04/26/2025
Globally, high cholesterol level accounts for 2.6 million loss of lives. According to data, about 86 million adults in the US have cholesterol levels above 240mg/dL. Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) produced in our body, the liver, and it is also present in various food items like meat, eggs, cheese, etc. Cholesterol flows with the blood and helps perform many functions. However, excessive cholesterol levels in the blood can harm the body. Therefore, it is important to keep cholesterol levels in check, or else it may lead to heart attacks and strokes. The total cholesterol level comprises HDL (or good cholesterol), LDL (or bad cholesterol), and triglyceride. For a normal and healthy human, the HDL level should be above 60 mg/dL, the LDL reading should be below 100mg/dL, and the total cholesterol level should be less than 240mg/dL.
High cholesterol in the blood leads to slow and gradual plaque accumulation in the arteries. Since high cholesterol levels do not have prominent symptoms, it is essential to get them checked frequently, as one might not know about them until they experience a heart attack or stroke. The causes of high cholesterol could be genetic or consumption of a high-cholesterol diet. High cholesterol can certainly be checked with lifestyle changes. If a lifestyle change alone does not bring the desired results, you might be prescribed medication to reduce these numbers. One of the most popularly prescribed medications to keep cholesterol within normal limits is Pitavastatin (1mg) Tablet. Let’s know what Livalo is and how it effectively keeps the cholesterol level within the normal range.
Livalo is a brand-name drug approved by the FDA for treating high cholesterol. Its active ingredient is Pitavastatin, a member of the statin class. Statins inhibit cholesterol production and reduce lipid levels. They lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride and help increase good cholesterol (HDL), thereby minimizing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The medication may be prescribed independently or in combination with other medicines and a low-cholesterol diet to address high cholesterol levels.
In addition to the brand name, it is also available as Livalo 1mg Generic Tablets. Besides the 1mg oral tablet, it also comes in 2mg and 4mg. Before taking this drug, consult your healthcare expert to know the right dosage based on your health conditions.
Your doctor will thoroughly analyze your health condition before prescribing any dosage. Usually, the dosage ranges from 2 to 4mg daily. The doctor initiates treatment with a lower dosage, which might be adjusted later depending on how your body responds to the medication. This medication is considered safe for children over 8 years old. For maximum benefits, you must stick to the dosage and treatment duration recommended by your healthcare provider. The medicine may be taken orally with or without food. The medicine must be swallowed with water without cutting, chewing, or breaking the tablet. To avoid missing a dose, you must take the medications around the same time daily.
To maximize the benefits of Livalo, you must follow the below-listed guidelines:
You must go through the list of ingredients carefully and let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of them.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you might be taking to avoid any drug interaction.
The medication may not be safe for pregnant females. So you must let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to do it.
If you are a nursing or breastfeeding mother, please check with your doctor to know if this medication is safe for consumption.
Livalo's side effects are divided into common and serious ones. The common side effects will fade away as the body gets used to the medication and do not require immediate medical attention. However, if these symptoms worsen or persist for longer, you must inform your doctor. A few of the common side effects are as mentioned below:
Back pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Muscle pain
Pain in arms and legs
The serious side effects of Livalo must be brought to the doctor’s attention immediately to prevent further worsening of the symptoms. Some of the serious side effects of Livalo are listed below:
Acute pain or weakening of the muscles could be symptoms of rhabdomyolysis (a severe condition caused due to muscle breakdown).
Yellowing of the skin or the eyes.
Dark or brown-colored urine, pale-colored stool
Feeling of confusion
Medication should be the last resort. Lifestyle changes can also reduce high cholesterol to the normal range. However, if these changes do not yield positive results, we must see a healthcare professional. Below are a few tips to keep cholesterol levels within normal range and minimize the risk of heart disease.
While on Livalo, you must limit the alcohol intake as it impacts the efficacy of the medication and may also cause liver issues and muscle pain.
You must reduce your intake of trans fat and saturated fat and increase your soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.
You must include regular physical exercise in your daily routine, as it helps increase the level of good cholesterol.
If you smoke, you must try and give up smoking. This will help increase HDL or good cholesterol levels. People who don’t smoke should stay away from second-hand smoke.
Try to maintain a normal healthy weight; being overweight would increase high cholesterol levels.
Regularly tracking your cholesterol level can help minimize the chances of heart attacks and strokes. Those with a family history of high cholesterol should get the test done once every 4 to 5 weeks. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, regular physical exercise, and a balanced and nutritious diet can effectively keep cholesterol levels within normal limits. Besides this lifestyle modification, your doctor might also put you on Pitavastatin to keep the numbers in check. Pitavastatin is more popular than statins because of its few adverse effects. High cholesterol can be addressed by working with your doctor and following the suggestions. It will only help in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Livalo 1mg is an FDA-approved drug for keeping the cholesterol level in check. It contains Pitavastatin as the active component, which belongs to the drug class known as statin. It works by restricting the HMG-CoA-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for the production of cholesterol in the body. It helps reduce the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides and elevate the level of HDL or good cholesterol.
Livalo significantly increases HDL or good cholesterol compared to other statins. This substantial increase in HDL lasts for a longer span. Also, it causes fewer adverse effects than other drugs in this class.
Yes, few people experience the common side effects of Livalo. However, these side effects subside once the body gets used to the medication. Some of the common side effects of Livalo are constipation, diarrhea, back pain, and muscle pain. In rare instances, some people may witness serious side effects, such as itching, rash, hives, yellow or dark-colored urine, extreme muscle pain, weakness, and fever.
Livalo is a prescription drug used to control high cholesterol levels. It can benefit people with a family history of high cholesterol and whose blood work indicates high cholesterol levels.
Livalo may interact with certain medications such as cyclosporine, erythromycin, rifampin, gemfibrozil, etc. It may also interact with certain supplements and food items. Hence, you must share the complete list of medications, health supplements, and herbal drugs you might be taking with your doctor to mitigate the risk of drug interaction.
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