Livalo and Weight Gain: What You Need to Know
Category: Drug Information
Roughly 86 million US adults age 20 and up have what doctors consider high cholesterol. Over half of the people who need cholesterol medication already take it.
The problem is that there are a lot of different cholesterol medication options on the market. Livalo is one of these potential drugs your doctor may prescribe, but it’s important to understand the side effects. Although rare, there could be drug interactions or even standalone issues with anything you take, such as weight fluctuations.
But does Livalo cause weight gain, and should you be concerned about it?
Understanding Livalo
Livalo belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as statins. These work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase to reduce a person’s cholesterol.
By blocking this enzyme, Livalo reduces the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This lipoprotein cholesterol is also referred to as “bad cholesterol”, which is what you don’t want to get too high.
Your doctor may prescribe Livalo to better manage those levels, especially if you’re struggling to do so through diet and exercise alone.
The medication is taken once daily, either in the morning or at night. However, you’ll to stay consistent with what time you take the tablets. You don’t need food in your stomach when you take it.
Potential Livalo Side Effects
Like any medication, Livalo has potential side effects that you may encounter depending on a variety of factors such as your weight, metabolism, and genetics.
The most common side effects include:
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Limb pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Some people have also reported instances of dark urine, fever, headache, and sore throat among other symptoms.
There are some anecdotal reports from some patients that noted weight changes while on the medication. Those reports bring up the question of whether or not the medication and weight changes are related or if they were completely circumstantial.
Does Livalo Cause Weight Gain?
Strictly speaking, weight gain is not a documented side effect of Livalo. Most doctors won’t bring it up as a potential side effect, and their website does not list it as one.
With that said, it’s completely possible to notice some changes in your weight while taking the medication.
For example, statins like Livalo can sometimes affect the body’s metabolism. More specifically, they can influence how the body metabolizes fat and result in subtle changes in body weight.
As previously mentioned, muscle pain is another side effect of the medication. This discomfort may result in patients reducing their physical activity to compensate. Changes to your exercise routine could naturally result in weight gain if you don’t also adjust your calorie intake.
Mild water retention may occur and cause temporary weight gain. However, you should only experience very minimal retention. Anything out of the norm could be a sign of more serious issues.
There’s the possibility that patients make changes to their diets when they start taking Livolo for their cholesterol levels. While these changes may be positive, patients might inadvertently consume more calories on their new diets than they were before.
Managing Weight While on Livalo
Managing your weight while on Livalo will look more or less the same as if you weren’t using the medication. As with any weight loss regimen, the key is to burn more calories than you’re taking in.
Staying active and exercising helps you burn off both calories you’ve eaten as well as use up any stored fat on your body. If you’ve developed muscle pain from taking Livalo, then you may want to consider some low-impact exercises. Swimming, cycling, and walking are all good options.
Pay attention to your portion sizes and opt for a balanced diet. It helps to cook your own meals rather than ordering out, as you can prioritize certain foods and save money at the same time. Avoid anything high in saturated fats or sugars.
Stay hydrated to avoid water retention and bloating. Patients commonly mistake these symptoms for weight gain. Proper hydration also helps your overall metabolic function.
Monitor your weight for any changes and keep in touch with your primary physician. They might need to adjust your dosage if you suffer from severe muscle pain.
Livalo Reviews
It’s a good idea to do some research before you start any new medication. Find out everything you can online and address your concerns with your doctor.
Overall reviews for Livalo are generally positive. Many patients report that it has helped lower their cholesterol levels without any serious side effects. You’ll want to keep an eye out for any reviews mentioning weight gain or loss.
You’ll also want to check with your insurance provider to make sure that they cover Livalo or if they have another preferred medication. What they cover can change from year to year, so it’s important to monitor their coverage.
Consulting Your Doctor
When you first start taking Livalo, make sure to stay in touch with your doctor. Everyone reacts to new medications differently, and you may not know when certain side effects are normal or rare.
Some of the more dangerous side effects include weakness or signs of liver issues. You may also notice strange interactions with other medications you’re taking.
If your side effects get too serious, your doctor may recommend switching to a different statin or an alternative treatment altogether.
Those who struggle with their insurance may find savings when ordering from Canada. The Canadian government’s regulation of drug prices keeps costs lower, and you can import them without any problems.
Try Livalo Today
So does Livalo cause weight gain? In most cases, it shouldn’t. Weight gain isn’t one of the main side effects of Livalo, and it should actually help you control your weight better.
PricePro Pharmacy is a certified Canadian pharmacy that you can use to gain prescription drugs shipped from Canada and international online pharmacies. Find your essential prescriptions at a discounted rate for a fraction of the cost.
Search for your specific medication on our website and contact us with any questions about orders or your prescription.
Works Cited
https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Easy Prep, Big Reward: 9 Heart Healthy Recipes You’re Sure to Love
https://www.pihhealth.org/wellness/articles/weight-gain-caused-by-medicine/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSome%20medicines%20might%20stimulate%20your,t%20put%20on%20extra%20fat.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303409#10-tips
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