Pitavastatin - Oral

Pitavastatin helps lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.

Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.

This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Take Pitavastatin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. It is best to take it in the evening. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Pitavastatin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have active liver disease or unexplained high level of liver enzymes as Pitavastatin may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Pitavastatin, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Pitavastatin.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Do not use Pitavastatin with medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders and a certain antibiotic. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• underactive thyroid gland
• personal or family history of muscle disorders
• history of muscle problems due to other cholesterol-lowering medicines
• diabetes
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• history of liver disease
• kidney disease

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Pitavastatin to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

Some genetic traits can increase your risk of side effects from this medicine. If you have an alteration in a gene called SLCO1B1, you are more likely to develop persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, numbness or weakness from Pitavastatin. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to take genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor. However, you may still develop muscle problems even if you do not have this gene type. Monitor for signs of muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness especially if it is accompanied by fever or general body discomfort and let your doctor know immediately.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood cholesterol levels) may be done before or while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of muscle problems may also be needed.

What lifestyle changes should I make to reduce my cholesterol levels?

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to helping you reduce your cholesterol levels. Try to control the type and amount of food that you eat each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoid eating fried foods or foods that are high in fat. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity.

Pitavastatin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, indigestion, back pain, pain in the arms or legs, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, tenderness, weakness or numbness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Pitavastatin with the following medicines:

• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
• fusidic acid (certain antibiotic)

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. fenofibrate, gemfibrozil
• certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
• medicines for HIV infection e.g. lopinavir, ritonavir, darunavir, atazanavir, efavirenz
• medicines for hepatitis C infection e.g. glecaprevir, pibrentasvir
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
• colchicine (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pitavastatin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.