Livalo
Livalo Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Livalo is a brand name. Its generic name is Pitavastatin Calcium.
Livalo: Overview
Livalo is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs known as statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Pitavastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary artery disease, or other risk factors.Uses of Livalo
Livalo is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke or heart attack, in certain individuals with certain risk factors. Livalo can also be used to reduce levels of triglycerides and bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood and increase the good (HDL) cholesterol.Mechanism of Action of Livalo
Livalo works by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the production of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, Livalo helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. This decreased cholesterol level helps to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart diseases.How Long Does it Take for Livalo to Work?
The effects of Livalo can usually be seen within 2 weeks of initiation. However, it may take up to 8 weeks for cholesterol levels to be lowered significantly.Absorption of Livalo
Livalo is rapidly absorbed and has a bioavailability of about 79%.Route of Elimination of Livalo
Livalo is eliminated through the intestine and bile.Dosage Information of Livalo
The recommended starting dose for Livalo is 2-4 mg per day. The dosage may be increased to 8 mg daily based on the individual’s response and condition. Doses of more than 8 mg should not be taken.Administration of Livalo
Livalo is usually taken by mouth once a day with or without food. Take each dose at the same time each day.Side Effects of Livalo
Common side effects of Livalo include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. Less common side effects include muscle ache, joint pain, dizziness, and rash.Toxicity of Livalo
The maximum recommended dose for Livalo is 8 mg per day. Taking higher doses than recommended can cause serious side effects, including jaundice, liver failure, and muscle damage.Precautions for using Livalo
Livalo should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, and allergies. Patients with these conditions should discuss their condition with their doctor before taking LivaloInteractions of Livalo
Livalo may interact with certain medications, such as antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and certain antibiotics. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, to ensure that your treatment regimen is safe and effective.Disease Interaction of Livalo
Livalo may not be suitable for patients with certain conditions such as thyroid disorders, kidney or liver disease, or inherited blood problems. Talk to your doctor before starting Livalo if you have any pre-existing conditions.Drug Interactions of Livalo
Livalo may interact with certain drugs, such as antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and certain antibiotics. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, to ensure that your treatment regimen is safe and effective.Food Interactions of Livalo
Food does not appear to affect the absorption of Livalo. However, it is important to take Livalo at the same time each day, with or without food.Pregnancy Use of Livalo
Livalo is not recommended for use in pregnant women. The safety of Livalo use during pregnancy has not been established.Lactation Use of Livalo
Livalo is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. The safety of Livalo use during lactation has not been established.Acute Overdose of Livalo
If an overdose of Livalo is suspected, contact your local poison control center or seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an acute overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.Contraindication of Livalo
Livalo is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations of serum transaminases. It should also not be used by people who are allergic to Livalo or any of its components.Use Direction of Livalo
Take Livalo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For best results, take it at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not take more or less than recommended.Storage Condition of Livalo
Store Livalo at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.Volume of Distribution of Livalo
Livalo has a volume of distribution of approximately 2.4 L/kg in humans.Half Life of Livalo
The elimination half-life of Livalo is up to 10 hours.Clearance of Livalo
The clearance of Livalo is approximately 0.20–0.25 L/h/kg in humans.Here you find in details version of Livalo
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Livalo
What is Livalo?
Livalo is a statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) used to lower levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and other fatty substances in the blood, and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Does Livalo have any side effects?
Common side effects of Livalo may include constipation, diarrhea, headache, increased liver enzymes, and muscle and joint pain. Serious side effects may include liver damage, low blood pressure, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), and high blood sugar levels leading to coma.
What is the recommended dosage of Livalo?
The recommended starting dose of Livalo is 2 mg daily and may be increased to a maximum of 4 mg daily. Consult your doctor regarding the appropriate dose for your particular case.
Can I take Livalo with other medications?
It is important to tell your doctor about all medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and vitamins that you are taking. Some medications may interact with Livalo by increasing or decreasing its effectiveness or causing potentially dangerous side effects.
Can I take Livalo if I am pregnant?
Livalo should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Livalo?
If you miss a dose of Livalo, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
What are the possible drug interactions of Livalo?
Livalo may interact with other medications, including antifungal drugs, cholesterol lowering medications, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and warfarin. Talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions before taking this medication.
What should I avoid while taking Livalo?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Livalo as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Also, avoid activities that require mental alertness such as driving as pitavastatin can cause drowsiness.
How should I store Livalo?
Livalo should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not store Livalo in the bathroom.
Can children take Livalo?
Livalo is not recommended for use in children under age 18. Consult your doctor about other options for managing your child's cholesterol levels.
What are the common signs of an allergic reaction to Livalo?
Signs of an allergic reaction to Livalo may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What if I take an overdose of Livalo?
If you take an overdose of Livalo, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Control Center immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include chest pain, nausea, and an irregular heartbeat.
What is the difference between Livalo and Atorvastatin Calcium?
Livalo is a newer statin, and is generally believed to be more effective than atorvastatin calcium in reducing cholesterol levels. Livalo also has fewer side effects and is considered to be less likely to cause muscle and liver damage.
Can Livalo be used to treat high blood pressure?
No, Livalo is not used to treat high blood pressure. It is used to lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fatty substances in the blood, and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications.
What should I do if I experience difficulty breathing while taking Livalo?
Difficulty breathing is a serious side effect of Livalo and should be reported to your doctor immediately. You should also seek medical help if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can I take Livalo if I have diabetes?
Yes, Livalo can be used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Can I take herbal supplements while taking Livalo?
Before taking any herbal supplements, consult your doctor. Some herbal supplements can interact with Livalo and cause potentially dangerous side effects.
Can I take Livalo if I have kidney disease?
Livalo is generally not recommended for use in people with kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice on managing your cholesterol levels.
Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Livalo?
No, you should not drink grapefruit juice while taking Livalo, as it may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about other drinks you can have while taking Livalo.
What should I do if I experience chest pain while taking Livalo?
Chest pain is a serious side effect of Livalo and should be reported to your doctor immediately. You should also seek medical help if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can I take Livalo if I have liver disease?
Livalo is generally not recommended for use in people with liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice on managing your cholesterol levels.
What should I do if I experience muscle pain while taking Livalo?
Muscle pain is a common side effect of Livalo and usually goes away after a period of time. If the pain persists or worsens, contact your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Does Livalo cause weight gain?
No, Livalo usually does not cause weight gain. But, some people may experience weight gain as a side effect of the medication. If you experience unexplained weight gain, contact your doctor for advice.
What should I tell my doctor before starting Livalo?
Tell your doctor about all medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and vitamins that you are taking. Also tell your doctor if you have any allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any other medical conditions.
Can I take Livalo with other medications to lower cholesterol?
No, it is not advised to take Livalo with other medications to lower cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking, and if there are any potential interactions with Livalo.
Do I need to follow any special diet while taking Livalo?
You should follow a heart-healthy diet while taking Livalo. This includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and reducing your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium.
What should I do if I experience joint pain while taking Livalo?
Joint pain is a common side effect of Livalo and usually goes away after a period of time. If the pain persists or worsens, contact your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Can Livalo be used to treat high triglyceride levels?
Yes, Livalo is used to lower levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and other fatty substances in the blood, and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications.
Can I take Livalo with aspirin?
Yes, you can take Livalo with aspirin. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and vitamins that you are taking as some may interact with Livalo.
Can I take other cholesterol-lowering medications while taking Livalo?
No, it is not advised to take other cholesterol-lowering medications while taking Livalo as this may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Can I get a flu shot while taking Livalo?
Yes, you can get a flu shot while taking Livalo. However, make sure to tell your doctor that you are taking this medication, as some vaccinations may interact with statins.
Can I take other medications to help lower my cholesterol while taking Livalo?
No, it is not advised to take other medications to lower your cholesterol while taking Livalo as this may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Is there a generic form of Livalo available?
Yes, there is a generic form of Livalo available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the availability of generic medications in your area.
Can I take vitamin supplements while taking Livalo?
Before taking any vitamin supplements, consult your doctor. Some vitamins can interact with Livalo and cause potentially dangerous side effects.