Why is Livalo so Expensive?
Why is Livalo so expensive?
Livalo is one of the more cost-effective prescription drug alternatives for high cholesterol, but that doesn’t imply it’s inexpensive. Why is Livalo so expensive? We will discover this in the later part of this blog. Livalo does more than just lower cholesterol. But, why is Livalo so expensive?
Livalo is an expensive brand-name medication with no generic option currently available in the USA. There are a number of reasons why is Livalo so expensive such as patent laws that forbid the sale of a generic option and unregulated pricing.
Let’s start with introducing Livalo.
What is Livalo used for?
Livalo belongs to the statin drug class, which lowers blood cholesterol. Pitavastatin is the chemical name. It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the initial phase of cholesterol production like other statins do.
Livalo uses:
It is taken in conjunction with a healthy diet to help boost “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower “bad” cholesterol and fats (such as LDL and triglycerides) in the blood.
Raising “good” cholesterol while lowering “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides reduces the risk of heart disease and aids in the prevention of strokes and heart attacks.
Exercise, weight loss if overweight, and quitting smoking are some lifestyle changes that may help this drug work better, in addition to eating a healthy diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet).
Some related warnings:
If you have liver illness, take cyclosporine, have severely abnormal liver enzyme testing, or both, you shouldn’t take Livalo.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, avoid using Livalo.
To make sure Livalo is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- Kidney disease;
- Liver disease;
- A thyroid disorder; or
- If you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Without consulting a doctor, never administer this medication to a youngster.
How should I take Livalo?
Exactly as directed by your doctor, take Livalo. Observe every instruction on the prescription drug label.
You may need to stop using Livalo for a short time if you have:
- Uncontrolled seizures;
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
- Severely low blood pressure;
- A severe infection or illness;
- Dehydration; or
- Surgery or a medical emergency.
Livalo Dosage:
Initial dose: 2 mg orally once a day to be taken with/without food and can be increased to 4 mg once a day to be taken with/without food.
Livalo side effects:
Livalo’s side effects could be mild or very serious. The following is a list of some of the most serious adverse effects that could occur when using Livalo.
Among the mild side effects are:
- Back pain,
- Constipation,
- Diarrhea,
- Pain in your arms or legs, and mild muscle pain.
Most of these negative effects might go away in a couple of days or weeks. If they worsen or continue, though, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Livalo Serious side effects can include:
- Soreness in the muscles,
- Liver issues,
- Elevated blood sugar levels, and
- Allergic responses.
Livalo side-effects in young kids:
A specific form of high cholesterol in children 8 years of age and older may now be treated with Livalo. The potential negative effects of Livalo in children should be similar to those in adults.
Muscle damage and pain:
Livalo can, in rare circumstances, injure muscles, which can result in more significant issues. This encompasses issues like:
- Rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis causes muscle cells to decompose and release their contents into the bloodstream. Renal failure could develop from these substances. Rhabdomyolysis can be fatal if it is not addressed.
- Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). When you have IMNM, your immune system specifically targets and kills your muscle cells. Falling, muscular wasting, and trouble moving your arms or legs are all signs of IMNM.
Liver problems:
Rarely, the drug Livalo may cause increased liver enzyme readings (types of proteins). This may point to serious liver problems.
Increased blood sugar level:
Livalo may occasionally cause blood sugar levels to rise. Frequent urine and increased thirst are two indicators of high blood sugar.
If your blood sugar levels are regularly high, your risk of developing diabetes may rise. Nevertheless, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of getting this illness.
Allergic reaction:
Skin rashes, itching, and flushing are signs of a potentially more serious allergic reaction (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color). A severe allergic reaction is characterized by swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, and breathing problems.
Livalo and Memory loss:
There have been reports of cognitive impairment brought on by statin use, including amnesia, memory loss, forgetfulness, and confusion. Most of the time, these concerns are insignificant and treatable by quitting the medication.
Livalo and alcohol:
Livalo doesn’t appear to interact in any manner with alcohol.
However, both Livalo and alcohol can damage the liver. Alcohol abusers who use livalo may be more prone to liver problems.
Know Livalo cost and Why is Livalo so Expensive:
Similar to any other drug, Livalo’s price can vary. Most of the time, the price of Livalo in other strengths and 2-mg pills are equal. However, the ultimate cost you pay will vary depending on your insurance policy, where you live, and the pharmacy you choose. Livalo without insurance can cost anything between $550 and 760 for a 30days supply.
Please keep in mind that Livalo may be available in a 90-day supply. If your insurance company permits it, buying a 90-day supply of the prescription can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the pharmacy and save money.
You can find huge discount offers on MedsEngage Pharmacy
If you’re interested in this option, speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.
Even though the drug has a standard price, online pharmacies provide Prescription Discount Code for even greater discounts.
But, why is Livalo not covered by insurance?
The insurance companies that do cover Livalo can need prior clearance before approving a claim. Livalo is categorized by insurance companies as a Tier 3 medicine or, worse yet, a non-preferred drug in their formularies. The exact out-of-pocket Livalo cost with insurance will vary on the insurance plan, but copay and coinsurance charges are likely to be large. This can also be a reason why is livalo so expensive?
Now, the question arises, How to save on Livalo?
Livalo is frequently a more reasonable option for statin drugs, even though prescription drug pricing can vary. This is especially true after various coupons and discounts are taken into account.
As was already mentioned, a month’s worth of Livalo cost without insurance is close to $550 to $760. The identical 30-day supply of Livalo Price a much lower rate at MedsEngage Pharmacy, which is less than the original price in the US.
Pitavastatin, a Livalo generic substitute, is also readily available. By choosing this option, you may save even more money.
Why is Livalo so expensive in the United States than in Canada or other countries is a common query. The issue is complicated and has a long history. Although the solution may be complicated, a lack of price regulation is mostly to blame for the high cost of medications in the US.
The absence of government laws and restrictions regarding pricing for pharmaceutical producers and distribution is the main cause of higher Livalo Price in the US. This stands in stark contrast to other nations throughout the world, such as Canada, where the national government actively regulates the price that pharmaceutical corporations can charge for prescription drugs.
Instead of government restrictions dictating the pricing of Livalo and other prescription drugs, drug firms are free to establish prices as they see fit. This is true regardless of how vital a drug may be to save lives; there is no regulatory authority that can tell them they are charging too much, making Livalo so expensive.
The patent system also shields drug corporations from rivalry, allowing them to maintain excessively high pricing for years until generic medicine competition drives down prices.
Livalo alternatives:
The following are some of the most common alternatives to Livalo.
Crestor:
Due to the fact that they are both statins, Crestor and Livalo have comparable modes of action. Along with other statins, they frequently cause myalgia (muscle pain), constipation or diarrhea, and increased liver and muscle enzymes. Livalo probably carries a lower risk of muscle soreness when compared to Crestor.
However, Crestor has more power. The most effective statin, Crestor, can lower LDL levels by more than 50%. This gives you a legitimate alternative if Livalo is unable to reduce your cholesterol levels to the goals your doctor has set. You might be able to save some money by utilising the generic version of Crestor instead of either of the brand-name variations of Pitavastatin, Livalo, or Zypitamag.
Lipitor:
Lipitor is a different high-intensity statin that offers greater LDL reductions than Livalo. It is more often prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) than Livalo, costs less than Crestor, and is also offered in generic form. Livalo may not be the best option if your cholesterol profile shows high levels of LDL and triglycerides. Lipitor and Crestor might be.
The most effective statins for lowering triglycerides are Lipitor and Crestor. If high triglyceride levels are your primary concern, you may also want to investigate the fibrate medication class, which includes Tricor and Lopid. Compared to Livalo, Lipitor offers greater LDL reductions. It is more often prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) than Livalo, costs less than Crestor, and is also offered in generic form. Bear in mind that not everyone should take Lipitor. If you consume a lot of grapefruit juice, it might even be problematic and increase your risk of muscle pain and drug interactions.
Pravachol:
You can select a statin that is less potent but still effective. This may interest you if you take cholesterol medicine as a main preventive measure—that is, if you haven’t been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease but are trying to avoid this kind of issue.Pravachol may be the best option for you if Livalo is negatively affecting you and you don’t require a big drop in LDL to achieve your goals. The cheaper price of generic Pravachol, or pravastatin, as opposed to the brand-name medication Livalo, is another justification for switching.
Zetia:
If Livalo and other statins do not work for you, Zetia can be a good alternative. Generic Zetia, commonly known as ezetimibe, may be less expensive than Livalo. Zetia’s mode of action is also unique because it prevents cholesterol absorption. This would mean that you have some control over Livalo’s adverse effects.
If Livalo by itself isn’t quite enough to drop your LDL to your target level, adding Zetia would provide you with an additional cholesterol medicine to assist you obtain the results you need.
Repatha:
Repatha is costly and unlikely to be more cost-effective than Livalo, but you shouldn’t rule it out as a statin supplement or replacement Repatha might supplement Livalo therapy to help lower LDL levels, or it might serve as an alternative if statins aren’t working for you.
FAQs:
How much does Livalo cost?
The cost can range from $550-760 for a 30-day supply.Also, you can get a good discount on MedsEngage Pharmacy.
Is there a generic for Livalo?
No generic is available for Livalo yet, but there are some different generic medicines that can serve the same purpose including atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and fluvastatin.
When does Livalo go generic?
Livalo being so expensive, some manufacturers reached a settlement, promising to get a license to begin selling its generic version of Livalo on May 2, 2023, or earlier in certain instances.
How long does Livalo stay in your system?
Although the medication has a half-life of 12 hours, it will take up to 7 days following your last dose to slowly metabolize and eventually be eliminated through the stool.
What happens when I quit taking Livalo?
The cholesterol-lowering effects of statins can lessen the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and potentially fatal cardiovascular disease by 25% or more. It’s crucial to remember that these beneficial effects on your cholesterol will wane off after many months if you stop taking them.
Can you give blood when taking Livalo?
Yes, but if you are suffering from coronary heart disease, it is not suggestive for blood donation.
How to stop taking Livalo?
For instance, it is not advised that you cease taking these medications if you have a history of heart attack or stroke. This is because stopping statins increases your risk of developing a similar issue again. However, your doctor can assist you in determining your risk factors and whether stopping statins is a sensible course of action for you and may advise switching to a different medication or making certain lifestyle modifications if you want to completely stop using statins.
What is Livalo prescribed for?
Pitavastatin, sold under the brand name Livalo, is used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and weight loss to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels.
Does Livalo cause weight gain?
The use of statins is linked to higher calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.
Why is Livalo so expensive?
Due to the lack of availability of good coupons and also fewer government regulations over the pricing, the manufacturers do not put any bars on the pricing, and hence, it is very expensive.