From the FDA Drug Label
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 8 Years and Older The recommended dosage range of pitavastatin tablets is 2 mg to 4 mg daily. The maximum recommended dosage is pitavastatin tablets 4 mg once daily.
The recommended starting dose for Livalo (pitavastatin) is 2 mg daily.
- The dosage can be adjusted based on patient response and renal function.
- For patients with moderate and severe renal impairment, the recommended starting dosage is 1 mg once daily 1.
From the Research
Livalo (pitavastatin) should be started at a dose of 2 mg once daily for most adults with high cholesterol, as it is a effective and well-tolerated medication for lowering LDL-C levels, and can be combined with ezetimibe for enhanced efficacy, as shown in a recent study 2. When initiating Livalo, it is essential to consider the patient's individual needs and risk factors, such as history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or statin intolerance.
- For patients who need less intensive treatment or have risk factors for side effects, a starting dose of 1 mg daily may be appropriate.
- For those requiring more aggressive cholesterol lowering, the dose can be initiated at 4 mg daily. Some key points to consider when starting Livalo include:
- Livalo should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Before starting Livalo, patients should have baseline liver function tests and be monitored periodically during treatment.
- This medication works by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in cholesterol production in the liver.
- Patients should be aware that common side effects may include muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.
- It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you're taking, as certain drugs can interact with Livalo, particularly cyclosporine, erythromycin, rifampin, and gemfibrozil.
- Lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, should accompany Livalo treatment for optimal cholesterol management, as supported by recent studies 3, 4, 5.