Zypitamag Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Zypitamag

Generic name: pitavastatin [ pit-AV-a-STAT-in ]
Brand names: Livalo, Zypitamag
Drug class: Statins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 21, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Zypitamag?

Zypitamag is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Zypitamag is used to treat high cholesterol in adults. Lowering your cholesterol may help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

The Livalo brand of pitavastatin is also used to treat an inherited form of high cholesterol in children at least 8 years old.

Zypitamag may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

You should not take Zypitamag if you have liver disease (including abnormal liver enzyme tests), or if you also take cyclosporine.

Do not take Zypitamag if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Zypitamag can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zypitamag if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- liver disease (including abnormal liver enzyme tests);

- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or

- if you are taking cyclosporine.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Zypitamag can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while you are taking Zypitamag.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- kidney disease;

- liver disease;

- a thyroid disorder; or

- if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Zypitamag can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in older adults or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

## How should I take Zypitamag?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take Zypitamag with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

You will need frequent blood tests.

You may need to stop using Zypitamag for a short time if you have:

- uncontrolled seizures;

- an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);

- severely low blood pressure;

- a severe infection or illness;

- dehydration; or

- surgery or a medical emergency.

Zypitamag is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Detailed Zypitamag dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while taking Zypitamag?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Zypitamag will not be as effective.

Drinking alcohol can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

## Zypitamag side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Zypitamag can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

- confusion, memory problems;

- muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;

- trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;

- kidney problems--vomiting, pain in your side or lower back, little or no urinating, swelling, rapid weight gain; or

- liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Zypitamag may include:

- muscle pain;

- pain in your arms or legs;

- back pain; or

- diarrhea, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Zypitamag side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Zypitamag?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Like Zypitamag, certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, especially:

- colchicine;

- gemfibrozil;

- fenofibric acid;

- fenofibrate; or

- medicines that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Zypitamag, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Zypitamag drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Frequently asked questions

- What are the side effects of statins?
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## More about Zypitamag (pitavastatin)

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (2)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: statins
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Livalo, Nikita

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Dyslipidemia
- High Cholesterol

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.01.