Pitamed 4 Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Mednich Pharmaceuticals |
| Active Ingredient | Pitavastatin (4mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Phenylquinoline derivatives |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | CARDIAC |
| Action Class | HMG CoA inhibitors (statins) |
| User Rating | 4.7 |
| User Reviews | 633 |
FAQ
What is Pitamed 4 used for?
Pitamed 4 is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to reduce bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of medicines called statins that lower the cholesterol in the blood. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the liver in order to decrease the amount of cholesterol that accumulates on the walls of the arteries. Improving the levels of cholesterol in the blood helps to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Will taking Pitamed 4 increase my risk of diabetes?
Yes, taking Pitamed 4 may further increase the risk if you are already at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because Pitamed 4 like other statins may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Hence, regular checking and monitoring of blood sugar levels are important if you already have diabetes, especially during the first few months.
Is it safe to take Pitamed 4?
Yes, Pitamed 4 is safe if used as prescribed by the doctor and if the doctor’s instructions are followed. The side effects of this medicine are few and do not occur in everyone.
Does Pitamed 4 make you tired?
Yes, Pitamed 4 can make you feel tired. This is because they reduce the energy supply to the muscles in the body. However, the exact reason behind the phenomenon is unknown and needs more research. Tiredness usually occurs after exertion. Generalized fatigue is more often seen in people with heart disease or in those suffering from liver illness. Pitamed 4 also causes muscle damage which further worsens the tiredness. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Pitamed 4.
What foods should be avoided when taking Pitamed 4?
Pitamed 4 is used to decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, to seek the best results of this medicine, you should avoid foods which are high in calories like fried food and junk food. It is recommended to eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.
Does Pitamed 4 cause hair loss?
No, hair loss has not been reported with the use of Pitamed 4. If you are experiencing hair loss then it could be due to some other medicine that you are taking or because of some other condition.
For how long should I take Pitamed 4?
You may need to take Pitamed 4 for life or for as long as directed by your doctor. The cholesterol levels will be maintained only until you are taking Pitamed 4. Stopping Pitamed 4 without starting a different treatment may increase your cholesterol levels again. This medicine has only a few side effects and is usually considered safe if taken as directed by the doctor.
What is the most important thing I should be aware of while using Pitamed 4?
If you notice unexplained muscle pain or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, you should immediately consult your doctor. Pitamed 4 should be discontinued immediately as these could be signs of serious side effects of Pitamed 4. Similarly, if you experience tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine or yellowish discoloration of skin, consult your doctor who will suggest whether to continue or discontinue Pitamed 4.
Can I take Pitamed 4 if I have liver disease or if my liver enzymes are raised?
No, you should not take Pitamed 4 if you have active liver disease and if your liver enzymes are increased. Taking Pitamed 4 will further deteriorate your liver condition.
Can I take alcohol with Pitamed 4?
No. It is not advised to take alcohol with Pitamed 4. This is because the risk of developing liver problems increases if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Moreover, there is a significant increase in triglyceride levels if Pitamed 4 is taken along with alcohol. This can further lead to liver damage and also worsen some of the side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and tenderness. People with liver problems are therefore advised, not to take Pitamed 4 without consulting your doctor. They should also refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this medicine to get maximum benefit.
What if you forget to take Pitamed Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Pitamed 4, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Pitamed 4 Tablet Reviews
Pitamed 4 belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It is used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up in your blood vessels and causes narrowing, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Pitamed 4 is regarded as safe for long-term use. It can be taken with a meal or on an empty stomach. You can take it at any time of the day but try to take it at the same time each day. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel ill, but stopping your medicine may increase your cholesterol levels, making your condition worse and increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. This medicine is only one part of the treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat.
Common side effects of this medicine include muscle pain, back pain, diarrhea, constipation, and pain in extremity. These are usually mild and disappear after a short time. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you notice any yellowing of your eyes or get repeated or unexplained muscle pains.
This medicine should not be used in conditions such as liver disease. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine as it may harm the developing baby. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels while taking this medicine, as it may lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.
How Pitamed 4 Tablet Works
Pitamed 4 is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
How to Use Pitamed 4 Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Pitamed 4 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Pitamed 4 Tablet
- In High cholesterol: Pitamed 4 works by reducing the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raising the amount of “good” cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Lowering the amount of cholesterol reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for longer.Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthy and staying active) to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
- In Prevention of heart attack and stroke: High levels of cholesterol can cause your blood vessels to narrow (atherosclerosis) and put you at risk of having a stroke or heart disease. Lowering the amount of this fat reduces the chances of this happening and helps you remain healthier for longer. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well.
Uses of Pitamed 4 Tablet
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke
- High cholesterol
Pitamed 4 Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Pitamed 4 is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
SAFE
Pitamed 4 does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Pitamed 4. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Pitamed 4 is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Liver
CAUTION
Pitamed 4 should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Pitamed 4 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
CAUTION
Pitamed 4 should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Pitamed 4 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and a low-fat diet to lower the levels of fat in the blood.
- It can be taken with or without food at any time of the day.
- Do not take Pitamed 4 if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Pitamed 4 may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
References
- Gotto AM Jr, Opie LH. Lipid-Modifying Antiatherosclerotic Drugs. In: Opie LH, Gersh BJ, editors. Drugs for the Heart. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier Saunders; 2013. pp. 422.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1128-29.
- Pitavastatin [Prescribing Information]. Tokyo, Japan: Kowa Company, Limited; 2009.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Bersot TP. Drug Therapy for Hypercholesterolemia and Dyslipidemia. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 892-98.
- Pitavastatin. Cincinnati, Ohio: Patheon Inc.; 2009.
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Pitavastatin. [Updated 2018 Dec 3].