Pitavastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL-C and triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins."

How should you take Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

Take Zypitamag (pitavastatin) by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew the medication. Try to take the medication at the same time each day.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).

Take Zypitamag (pitavastatin) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up as this can increase the risk of statin side effects.

It is very important to continue to follow your healthcare provider's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Who should take Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

Zypitamag (pitavastatin) tablets are used together with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL-C and triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Zypitamag (pitavastatin) belongs to a group of drugs known as statins. Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your healthcare provider for more details.

What to avoid while taking Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

Do not take Zypitamag (pitavastatin) tablets if you have a known allergy to Zypitamag (pitavastatin), or any of its ingredients.

If you have active liver disease, including unexplained persistent elevations of hepatic transaminase levels you should not take Zypitamag (pitavastatin).

Pitavastatin must not be used during pregnancy. Pitavastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your healthcare provider for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away. Discuss with your healthcare provider when you should stop pitavastatin if you are trying to become pregnant.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Zypitamag (pitavastatin) should be avoided if you are taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

Before taking pitavastatin, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist your medical history; especially of liver disease, kidney disease, and alcohol use.

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with pitavastatin. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Before having surgery, tell your healthcare provider or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of statins, especially muscle problems.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or currently breastfeeding. Zypitamag (pitavastatin) should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Zypitamag (pitavastatin) or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away. If you are currently breastfeeding, it is not recommended to use Zypitamag (pitavastatin) tablets. It is currently unknown if Zypitamag (pitavastatin) passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

What are the possible side effects of Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

Remember that your healthcare provider has prescribed you Zypitamag (pitavastatin) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of statin medication.

Rarely, statins can cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your healthcare provider stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

Pitavastatin rarely causes liver problems. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, tell your healthcare provider right away: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

A very small number of people taking pitavastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your healthcare provider.

A very serious allergic reaction to pitavastatin is rare. Get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above while taking Zypitamag (pitavastatin), contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What other drugs interact with Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your healthcare provider's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug including colchicine and gemfibrozil. Other medications can affect the removal of pitavastatin from your body, which may affect how pitavastatin works. Examples include cyclosporine, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifampin), among others.

Zypitamag (pitavastatin) should not be taken in combination with gemfibrozil or cyclosporine.

Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking pitavastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking pitavastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

What happens if I take too many Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Where can I get more information on Zypitamag (pitavastatin)?

More information on Zypitamag (pitavastatin) tablets can be found at www.zypitamag.com.

Be sure to check out the various savings offers provided by Medicure to improve patient access to Zypitamag.

Please note the Zypitamag (pitavastatin) tablets is only available in the U.S.