Rivaro 4 mg Tablet (Pitavastatin Calcium Hydrate)

Adult dose

For adults, the usual initial dose of pitavastatin calcium is 1 to 2 mg once daily. If the LDL-cholesterol lowering effect is insufficient, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 4 mg per day. The dosage may be adjusted appropriately at intervals of 4 weeks or more based on LDL-cholesterol levels, treatment goals, and the patient's response.

This medication should not be used in certain patients. For example, it is contraindicated in patients with allergies to any of its components, those with active liver disease, severe liver dysfunction or biliary obstruction, patients taking cyclosporine, those with myopathy, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children. Additionally, patients with renal dysfunction or liver impairment, those who excessively consume alcohol, patients taking fibrates or niacin, individuals with hypothyroidism, patients with a history of muscle-related diseases, the elderly, and patients with severe muscle weakness should use this drug with caution. This drug can cause various side effects such as muscle pain, weakness, liver function abnormalities, skin rashes, and thrombocytopenia. Especially, if severe muscle pain or weakness is experienced, consult a doctor immediately, and regular liver function tests should be conducted. As this medication is primarily metabolized in the liver, patients with liver diseases should adjust their dosage, and those with renal impairment have an increased risk of severe muscle damage, such as rhabdomyolysis, so caution is needed. Moreover, this medication can interact with other drugs, so it should be taken under a physician’s guidance when used in conjunction with cyclosporine, fibrates, niacin, or cholestyramine. Elderly patients have reduced physical functions, which increases the likelihood of side effects, so greater attention is required during use. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use this drug as it can harm the fetus or baby, and dosing should be stopped immediately if pregnancy is confirmed. The safety and effectiveness of this drug in pediatric patients have not been established, and its use in children is not recommended. Adhere to the prescribed dosage when taking this medication, and swallow it intact without dividing or crushing the tablets. Lastly, this medication should be stored out of reach of children and kept in its original container to maintain its quality and safety.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with fever, blisters, peeling skin, pain in the mucous membranes of the mouth/eyes, dyspnea or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, respiratory issues accompanied by cough and fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, sudden and severe headaches, thunderclap headaches, seizures, confusion of consciousness, vision abnormalities, paralysis, reduced urine output

Mild side effects

• Abdominal pain
• rash
• fatigue
• itching
• elevated serum ALT (GPT)
• elevated serum AST (GOT)
• elevated γ-GT
• elevated ALP
• elevated LDH
• stiffness

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container that protects it from light, at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Doing so will help maintain the drug's effectiveness for a longer period.

Appearance

Yellow round film-coated tablet with a line in the center

Package unit

100 tablets/bottle, 30 tablets (10 tablets/PTP x 3)