Let's learn everything about Pitavastatin tablets for cholesterol in a simple way.

Has your doctor told you that your cholesterol level is a little high in your blood report? Or are you a little worried about it because someone in your family has cholesterol? However, cholesterol is a common problem among many people these days. There is a class of drugs that doctors often prescribe as a treatment for this, and that is the statin type. Today we are going to talk about a very important drug, Pitavastatin, which is a member of this statin family. Let's see what this drug is, how it works, and what things to be careful about while using it.

Simply put, what is Pitavastatin?

Pitavastatin is a medication used to control high cholesterol levels. Your doctor may prescribe it to you under the brand names `Livalo` or `Zypitamag`. They all contain the same active ingredient.

Now look, there are two types of cholesterol in our body. One is the "good cholesterol" (HDL). The other is the "bad cholesterol" (LDL). In addition, there is a type of fat called triglycerides. Having high levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood is not good for our heart and blood vessels.

This is where Pitavastatin comes to our aid. This medicine does:

• Reducing the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, which are harmful to our body.
• It also increases the levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) which is beneficial for our body.

But one thing to remember. This medicine alone is not enough. For it to work properly, it must be accompanied by a good diet and regular exercise . The best results can only be achieved when all three are combined.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, it is very important that you give a complete description of your health condition. Because this medicine may interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.

• Diabetes: If you have diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
• Liver disease: If you have previously had a liver disease such as hepatitis or if you currently have some liver weakness.
• Kidney disease: If you have any problems with your kidneys.
• Alcohol use: If you are a regular drinker.
• Muscle pain: If you experience frequent pain or aches in your body, especially in your muscles.
• Thyroid disease: If there is a problem with the functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Stroke: If you have had a stroke before.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to pitavastatin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy or planning to have a baby: This is very important if you are pregnant or are expecting a baby soon .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.

When you tell your doctor these things without hiding them, he can determine the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.

How should I use the medicine exactly?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to use it as directed.

• This pill should be taken orally. Swallow it with a glass of water.
• As the doctor said, try to take the medicine at the same time every day . That way, it's easier to keep the medicine at the same level in your body.
• You can take it before or after a meal. That's okay. However, some people may experience a slight stomach upset if they take it without food. If that happens, take it with food.
• Never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice. Even if you feel better and your cholesterol levels are under control, if you are told to continue taking it, do so.
• Even children (usually over 8 years old) are prescribed this medicine in some special cases. But that is only under the strict supervision of a specialist doctor.

What if you accidentally take too much medicine?

Imagine you have taken more than the prescribed amount of medication at once. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We don't always remember things the same way. So it's possible to miss a dose of medicine. If that happens,

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• However, if you remember very close to the time of your next dose, forget about the missed dose and just take the next pill at the scheduled time.
• Do not take two pills at once for any reason.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Pitavastatin is a medication that can interact with some other medications, supplements, and alcohol, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.

You can get a good idea about this from the table below.

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements, as well as whether you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Regular tests: Your doctor will ask you to have regular blood tests. They will check your cholesterol levels, see if the medication is working, and see if it is affecting your liver. Don't skip these tests.
• Muscle problems: Some people taking this medicine may experience muscle pain or weakness. If this happens, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may decide to stop the medicine. If the pain does not go away after stopping the medicine, tell your doctor.
• Surgery: If you are scheduled to have any surgery, inform the relevant doctors in advance that you are taking Pitavastatin.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is an extremely important issue.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby. Therefore, it is essential to use a suitable and highly effective form of birth control while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this and choose the best method.