LIVAMED 1 (Pitavastatin): Potent HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor

Active Substance: Pitavastatin Calcium ($1 \text{ mg/tab}$)

Manufacturer: Deus Medical

Pack: 1 Box of 2x 25 Tablets ($1 \text{ mg}$ per Tablet)

Form: Oral

What Is Pitavastatin?

Pitavastatin belongs to the class of medications known as statins, or ¹$\text{HMG-CoA}$ reductase inhibitors.² It is used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and is considered one of the newer, more potent statins available.³

Pitavastatin works by blocking the enzyme ⁴$\text{HMG-CoA}$ reductase in the liver.⁵ This enzyme is the rate-limiting step in the body's natural production of cholesterol. By inhibiting this process, Pitavastatin effectively reduces the total amount of "bad" cholesterol (⁶$\text{LDL}$) in the bloodstream.⁷

Core Functions and Mechanism

• $\text{LDL}$ Reduction: The primary function is to significantly reduce levels of $\text{LDL}$ cholesterol, which is essential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

• High Potency: Pitavastatin is known to be highly effective at low doses, often achieving the same therapeutic effect as higher doses of older statins.

• Metabolic Profile: It exhibits minimal metabolism through the ⁸$\text{CYP}3\text{A}4$ pathway in the liver, which reduces the potential for drug interactions compared to many other statins.⁹

• Cardiovascular Protection: By improving the lipid profile (lowering ¹⁰$\text{LDL}$ and triglycerides), it helps prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries.¹¹

 Usage and Dosage Protocols

Pitavastatin is a prescription medication and must be taken according to medical guidance.¹²

• Recommended Dosage: The standard starting dosage for Pitavastatin is typically ¹³$1 \text{ mg}$ to ¹⁴$2 \text{ mg}$ once daily.¹⁵ The $1 \text{ mg}$ tablet allows for precise control over dosing.

• Administration: Typically taken once a day, with or without food.

• Monitoring: Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor lipid levels and check for potential side effects, such as elevated liver enzymes.¹⁶

 Side Effects and Warnings

Like all statins, Pitavastatin carries a risk of side effects, primarily affecting muscle and liver tissue.¹⁷

• Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis: The most serious, though rare, side effect is rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), often preceded by muscle aches and weakness (myopathy). Users must report unexplained muscle pain or weakness to a physician immediately.

• Liver Enzymes: Statins can cause elevation of liver enzymes (¹⁸$\text{ALT}$ and ¹⁹$\text{AST}$).²⁰

• Other Side Effects: Headache, constipation, and common cold symptoms are possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Pitavastatin relevant to anabolic steroid users?

Anabolic steroids severely worsen the lipid profile (cholesterol), drastically lowering protective ²¹$\text{HDL}$ and raising harmful ²²$\text{LDL}$.²³ Pitavastatin is used by some athletes to aggressively combat this steroid-induced $\text{LDL}$ elevation and mitigate the associated cardiovascular risks during a cycle.

2. Is Pitavastatin more potent than other statins?

Yes. Pitavastatin is considered one of the most potent statins on a per-milligram basis.²⁴ This high potency means that very low dosages (like $1 \text{ mg}$) can achieve significant $\text{LDL}$ reduction compared to the starting doses of older statins.

3. Should Pitavastatin be taken at night or in the morning?

Unlike some older, shorter-acting statins (which must be taken at night because cholesterol production peaks then), Pitavastatin is a long-acting statin.²⁵ It can be taken effectively at any time of the day due to its prolonged inhibitory effect on the ²⁶$\text{HMG-CoA}$ reductase enzyme.²⁷

4. How does Pitavastatin differ from Ezetimibe (EZETIMED 10)?

They work differently:

• Pitavastatin (LIVAMED 1): Works in the liver to block the production of cholesterol (²⁸$\text{HMG-CoA}$ reductase inhibitor).²⁹

• Ezetimibe: Works in the intestine to block the absorption of cholesterol.30

  They are often used together to target both sources of cholesterol effectively.31