Why ZYPITAMAG may be the solution to your problems
ZYPITAMAG differs from other statins in the way your body processes it. In clinical studies, only 3.1% of patients experience side effects from muscle pain at the highest dose (4 mg).
When comparing its ability to lower LDL cholesterol in clinical studies, 4 mg pitavastatin was shown to be:
- As effective as atorvastatin 20 mg
- As effective as simvastatin 40 mg
- Better than pravastatin 40 mg
Please refer to the Important Safety Information for ZYPITAMAG below.
What to do if you have statin-related side effects?
If you experience side effects, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Altering the statin dosage or changing to a different statin are potential ways of reducing these adverse side effects.2 Not all statins are the same.
Why Do Some People Have Statin Side Effects?
Statin side effects, like muscle pain, are more likely to happen at higher doses. In general, the more statin in your bloodstream, the greater the chance of side effects.
Things That Can Affect How Your Body Handles Statins
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Other medications: Some statins can interact with other medicines or supplements you take, which may increase side effects. Pitavastatin (ZYPITAMAG) is processed differently by the body and has fewer known medication interactions.
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When you take it: Certain statins need to be taken at night to work properly. ZYPITAMAG can be taken at any time of day.
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With or without food: Some statins must be taken with food, while others need an empty stomach. ZYPITAMAG can be taken with or without food.
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Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can increase side effects with some statins. ZYPITAMAG does not interact with grapefruit juice, so it does not need to be avoided.
A Heart For Life® | Follow us on Facebook!IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for ZYPITAMAG (pitavastatin) tablets
What is ZYPITAMAG?
ZYPITAMAG is a cholesterol-lowering medication called a "statin" that, along with a heart-healthy diet, helps to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with elevated cholesterol levels.
Who should NOT take ZYPITAMAG?
ZYPITAMAG is not right for everyone. Do not take ZYPITAMAG if:
- You have a known allergy to ZYPITAMAG or any of its ingredients.
- You have active liver problems.
- You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.
What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?
- Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives.
- Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing ZYPITAMAG.
- Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including pitavastatin. Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking ZYPITAMAG. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
- Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including pitavastatin.
- Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.
- Tell your healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy, or if breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects of ZYPITAMAG?
The most common side effects of pitavastatin in clinical studies were:
- Muscle pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Pain in arms or legs
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of all drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store and take ZYPITAMAG?
- Store ZYPITAMAG tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, protected from light, and keep out of the reach of children.
- Take ZYPITAMAG orally once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day.
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.
- The maximum recommended dosage is ZYPITAMAG 4 mg once daily.
- If you take too much ZYPITAMAG or you or someone else takes an overdose, call your doctor and/or local Poison Control Center.
Other important information I should know about ZYPITAMAG.
- ZYPITAMAG is available by prescription only.
- ZYPITAMAG is not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age.
For additional information, refer to full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
