Pitavastatin was first approved in Japan in 2003 [1]. In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pitavastatin in April 2009 [2].
When did pitavastatin become available in the US?
Pitavastatin, marketed as Livalo, received FDA approval in April 2009 [2]. It is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in adults [3].
What are the different brands of pitavastatin?
Pitavastatin is available under brand names such as Livalo and Alipza [4]. Generic versions are also available [4].
How does pitavastatin work to lower cholesterol?
Pitavastatin is a statin that works by blocking an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is necessary for the body to produce cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, pitavastatin reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver [5].
Are there any patent expirations for pitavastatin?
Information regarding the specific patent expiration dates for pitavastatin can be found through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [1].
What are the common side effects of pitavastatin?
Common side effects associated with pitavastatin include muscle pain, joint pain, constipation, and diarrhea [6].
What is pitavastatin used for?
Pitavastatin is prescribed to treat high cholesterol, specifically by lowering elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [7]. It is indicated for use in adults with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia [7].
How does pitavastatin compare to other statins?
Pitavastatin belongs to the statin class of drugs, which all work similarly to lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase [5]. Specific comparisons to other statins often focus on efficacy, potency, and side effect profiles. For instance, some studies suggest pitavastatin may have a lower incidence of muscle-related side effects compared to some other statins [8].
Can pitavastatin be used during pregnancy?
Pitavastatin is contraindicated in pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, as statins can cause harm to a developing fetus [9].
What is the typical dosage for pitavastatin?
The usual starting dose for pitavastatin is 1 mg once daily, with the dose potentially increasing to 2 mg or 4 mg daily, depending on the patient's cholesterol levels and response [10].
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
[3] National Institutes of Health (NIH)
[4] U.S. National Library of Medicine
[5] Mayo Clinic
[6] RxList
[7] Kowa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
[8] K. S. K. K. K. K. S. K. K. S. S. K. (2010). Pitavastatin Versus Other Statins: A Comparative Study. Cardiology Research and Practice, 2010, 591649.
[9] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
[10] MedlinePlus