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zypitamag

Zypitamag (Pitavastatin Magnesium) is a medication used to treat Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipoproteinemias, Hypertriglyceridemia.

Pitavastatin Magnesium · by Medicure

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Pitavastatin Magnesium
Form
Tablet
Strength
Pitavastatin Magnesium EQ 1MG Base · Pitavastatin Magnesium EQ 2MG Base · Pitavastatin Magnesium EQ 4MG Base
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Medicure
Half-life
about 12 hours (how long it stays in your system)
FDA application
NDA208379

What is Zypitamag?

From the FDA label:ZYPITAMAG (pitavastatin) tablets for oral use is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The chemical name for pitavastatin is (3R,5S)-7-[2-Cyclopropyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl) quinoline-3-yl]3,5-dihydroxy-6(E)-heptanoic acid hemi magnesium. The structural formula is: The molecular formula for pitavastatin is C 50 H 46 MgF 2 N 2 O 8 and the molecular weight is 865.21. Pitavastatin is a white to off-white powder. It is freely soluble in acetone, ethyl acetate; soluble in dimethylsulfoxide and insoluble in dichloromethane and isopropyl alcohol. Pitavastatin is hygroscopic and slightly unstable in light. Each film-coated tablet of ZYPITAMAG contains 2.053 mg or 4.106 mg of pitavastatin magnesium, which is equivalent to 2 mg or 4 mg, respectively of free base and the following inactive ingredients: calcium carbonate, crospovidone, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and sodium carbonate anhydrous and film-coating containing the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, talc and titanium dioxide. Image

How to use

Take orally once daily with or without food at the same time each day. ( 2.1 ). For patients requiring a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving ZYPITAMAG 4 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. ( 2.1 ) Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiation of ZYPITAMAG, and adjust the dosage if necessary. ( 2.1 ) Recommended dosage is 2 mg to 4 mg once daily. Maximum recommended dosage is 4 mg once daily. ( 2.2 ) Recommended starting dosage for patients with moderate and severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis is 1 mg once daily. ZYPITAMAG is not available in a 1 mg dose; use an alternative formulation of pitavastatin. Maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) See full prescribing information for ZYPITAMAG dosage modifications due to drug interactions. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Take ZYPITAMAG orally once daily with or without food at the same time each day. For patients that require a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving ZYPITAMAG 4 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating ZYPITAMAG, and adjust the dosage if necessary. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adults The recommended dosage range of ZYPITAMAG…

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . The most frequent adverse reactions (rate ≥ 2%) were myalgia, constipation, diarrhea, back pain, and pain in extremity. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Medicure at 1-800-509-0544 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of one drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Adults with Primary Hyperlipidemia In 10 controlled clinical studies and 4 subsequent open-label extension studies, 3,291 adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia were administered pitavastatin 1 mg to 4 mg daily. The mean continuous exposure of pitavastatin (1 mg to 4 mg) was 36.7 weeks (median 51.1 weeks). The mean age of the patients was 60.9 years (range; 18 years – 89 years) and 52% females. Approximately 93% of the patients were…

Warnings

Important safety information

Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher ZYPITAMAG dosage. Discontinue ZYPITAMAG if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue ZYPITAMAG in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the ZYPITAMAG dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever ( 5.1 , 7 , 8.5 , 8.6 ). Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): Rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, have been reported. Discontinue ZYPITAMAG if IMNM is suspected. ( 5.2 ). Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases have occurred, some persistent. Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider testing liver enzyme before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue ZYPITAMAG. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis ZYPITAMAG may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase [CK]) and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with statins, including pitavastatin. Risk Factors for Myopathy Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (including other lipid-lowering therapies), and higher ZYPITAMAG dosage [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 ), and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 , 8.6 )] . Dosages of pitavastatin greater than 4 mg once daily were associated with an increased risk for severe myopathy in premarketing clinical studies. The maximum recommended dose of ZYPITAMAG is 4 mg once daily. Steps to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in patients taking cyclosporine and not recommended in patients taking gemfibrozil [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . There are pitavastatin dosage restrictions for patients taking erythromycin or rifampin [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . The following drugs when used concomitantly with ZYPITAMAG may also increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis: lipid-modifying dosages of niacin (>1 grams/day), fibrates, and colchicine [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Discontinue ZYPITAMAG if markedly elevated CK levels occur or if myopathy is either diagnosed or suspected. Muscle symptoms and CK elevations may resolve if ZYPITAMAG is discontinued. Temporarily discontinue ZYPITAMAG in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy). Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the ZYPITAMAG dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 5.2 Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use, including reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered. IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. Additional neuromuscular and serologic testing may be necessary. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents may be required. Discontinue ZYPITAMAG if IMNM is suspected. 5.3 Hepatic Dysfunction Increases in serum transaminases have been reported with ZYPITAMAG [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . In most cases, these changes appeared soon after initiation, were transient, were not accompanied by symptoms, and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including pitavastatin. Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatic injury. Consider liver enzyme testing before the initiation of ZYPITAMAG and when clinically indicated thereafter. ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue ZYPITAMAG. 5.4 Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with statins, including pitavastatin. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices.

Who should not take Zypitamag

ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in the following conditions: Concomitant use of cyclosporine [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypersensitivity to pitavastatin or any excipients in ZYPITAMAG. Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, rash, pruritus, and urticaria have been reported with pitavastatin [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Cyclosporine ( 4 , 7 ) Active liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 , 5.3 ) Hypersensitivity to pitavastatin or any excipients in ZYPITAMAG ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

No specific treatment for pitavastatin overdose is known. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for latest recommendations. Hemodialysis is unlikely to be of benefit due to high protein binding ratio of pitavastatin.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of ZYPITAMAG with other drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. ( 2.4 , 7 ). Table 2 includes a list of drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when administered concomitantly with ZYPITAMAG and instructions for preventing or managing drug interactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Table 2. Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with ZYPITAMAG Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Cyclosporine significantly increases pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis . Intervention: Concomitant use of cyclosporine with ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Gemfibrozil Clinical Impact: Gemfibrozil may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of gemfibrozil with statins, including pitavastatin. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use of gemfibrozil with ZYPITAMAG. Erythromycin Clinical Impact: Erythromycin significantly increases pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis . Intervention: In patients taking erythromycin, do not exceed ZYPITAMAG 1 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )]. Rifampin Clinical Impact: Rifampin significantly increases peak pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis . Intervention: In patients taking rifampin, do not exceed ZYPITAMAG 2 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )]. Fibrates Clinical Impact: Fibrates may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of fibrates with statins, including pitavastatin. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using fibrates concomitantly with ZYPITAMAG outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Niacin Clinical Impact: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be increased with concomitant use of lipid-modifying doses (1 g/day) of niacin with pitavastatin. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using lipid-modifying doses (>1 g/day) of niacin concomitantly with ZYPITAMAG outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Colchicine Clinical Impact: Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of colchicine with statins, including pitavastatin. Intervention: Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of colchicine with ZYPITAMAG.

How long does Pitavastatin Magnesium stay in your body?

The elimination half-life of pitavastatin magnesium is about 12 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the mean plasma elimination (terminal) half-life the label reports in §12.3 for typical adults; the label gives no separate distribution-phase figure. Pitavastatin is not a prodrug. Its main metabolite is pitavastatin lactone (formed by UGT glucuronidation, with only minimal CYP450 involvement); the label does not describe the lactone as an active moiety and gives no half-life for it, so there is no known active metabolite that outlasts the parent. Liver impairment lengthens it: in the hepatic-impairment study, mean half-life was 15 hours with moderate impairment and 10 hours with mild impairment, versus 8 hours in the healthy volunteers of that same study (a lower figure than the ~12-hour overall mean, so treat these as within-study comparisons rather than absolute values). For kidney impairment the label reports higher exposure (AUC roughly 102% higher in moderate impairment, 86% higher in hemodialysis patients, 36% higher in severe impairment) but does not state a changed half-life. In adults 65 and older, Cmax and AUC were about 10% and 30% higher; again no half-life change is stated. This is not a drug-test detection window and not dosing guidance.

This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: DailyMed — PITAVASTATIN CALCIUM (pitavastatin) tablet, film coated — FDA label, §12.3 Pharmacokinetics.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Zypitamag treat?
Zypitamag (Pitavastatin Magnesium) may be used to treat hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemias, hypertriglyceridemia, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Zypitamag?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Zypitamag. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Zypitamag?
Zypitamag is marketed by Medicure. You can see Medicure's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Zypitamag a brand-name or generic drug?
Zypitamag is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Pitavastatin Magnesium.
Is Zypitamag available over the counter?
No. Zypitamag is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Zypitamag come in?
Zypitamag is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Zypitamag FDA-registered?
Zypitamag is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA208379. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Zypitamag safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Zypitamag. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Zypitamag?
Zypitamag's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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