Is Livalo affected by genetics?

Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.

Relevant genes: SLCO1B1

Livalo is affected by pharmacogenetics through the SLCO1B1 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Livalo, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Strong, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.

What's in Livalo

pitavastatin affected by SLCO1B1

Affected by SLCO1B1 · CPIC · Strong evidence

Read the full pitavastatin genetics guide →

Pitavastatin phenotype recommendations

Published guidance from CPIC on how pitavastatin should be dosed or substituted based on your SLCO1B1 phenotype.

Phenotype	What it means	Recommendation	Evidence
Increased Function SLCO1B1	Your genetic result suggests you should respond typically to this statin with standard dosing.	CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of pitavastatin based on disease-specific guidelines.	Strong
Normal Function SLCO1B1	Your genetic result suggests you should respond typically to this statin with standard dosing.	CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of pitavastatin based on disease-specific guidelines.	Strong
Decreased Function SLCO1B1	Your genetics suggest you may have a higher chance of side effects with this statin; doctors may start you on a lower dose or switch you to a safer alternative.	CPIC Prescribe ≤2 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of pitavastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. Be aware of possible increased risk for muscle-related side effects, especially for doses >1 mg. If dose >2 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider switching to a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg), or using combination therapy (e.g., pitavastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy).	Strong
Possible Decreased Function SLCO1B1	Your genetics suggest you may have a higher chance of side effects with this statin; doctors may start you on a lower dose or switch you to a safer alternative.	CPIC Prescribe ≤2 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of pitavastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. Be aware of possible increased risk for muscle-related side effects, especially for doses >1 mg. If dose >2 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider switching to a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg), or using combination therapy (e.g., pitavastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy).	Strong
Poor Function SLCO1B1	Your genetics suggest you are at high risk of muscle-related side effects with this statin; doctors will likely start you on a very low dose or switch you to a safer alternative.	CPIC Prescribe ≤1 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of pitavastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. If dose >1 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider switching to a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg), or using combination therapy (e.g., pitavastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy).	Strong
Possible Poor Function SLCO1B1	Your genetics suggest you are at high risk of muscle-related side effects with this statin; doctors will likely start you on a very low dose or switch you to a safer alternative.	CPIC Prescribe ≤1 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of pitavastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. If dose >1 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider switching to a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg), or using combination therapy (e.g., pitavastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy).	Strong
Indeterminate SLCO1B1	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown.	CPIC Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—
Not available SLCO1B1	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown.	CPIC Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—

Source: CPIC

The gene behind the guidance

SLCO1B1 Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter 1B1

SLCO1B1 is the transporter that moves statins into liver cells where they work. A common variant (called *5) reduces transporter function and leaves more statin circulating in the bloodstream and muscle tissue. That's directly linked to statin-associated muscle pain and, rarely, more serious muscle damage.

People with reduced SLCO1B1 function are at higher risk of statin myopathy, especially on simvastatin and high-dose atorvastatin. Dose reduction or switching statin usually resolves it.

See all drugs affected by SLCO1B1 →

Browse the full drug-class: Statins.

Related medications

Find out how your genetics affect Livalo

This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.

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Informational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.