Pitavastatin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 1, 2023.

Applies to pitavastatin: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of pitavastatin

Along with its needed effects, pitavastatin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pitavastatin:

Less common side effects

• back pain
• difficulty with moving
• joint pain
• muscle ache, cramp, pain, or stiffness
• pain in the arms and legs
• swollen joints

Incidence not known

• chills
• clay-colored stools
• cough
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• hives or welts, itching skin, or rash
• loss of appetite
• muscle spasm
• nausea
• runny nose
• shivering
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• sweating
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• vomiting of blood
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of pitavastatin

Some side effects of pitavastatin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• difficulty having a bowel movement

Incidence not known

• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• inability to have or keep an erection
• irritability
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• loss of interest or pleasure
• loss of memory
• problems with memory
• redness of the skin
• trouble concentrating
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pitavastatin: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects have included myalgia, back pain, diarrhea, constipation, and extremity pain.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, diarrhea
• Postmarketing reports: Abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, myalgia, pain in extremity
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, rhabdomyolysis, myopathy, myositis, elevated creatinine phosphokinase
• Postmarketing reports: Muscle spasm^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Bilirubin increased, liver enzymes abnormal, elevated transaminases, elevated alkaline phosphatase
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, jaundice, fatal hepatic failure, nonfatal hepatic failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Rash, pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Influenza, creatine phosphokinase increased, transaminases increased, alkaline phosphatase increased
• Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, fatigue, malaise^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, hypoesthesia, peripheral neuropathy^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: HbA1c elevations, fasting serum glucose elevations, increased blood glucose^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure, myoglobinuria^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Nasopharyngitis
• Postmarketing reports: Interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, and urticaria^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Postmarketing reports: Insomnia, depression

Statin use:

Postmarketing report: Confusion, cognitive impairment, memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment^[Ref]

There have been reports of cognitive impairment such as memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, and confusion associated with statin use. These reports are generally nonserious, and reversible with drug discontinuation. Time to symptom onset has been reported as 1 day to years with resolution at a median of 3 weeks following discontinuation.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Immunologic

Statin use:

• Postmarketing reports: Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy

Frequently asked questions

• What are the side effects of statins?
• Do statins help treat COVID-19?

Further information

Pitavastatin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer