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Uses

Pitavastatin is used for an adjunctive therapy to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), triglycerides (TG) and to increase HDL-C in adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia.

Dosage

Sandochew dosage

The dose range for Pitavastatin is 1 to 4 mg orally once daily at any time of the day with or without food. The recommended starting dose is 2 mg and the maximum dose is 4 mg. After initiation or upon titration of Pitavastatin, lipid levels should be analyzed after 4 weeks and the dosage adjusted accordingly.

Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment: Patients with moderate renal impairment and end–stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis should receive a starting dose of Pitavastatin 1 mg once daily and a maximum dose of Pitavastatin 2 mg once daily. Pitavastatin should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment.

Side Effects

Rhabdomyolysis, myopathy and Liver enzyme abnormalities.

Precaution

Pitavastatin should be prescribed with caution in patients with predisposing factors for myopathy. These factors include advanced age (>65 years), renal impairment, and inadequately treated hypothyroidism. Increase in serum transaminases have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including Pitavastatin. In most cases, the elevations were transient and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy.

Interaction

Cyclosporine: Co-administration of cyclosporine with Pitavastatin is contraindicated.

Erythromycin: Erythromycin significantly increased Pitavastatin exposure. In patients taking erythromycin, a dose of Pitavastatin 1 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

Rifampin: Rifampin significantly increased Pitavastatin exposure. In patients taking rifampin, a dose of Pitavastatin 2 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

Fibrates: Pitavastatin should be administered with caution when used concomitantly with gemfibrozil or other fibrates.

Warfarin: Pitavastatin had no significant pharmacokinetic interaction with warfarin.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category X. Pitavastatin is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether Pitavastatin is excreted in human milk, however, it has been shown that a small amount of another drug in this class passes into human milk.

Contraindication

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus and urticaria have been reported with Pitavastatin. Patients with active liver disease which may include unexplained persistent elevations of hepatic transaminase levels.

Acute Overdose

There is no known specific treatment in the event of overdose of Pitavastatin. In the event of overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically and supportive measures instituted as required. Hemodialysis is unlikely to be of benefit due to high protein binding ratio of Pitavastatin.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light & moisture . Keep out of the reach of children.

Innovators Monograph

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