The Basics
What is Pitavastatin?
Used to reduce the amount of fatty substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood and to increase the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Brand names for Pitavastatin
Livalo
How Pitavastatin is classified
Anticholesteremic Agents, Antilipemic Agents, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Pitavastatin During Pregnancy
Pitavastatin pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Pitavastatin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Pitavastatin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Pitavastatin?
No relevant published information exists on the use of pitavastatin during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, the consensus is that pitavastatin should not be used during breastfeeding. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No relevant published information exists on the use of pitavastatin during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, the consensus is that pitavastatin should not be used during breastfeeding. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Pitavastatin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Pitavastatin
Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Holmsen ST, Bakkebo T, Seferowicz M et al. Statins and breastfeeding in familial hypercholesterolaemia. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2017;137:686-7. PMID: 28551957
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
