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Livalo

Generic: pitavastatin calcium

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Kowa
NDC
66869-104
RxCUI
861643
Route
ORAL
ICD-10 indication
E78.2

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About Livalo

What is this medication?

Livalo is a prescription drug belonging to the statin family, which works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. It is primarily used in conjunction with a specialized diet to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein, commonly referred to as bad cholesterol, and triglycerides in the bloodstream. By managing these lipid levels, the medication helps to prevent the narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time.

This medication is also prescribed to help increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol, in the body. It is generally used for patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia as part of a broader lifestyle plan that includes physical activity and dietary changes. Using the medication as directed helps decrease the overall risk of developing cardiovascular issues such as heart disease or stroke.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Livalo. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Feb 9, 2026

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LIVALO is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: Adults with primary hyperlipidemia. Adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). LIVALO is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: ( 1 ) Adults with primary hyperlipidemia. Adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
Dosage and administration
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 LIVALO 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 LIVALO, 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. ( 2.2 ) Recommended starting dosage for patients with moderate and severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis is 1 mg once daily. Maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) See full prescribing information for LIVALO dosage modifications due to drug interactions. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Take LIVALO orally once daily with or without food at the same time each day. For patients that require a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving LIVALO 4 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating LIVALO, and adjust the dosage if necessary. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 8 Years and Older The recommended dosage range of LIVALO is 2 mg to 4 mg daily. The maximum recommended dosage is LIVALO 4 mg once daily . 2.3 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment The recommended starting dosage for patients with moderate and severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate 30 – 59 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 and 15 – 29 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 , respectively) and patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis is LIVALO 1 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose for these patients is LIVALO 2 mg once daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ] . There are no dosage adjustment recommendations for patients with mild renal impairment. 2.4 Dosage Modifications Due to Drug Interactions In patients taking erythromycin, do not exceed LIVALO 1 mg once daily [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . In patients taking rifampin, do not exceed LIVALO 2 mg once daily [see Drug Interactions (7) ] .
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS LIVALO is contraindicated in the following conditions: Concomitant use of cyclosporine [see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Hypersensitivity to pitavastatin or any excipents in LIVALO. Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, rash, pruritus, and urticaria have been reported with LIVALO [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Cyclosporine ( 4 , 7 ) Active liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 , 5.3 ) Hypersensitivity to pitavastatin or any excipients in LIVALO ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher LIVALO dosage. Discontinue LIVALO if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue LIVALO in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the LIVALO dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. ( 5.1 , 7 , 8.5 , 8.6 ) Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): Rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, have been reported. Discontinue LIVALO if IMNM is suspected. ( 5.2 ) Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases have occurred, some persistent. Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider testing liver enzymes before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue LIVALO. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis LIVALO may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase [CK]) and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with statins, including LIVALO. Risk Factors for Myopathy Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (including other lipid-lowering therapies), and higher LIVALO dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Drug Interactions (7) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) ] . Dosages of LIVALO greater than 4 mg once daily were associated with an increased risk for severe myopathy in premarketing clinical studies. The maximum recommended dose of LIVALO is 4 mg once daily . Steps to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis LIVALO is contraindicated in patients taking cyclosporine and not recommended in patients taking gemfibrozil [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7) ]. There are LIVALO dosage restrictions for patients taking erythromycin or rifampin [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. The following drugs when used concomitantly with LIVALO may also increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis: lipid-modifying dosages of niacin (>1grams/day), fibrates, and colchicine [see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Discontinue LIVALO if markedly elevated CK levels occur or if myopathy is either diagnosed or suspected. Muscle symptoms and CK elevations may resolve if LIVALO is discontinued. Temporarily discontinue LIVALO in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy). Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the LIVALO dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 5.2 Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use , including reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered. IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. Additional neuromuscular and serologic testing may be necessary. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents may be required. Discontinue LIVALO if IMNM is suspected. 5.3 Hepatic Dysfunction Increases in serum transaminases have been reported with LIVALO [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. In most cases, these changes appeared soon after initiation, were transient, were not accompanied by symptoms, and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including LIVALO. Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatic injury. Consider liver enzyme testing before the initiation of LIVALO and when clinically indicated thereafter . LIVALO is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Contraindications (4) ]. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue LIVALO. 5.4 Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 2 includes a list of drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when administered concomitantly with LIVALO 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 LIVALO Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Cyclosporine significantly increases pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis . Intervention: Concomitant use of cyclosporine with LIVALO is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ]. Gemfibrozil Clinical Impact: Gemfibrozil may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of gemfibrozil with statins, including LIVALO. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use of gemfibrozil with LIVALO. Erythromycin Clinical Impact: Erythromycin significantly increases pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis . Intervention: In patients taking erythromycin, do not exceed LIVALO 1 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. Rifampin Clinical Impact: Rifampin significantly increases peak pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis . Intervention: In patients taking rifampin, do not exceed LIVALO 2 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. Fibrates Clinical Impact: Fibrates may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of fibrates with statins, including LIVALO. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using fibrates concomitantly with LIVALO outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Niacin Clinical Impact: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be increased with concomitant use of lipid-modifying doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin with LIVALO. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using lipid-modifying doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin concomitantly with LIVALO outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Colchicine Clinical Impact: Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of colchicine with statins, including LIVALO. Intervention: Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of colchicine with LIVALO. See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of LIVALO with other drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. ( 2.4 , 7 )
Adverse reactions
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, , diarrhea, back pain, and pain in extremity. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. at 1-877-334-3464 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of one drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Adults with Primary Hyperlipidemia In 10 controlled clinical studies and 4 subsequent open-label extension studies, 3,291 adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia were administered LIVALO 1 mg to 4 mg daily. The mean continuous exposure of pitavastatin (1 mg to 4 mg) was 36.7 weeks (median 51.1 weeks). The mean age of the patients was 60.9 years (range; 18 years – 89 years) and 52% were females. Approximately 93% of the patients were White, 7% were Asian/Indian, 0.2% were African American and 0.3% were Hispanic and other. In controlled clinical studies and their open-label extensions, 3.9% (1 mg), 3.3% (2 mg), and 3.7% (4 mg) of LIVALO-treated patients were discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation were: elevated creatine phosphokinase (0.6% on 4 mg) and myalgia (0.5% on 4 mg). Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients in controlled clinical studies and at a rate greater than or equal to placebo are shown in Table 1. These studies had treatment duration of up to 12 weeks. Table 1. Adverse Reactions ( ≥ 2% and ≥ placebo) in Adults with Primary Hyperlipidemia in Studies up to 12 Weeks Adverse Reactions Placebo (n= 208) % LIVALO 1 mg (n=309) % LIVALO 2 mg (n=951) % LIVALO 4 mg (n=1540) % Myalgia 1.4 1.9 2.8 3.1 Constipation 1.9 3.6 1.5 2.2 Diarrhea 1.9 2.6 1.5 1.9 Back pain 2.9 3.9 1.8 1.4 Pain in extremity 1.9 2.3 0.6 0.9 Other adverse reactions reported from clinical studies were arthralgia, headache, influenza, and nasopharyngitis. Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, and urticaria have been reported with LIVALO. The following laboratory abnormalities have been reported: elevated creatine phosphokinase, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and glucose. Adverse Reactions in Adult HIV-Infected Patients with Dyslipidemia In a double-blind, randomized, controlled, 52-week trial, 252 HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia were treated with either LIVALO 4 mg once daily (n=126) or another statin (n=126). All patients were taking antiretroviral therapy (excluding darunavir) and had HIV-1 RNA less than 200 copies/mL and CD4 count greater than 200 cell/µL for at least 3 months prior to randomization. The safety profile of LIVALO was generally consistent with that observed in the clinical trials described above. One patient (0.8%) treated with LIVALO had a peak creatine phosphokinase value exceeding 10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), which resolved spontaneously. Four patients (3%) treated with LIVALO had at least one ALT value exceeding 3 times but less than 5 times the ULN, none of which led to drug discontinuation. Virologic failure was reported for four patients (3%) treated with LIVALO, defined as a confirmed measurement of HIV-1 RNA exceeding 200 copies/mL that was also more than a 2-fold increase from baseline. Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients Aged 8 Years and Older with HeFH In a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of LIVALO 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg once daily in 82 pediatric patients 8 years to 16 years of age with HeFH and a 52-week open-label trial in 85 pediatric patients with HeFH, the safety profile was similar to that observed in the adult population. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of LIVALO. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea General disorders: asthenia, fatigue, malaise, dizziness Hepatobiliary disorders: hepatitis, jaundice, fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure Immune system disorders: angioedema, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy associated with statin use Metabolism and nutrition disorders: increases in HbA1c, fasting serum glucose levels Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscle spasms, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis Nervous system disorders: hypoesthesia, peripheral neuropathy. There have been rare reports of new onset or exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, including ocular myasthenia, and reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered. Rare reports of cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) associated with statin use. Cognitive impairment was generally nonserious, and reversible upon statin discontinuation, with variable times to symptom onset (1 day to years) and symptom resolution (median of 3 weeks). Psychiatric disorders: insomnia, depression Reproductive system and breast disorders: erectile dysfunction Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: interstitial lung disease Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: lichen planus
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue LIVALO when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. LIVALO decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, LIVALO may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ]. In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hyperlipidemia for most patients. Available data from case series and prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies over decades of use with statins in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations. Published data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies with statin use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine if there is a drug associated risk of miscarriage (see Data ) . In animal reproduction studies, no embryo-fetal toxicity or congenital malformations were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits orally administered pitavastatin during the period of organogenesis at doses which were 22 and 4 times, respectively, the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dosage (MRHD) of 4 mg, based on AUC [see Data ]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data A Medicaid cohort linkage study of 1152 statin-exposed pregnant women compared to 886,996 controls did not find a significant teratogenic effect from maternal use of statins in the first trimester of pregnancy, after adjusting for potential confounders – including maternal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol and tobacco use – using propensity score-based methods. The relative risk of congenital malformations between the group with statin use and the group with no statin use in the first trimester was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.37) after controlling for confounders, particularly pre-existing diabetes mellitus. There were also no statistically significant increases in any of the organ-specific malformations assessed after accounting for confounders. In the majority of pregnancies, statin treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified. Study limitations include reliance on physician coding to define the presence of a malformation, lack of control for certain confounders such as body mass index, use of prescription dispensing as verification for the use of a statin, and lack of information on non-live births. Animal Data Embryo-fetal developmental studies were conducted in pregnant rats administered 3, 10, 30 mg/kg/day pitavastatin by oral gavage during organogenesis (gestation days 7-17). No adverse effects were observed at 3 mg/kg/day, systemic exposures 22 times human systemic exposure at 4 mg/day based on AUC. Embryo-fetal developmental studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits administered 0.1, 0.3, 1 mg/kg/day pitavastatin by oral gavage during the period of fetal organogenesis (gestation days 6-18). Maternal toxicity consisting of reduced body weight and abortion was observed at all doses tested (4 times human systemic exposure at 4 mg/day based on AUC). In perinatal/postnatal studies in pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of pitavastatin at 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 mg/kg/day from organogenesis through weaning (gestation day 17 to lactation day 21), maternal toxicity consisting of mortality at ≥0.3 mg/kg/day and impaired lactation at all doses contributed to the decreased survival of neonates in all dose groups (0.1 mg/kg/day represents approximately 1 time human systemic exposure at 4 mg/day dose based on AUC). Reproductive toxicity studies have shown that pitavastatin crosses the placenta in rats and is found in fetal tissues at ≤36% of maternal plasma concentrations following a single dose of 1 mg/kg/day during gestation (at the end of organogenesis).

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

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Medicare Part D coverage

How Livalo appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

16%

904 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 3

On 100% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

0%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 3 (preferred brand)11
100%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 82% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 11 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
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