Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Pitavastatin tablets for oral use is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The chemical name for pitavastatin is (+)monocalcium bis {(3R, 5S, 6 E )-7-[2-cyclopropyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-quinolyl]-3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoate}. The structural formula is: The empirical formula for pitavastatin is C 50 H 46 CaF 2 N 2 O 8 and the molecular weight is 880.98.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Pitavastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a rate-limiting step in the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol. As a result, the expression of LDL-receptors followed by the uptake of LDL from blood to liver is accelerated and then the plasma TC decreases. Sustained inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver also decreases levels of very low density lipoproteins. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Cardiac Electrophysiology In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-way parallel, active-comparator study with moxifloxacin in 174 healthy participants, pitavastatin tablets were not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation...
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pitavastatin tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: Adult with primary hyperlipidemia. Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Pediatric use information is approved for Kowa Co Ltd’s LIVALO (pitavastatin) tablets. However, due to Kowa Co Ltd’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Common Doses
- 4 mg
- 2 mg
- 1 mg
- 59 mL
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Take orally once daily with or without food at the same time each day ( 2.1 ). For patients requiring a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving pitavastatin tablets 4 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. ( 2.1 ). Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiation of pitavastatin tablets, and adjust the dosage if necessary. ( 2.1 ). Recommended dosage is 2 mg to 4 mg once daily. Maximum recommended dosage is 4 mg once daily. ( 2.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pitavastatin tablets are contraindicated in the following conditions: Concomitant use of cyclosporine [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Hypersensitivity to pitavastatin or any excipients in pitavastatin tablets. Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, rash, pruritus, and urticaria have been reported with pitavastatin tablets [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Cyclosporine ( 4 , 7 ) Active liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 , 5.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. The most frequent adverse reactions (rate ≥2%) were myalgia, constipation, back pain, diarrhea, and pain in extremity.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 2 includes a list of drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when administered concomitantly with pitavastatin tablets and instructions for preventing or managing drug interactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Table 2. Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with pitavastatin tablets Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Cyclosporine significantly increases pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.