Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to many common questions. Please keep in mind that your doctor is the best source of information on high cholesterol as it relates to your specific situation.
Q. Where does cholesterol come from?
A. Cholesterol is produced naturally in your liver. You can also find it in foods with a large percentage of saturated fats, such as egg yolks, whole-milk dairy products, and high-fat meats.
Q. What makes some cholesterol “good” for my health and other cholesterol “bad”?
A. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL-C, is called “good” cholesterol because it takes cholesterol from tissues to the liver, which removes it from the body. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C, is called “bad” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to tissues, including the arteries. Most of the cholesterol in the blood is the LDL-C form.
Q. What does my medical history have to do with maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol and triglycerides?
A. To be sure, ask your doctor. Your healthcare professional can tell you about different reasons that you may develop buildup in your arteries. These include LDL “bad” cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, age, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.
Q. How can I lower the level of my LDL “bad” cholesterol?
A. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise are both important factors when working to lower your LDL “bad” cholesterol. Even small changes in your diet, such as eating foods with more soluble fiber and reducing your saturated fats, can help to lower LDL “bad” cholesterol. If diet and exercise don’t lower your total cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe a statin like LIVALO.
Q. How can I avoid a potential drug interaction between my cholesterol medication and other drugs that I’m taking?
A. Talk with your doctor about all of the medications that you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements to help avoid a potential drug interaction. Learn more about how LIVALO works here.
Q. Some cholesterol medications may require that I limit the amount of grapefruit juice that I drink when taking my medication. Can I still drink grapefruit juice if I take LIVALO?
A. Yes, with LIVALO you can continue to enjoy grapefruit juice. You can take LIVALO with or without food at any time of day.
Q. Who should NOT take LIVALO?
A. LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if you have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients; you have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results; you are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby; or if you are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.
Q. How often should my healthcare provider do liver tests?
A. Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Talk to your doctor to find out if LIVALO tablets are right for you.