Drug interactions
Pioglitazone + Pitavastatin
Severity: Minor
Pioglitazone and Pitavastatin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Pioglitazone is described as a weak OATP1B1 inhibitor in vitro, which could slightly raise pitavastatin exposure. A clinically meaningful increase in myopathy risk is not well established and is likely small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pioglitazone and Pitavastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine; Pitavastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible weak inhibition of OATP1B1-mediated hepatic uptake of pitavastatin by pioglitazone, based largely on in vitro data.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle symptoms.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Pitavastatin
- Cyclosporine + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Erythromycin base + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin lactobionate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin stearate + Pitavastatin Major
Other interactions of Pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pioglitazone with Pitavastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Pioglitazone and Pitavastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pioglitazone is described as a weak OATP1B1 inhibitor in vitro, which could slightly raise pitavastatin exposure. A clinically meaningful increase in myopathy risk is not well established and is likely small.
How serious is the interaction between Pioglitazone and Pitavastatin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Pitavastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pitavastatin with, for example, Cyclosporine, Cyclosporin, Erythromycin base. The full list is on the Pitavastatin page.
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