medication today.
1.7Patient Review
7/13/2022 I was incredibly weak after taking this medication e.g. statin-induced myopathy. I felt like Livalo completely sucked the life and energy out of me, and it resulted in an ultra-depressive state. It's also super expensive, even with Medicare and Medigap Prescription Insurance coverage.
1.7Patient Review
3/17/2021 I've been on this medication for two months now and I'm having serious negative mental health effects, like anxiety and anger. I also have physical pain in my calves as well as a ringing noise in my ear. To be honest, I'm scared to leave the house at this point.
1.7Patient Review
7/15/2022 Being a type 2 diabetic, I was not on medication prior to taking cholesterol meds. However, when prescribed cholesterol meds (pravastatin and then livalo), my AC1 shot up to a 7.2 from a 6.6. As a result, I ended up having to take metformin. I experienced a brain fog that concerned me, as well as swelling in my feet and serious abdominal pain. After going off statins for 3 months, I brought my AC1 down immediately. Consequently, I will never take statins again.
1Patient Review
12/28/2017 I took Livalo for a month and a half, then stopped taking it. Ever since, my vision has been incredibly blurry to the point where I can't even drive anymore. Additionally, I've been having really severe cramping in my calves and hands. If it weren't for the fact that this medication has made my life absolutely miserable, I might be able to tolerate the cramping.
Patient Q&A Section about livalo
What are the side effects of Livalo?
"You may experience muscle pain, back pain, joint pain, pain in your arms and legs, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash, or headache." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How does Livalo different from other statins?
"Livalo is a statin that reduces HMG-CoA. It is different from other statins because it has a cyclopropyl group on the base structure." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the difference between Lipitor and Livalo?
"In a clinical trial comparing the effects of LIVALO and Lipitor in people with high cholesterol, it was shown that the 4-mg dose of LIVALO lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol just as much as Lipitor 20 mg, and that LIVALO 2 mg lowered it similarly to Lipitor 10 mg." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is special about Livalo?
"Livalo is a cholesterol-lowering medication for adults with high cholesterol. It helps to lower total cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and Apo B. It also raises "good" cholesterol (HDL-C)." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer