<h2>5 Things to Know about Pitavastatin</h2><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BLNky3Mck0k"></iframe><p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn about Pitavastatin</a> | <a href="https://patient.zypitamag.com/docs/prescribing_information.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pitavastatin Prescribing Information</a> </p>

Educational Video Content

<h5><strong>Things to Ask Your Healthcare Provider Before Choosing a Statin​</strong></h5>
<br>
<p>
Not all patients are the same. Not all statins are the same. Talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you are choosing the right statin for you. Here are some questions you can ask them:​</p>

<ul>
    <li>What statin dose is right for me?​</li>
    <li>Am I at risk of drug-interactions with a statin?​</li>
    <li>What time of day should I take my statin?​</li>
    <li>Which statin has the fewest side effects?</li>
</ul>
<br>
<p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/compare-statins" target="_blank">Compare Statin Options</a></p><br>

Compare Statins

<h5><strong>Side Effects is the #1 Reason People Stop Taking Statins</strong></h5>

<br>

<p>

Statin intolerance is when someone cannot take their statin therapy due to adverse effects they experience. The most common reported side-effect with statins is muscle pain. Certain risk factors that increase your chances including:</p>



<ul>

  <li>Being female: 47.9% increase risk​</li>

  <li>Increasing age: 33.1% increased risk​</li>

  <li>Having hypothyroidism: 39.6% increased risk​</li>

  <li>Being overweight: 30.6% increased risk</li>

</ul>

<br>

<p>Learn more about additional <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statin-intolerance" target="_blank">statin intolerance and side effect risk factors</a> here and what you can do.</p>

Statin Intolerance and Side Effects

<p>Some statins are hydrophilic and others are lipophilic. There are several differences between the two types. </p><p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/hydrophilic-or-lipophilic-statins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">differences between hydrophilic and lipophilic statins</a>.</p>

Hydrophilic vs. Lipophilic Statins

<p>Some statins can interact with certain foods like grapefruit juice and others do not. Similarly, some statins interact with certain medications. </p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statins-and-drug-interactions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statins and drug interactions</a>. </p>

Statins and Drug Interactions

<p>Statins are known to lower the levels of an enzyme called CoQ10 in our body. The effect this has is not well known, however, not all statins effect CoQ10 in the same way.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statins-and-coq10" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statins and their effects on CoQ10</a>. </p>

Understanding Statins and CoQ10

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<h3>“I feel pain and weakness in my muscles.”</h3><p>If you have been taking a statin and you face the above situation, it is possible you may be experiencing a side effect from your statin.</p><h4><strong>What are statins?</strong></h4><p>It is alarming that more than 71 million Americans have been diagnosed with <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/cholesterol-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high cholesterol</a>. There is no cure for high cholesterol, but you can control it. Statins have been around for 30 years and are considered the most trusted class of drugs that help to control your <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/high-cholesterol" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high cholesterol</a>.</p><p><em>Are statins safe to use?</em></p><p>The short answer is yes, but like all medications, they are not without their risks. Through this article, we will discuss both the risks and benefits of statin therapy.</p><h4><strong>Common statin side effects</strong></h4><p>Some of the most common side effects associated with a statin are:</p><ol><li>Headache</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Muscle pain</li><li>Weakness</li></ol><h4><strong>Cause of these side effects</strong></h4><p>The risk of statin side effects increases as the dosage of the statin increases. The higher your statin dose, the higher the concentration of statin in your blood, leading to the higher the risk of a side effect.</p><h2>What no one tells you</h2><h4><strong>How statins help</strong></h4><p>Statins are clinically proven to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and stroke<sup>†</sup>.</p><p>Statins are considered an effective class of drugs and have been around for over 30 years. The efficacy and<a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/statin-use-way-up-pitavastatin-introduced-to-the-u-s-as-a-next-generation-statin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;utilization of statins</a>&nbsp;across the globe clearly indicate that the potential benefits exceed their risk.</p><h4><strong>Statin dosage a problem</strong></h4><p>Statin dosage&nbsp;is an important factor that could increase the probability of statin side effects. Your doctor will help you decide your statin dose based on your cholesterol levels and your risk of developing<a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/3-myths-debunked-on-heart-disease" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> heart disease</a>.</p><p>If you are taking a higher dosage of statin (e.g., 80 mg of atorvastatin), then there is a higher chance you may experience side effects.</p><p>If you experience side effects, you should talk to your doctor. Altering the statin dosage or <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/statin-muscle-pain-is-more-common-then-you-think-will-switching-statins-help" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">changing to a different statin</a> are effective ways of treating patients reporting such adverse side effects.</p><h4><strong>Pitavastatin – the newest statin to be approved – may be an option for you</strong></h4><p>Pitavastatin is a <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">next-generation statin</a> and the most recent to be approved in the U.S.. Pitavastatin differs from other statins in the way our body processes it. At the highest dose (4 mg), only 3.1% of patients experience side effects from muscle pain.</p><p>In clinical studies, 4 mg pitavastatin was demonstrated to lower cholesterol:</p><ul><li>As effectively as atorvastatin 20 mg</li><li>As effectively as simvastatin 40 mg</li><li>Better than pravastatin 40 mg</li></ul><h4><strong>Where to get Pitavastatin</strong></h4><p><em>Marley Drug offers Pitavastatin (brand name Zypitamag) for $1.15 per day* without any insurance hassles. This price is 50% lower than at other pharmacies in the U.S*!</em></p><ul><li><em>No&nbsp;insurance is needed</em></li><li><em>Free Shipping Nationwide</em></li><li><em>Available to all patients*</em></li><li><em>Plus – receive the first 30 days FREE with a valid Rx*!</em></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">See how you can access Zypitamag today through Marley Drug!</a>&nbsp;to learn more.</p><h6>* Conditions may apply. Visit <a href="https://patient.zypitamag.com/one-dollar-per-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.zypitamag.com</a> for more information.<br>†&nbsp;<em>The effect of pitavastatin on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.</em></h6><p><br></p>

“I feel pain and weakness in my muscles.” If you have been taking a statin and you face the above situation, it is possible you may be experiencing a side effect from your statin. What are statins? It is alarming that more…

Statin muscle pain is the most common side effect of statin medication. What no one tells you if you have other options. Learn more.

Do you have Statin Muscle Pain? Will Switching Statins Help?

Cholesterol

Heart Health

Statin muscle pain is more common then you think. Will switching statins help?

What is a Statin and its Role in Your Health? Statins are a class of medications that help to lower cholesterol. As a class, statins are well known to reduce symptoms and risks associated with cardiovascular diseases. Statins are the most prescribed…

Statins are a class of medications that lower cholesterol. In some cases, additional therapies are required to lower one's cholesterol even further. Learn more.

Statin not enough? What else can you do?

<h2>What is Cholesterol?</h2>
	
	<p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/cholesterol-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care">Cholesterol</a> is a fat-like, waxy substance that plays a key role in producing several hormones and vitamin D. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs to function properly.</p>
	
	<p>Excess cholesterol, obtained from consuming red meat, fried foods, and other processed foods builds up in the arteries and hardens, making it harder for blood to flow as needed. </p>
	
	<p>This build-up, known as atherosclerosis, does not have many symptoms in the early stages. However, it can lead to severe chest pains known as <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/stable-angina">angina</a> and eventually a heart attack. Therefore, it is important to check your cholesterol regularly and make sure you are within a healthy range.</p>
	
	<h2>What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?</h2>
	
	<p style="margin-bottom:10px;">A cholesterol test not only measures the level of cholesterol in your body, but also three different types of fat:</p>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><span style="border-bottom:.125em #fee203 solid; font-weight:600;">Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)</span>: the “bad cholesterol” and main cause of cholesterol build-up. </li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><span style="border-bottom:.125em #fee203 solid; font-weight:600;">High-density lipoproteins (HDL)</span>: the “good cholesterol” which transports excess cholesterol to the liver to then be excreted</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><span style="border-bottom:.125em #fee203 solid; font-weight:600;">Triglycerides</span>: a fat that is linked to heart disease.</li>
	</ul>

	<h2>What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?</h2>
	
	<p>	Your cholesterol levels will not only be measured against an “average standard” but also your individual risk factors. If your levels seem elevated, consult your healthcare provider to help you interpret your results.</p>
	

	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">Total blood cholesterol level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: 240 mg/dL and above</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Borderline high risk: 200&ndash;239 mg/dL</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">LDL cholesterol level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: 190 mg/dL and above</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Lower risk: 189 mg/dL and below
			<p>Depending on your risk factor, you may need to lower your LDL by 30% to 50% to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels.</p>
		</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">HDL cholesterol level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women.</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">Triglycerides level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: 200 mg/dL and above</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Borderline high risk: 150&ndash;199 mg/dL</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Normal: below 150 mg/dL</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h2>What Are Other Risk Factors?</h2>
	
	<p style="margin-bottom:10px;">When assessing you for heightened cholesterol, your healthcare provider will also ask you about:</p>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Family history</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Age</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Weight</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Race</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Gender</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Diet</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/understanding-blood-pressure-readings">Blood pressure</a></li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Physical activity</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/quitting-smoking-a-difficult-but-important-decision">Smoking status</a></li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Blood sugar level</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">And other health conditions you have that may put you at a higher risk of <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/understanding-crp">heart disease</a> and heart attacks</li>
	</ul>
	
	
	
	
	<h2>Preparing For Your Cholesterol Test</h2>
	
	<p>Your healthcare provider will either suggest doing a “fasting” or “non-fasting” cholesterol test.</p>
	
	<p>If you do a “non-fasting” test, you can show up to the lab at any time to have your blood drawn without needing to prepare in any way.</p>
	
	<p>If your healthcare provider specifically requests you do “fasting” bloodwork, ensure you haven't eaten or drunk anything (except water) for 9&ndash;12 hours prior to visiting the lab. Typically, this is best done in the morning after you have woken up.</p>
	
	<p>If your results from a non-fasting test come back elevated, your healthcare provider may have you do fasting bloodwork to get a better idea of your condition.</p>
	


	<h2>What To Expect After The Test</h2>

	<p>Based on your cholesterol test results and any other risk factors you may have, your healthcare provider may suggest dietary and physical activity improvements to make to reduce your risk for <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/heart-failure">heart failure</a>.</p>
	
	<p>They may also suggest medication to lower and regulate your cholesterol levels.</p>
	
	<h2>How Often Should I Have a Cholesterol Test?</h2>
	
	<p>It is recommended that, over the age of 20, you test your cholesterol a minimum of every 5 years. If you have a higher risk factor, your healthcare provider may suggest you get tested more often.</p>

A cholesterol test not only measures the level of cholesterol in your body, but also three different types of fat:

    Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): the “bad cholesterol” and main cause of cholesterol build-up.
    High-density lipoproteins (HDL): the “good cholesterol” which transports excess cholesterol to the liver to then be excreted
    Triglycerides: a fat that is linked to heart disease.

Cholesterol test measures LDL. HDL, tryglycerides and total cholesterol levels. What is healthy range for each level?

What Do Your Cholesterol Test Results Mean?

Read Our Blogs on Cholesterol Related Topics!

Pitavastatin is a statin used to treat high cholesterol. It is available as Livalo (pitavastatin calcium) and Zypitamag (pitavastatin calcium). This video goes over 5 important things to know about pitavastatin and what makes it different.

5 Things to Know about Pitavastatin

Things to Ask Your Healthcare Provider Before Choosing a Statin

Side Effects is the #1 Reason People Stop Taking Statins

Other Related Videos

Hydrophilic vs. Lipophilic Statins

Statins and Drug Interactions

Understanding Statins and CoQ10

Have medication questions?
Talk with a pharmacist today.

Read Our Blogs on Cholesterol Related Topics!

Statin muscle pain is more common then you think. Will switching statins help?

Statin not enough? What else can you do?

What Do Your Cholesterol Test Results Mean?

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5 Things to Know about Pitavastatin

Things to Ask Your Healthcare Provider Before Choosing a Statin​

Side Effects is the #1 Reason People Stop Taking Statins

Other Related Videos

Hydrophilic vs. Lipophilic Statins

Statins and Drug Interactions

Understanding Statins and CoQ10

Have medication questions?Talk with a pharmacist today.

Statin muscle pain is more common then you think. Will switching statins help?

Statin not enough? What else can you do?

What Do Your Cholesterol Test Results Mean?

Things to Ask Your Healthcare Provider Before Choosing a Statin

Have medication questions?
Talk with a pharmacist today.