Statin Use Way Up: Pitavastatin Introduced to the U.S as a Next-Generation Statin
Your doctor may have recommended that you take a medication called a statin if you have high cholesterol and you haven’t been able to get it under control with diet, exercise, or weight loss alone.
Statins remain the first line of defense for managing cholesterol. They are generally well-tolerated and have a favorable safety profile. There is a large body of evidence that supports the widespread use of statins with their ability to reduce the risk of developing heart disease†.
Updated Guidelines Recommend Statins for More Patients
- People diagnosed with cardiovascular disease
- People who have high levels of LDL-C, or bad cholesterol (greater than 190 mg/dL)
- People with diabetes between the age of 40 to 75, regardless of their cholesterol levels
- People with elevated LDL-C (over 100 mg/dL) with an increased risk of developing heart disease (e.g., family history)
History of Statins
The first statin, lovastatin, was approved in the United States over 30 years ago on September 1st, 1987. Since then, tens of millions of Americans have taken a statin to help manage their cholesterol levels. Statin use has increased steadily over the years and has more than doubled in the last 20 years. With the recent changes to the guidelines, this use will undoubtedly increase further.
The most commonly used statin in the U.S right now is atorvastatin, which was approved in 1996. While the majority of statins currently available are several decades old, there are newer statin options available. Pitavastatin was introduced to the U.S. in 2009 and is the most recently approved statin type.
About Pitavastatin
Pitavastatin is a third-generation statin that helps to lower the LDL-C levels in your body. It is currently available in the U.S. as Livalo (pitavastatin calcium) or Zypitamag (pitavastatin magnesium). Livalo was approved in 2009 and Zypitamag was approved in 2017.
The biggest difference between Livalo and Zypitamag is the price. Livalo costs over $1000 for a 90-day prescription, whereas Zypitamag is as little as just $1.15 a day, or $90 for a 90-day prescription.
Besides the price, the FDA has deemed the two products to be bioequivalent.
What makes Pitavastatin different
- It produces dose-dependent reductions in LDL-C (bad cholesterol)
- The maximum approved dose of 4 mg reduces LDL-C by an average of 45%
- It provides sustained LDL-C lowering and has been studied for several years
- It has been shown to increase HDL-C (good cholesterol) in the body
- It has less potential for certain drug-drug interactions compared to some of the already existing statins on the market.
- It is clinically superior to pravastatin in lowering LDL-C
- Is well-tolerated, with discontinuation rates at the highest dose (4 mg) of less than 4%
- Has been studied by people living with type 2 diabetes and shown to effectively reduce cholesterol levels
Where to get Pitavastatin
You can access Zypitamag (pitavastatin) for $1.15 per day* without any insurance hassles through our partner Marley Drug.
Additional Benefits of ordering through Marley Drug:
- No insurance is needed
- Free Shipping Nationwide
- Available to all patients*
- Plus – receive the first 30 days FREE with a valid Rx*!
See how you can access Zypitamag (pitavastatin) for $1.15 per day.