FLUVASTATIN: 1,815 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

Fluvastatin sodium is a water-soluble cholesterol lowering agent which acts through the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Fluvastatin sodium is Sodium (±)-(3 R *,5 S *,6 E )-7-[3-( p -fluorophenyl)-1-isopropylindol-2-yl]-3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoate. The molecular formula of fluvastatin sodium is C 24 H 25 FNNaO 4 , its molecular weight is 433.45 and its structural formula is: This molecular entity is the first entirely synthetic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, and is in part structurally distinct from the fungal derivatives of this therapeutic class. Fluvastatin sodium, USP is an off-white to yellow, hygroscopic powder soluble in water, ethanol and methanol. Fluvastatin is supplied as capsules containing fluvastatin sodium, equivalent to 20 mg or 40 mg of fluvastatin, for oral administration. Active ingredient: fluvastatin sodium Inactive ingredients in capsules: corn starch, crospovidone, gelatin, magnesium stearate, red iron oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide and yellow iron oxide. In addition, the black imprinting ink for the 20 mg and 40 mg capsules contains ammonium hydroxide, black iron oxide, propylene glycol and shellac glaze.

Fluvastatin Structural

Formula

AND USAGE Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be only one component of multiple risk factor intervention in individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Drug therapy is indicated as an adjunct to diet when the response to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol and other non-pharmacologic measures alone has been inadequate. Fluvastatin capsules are an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indicated as an adjunctive therapy to diet to:

• Reduce elevated TC, LDL-C, Apo B, and TG, and to increase HDL-C in adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia ( 1.1 )
• Reduce elevated TC, LDL-C, and Apo B levels in boys and post-menarchal girls, 10 to 16 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia after failing an adequate trial of diet therapy ( 1.1 )
• Reduce the risk of undergoing revascularization procedures in patients with clinically evident CHD ( 1.2 )
• Slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with CHD ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use:
• Fluvastatin capsules have not been studied in conditions where the major abnormality is elevation of chylomicrons, VLDL, or IDL (i.e., hyperlipoproteinemia Types I, III, IV, or V) ( 1.3 )

1.1 Hypercholesterolemia (Heterozygous Familial and Nonfamilial) and Mixed Dyslipidemia Fluvastatin capsules are indicated

• as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol (Total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) levels, and to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson Type IIa and IIb).
• as an adjunct to diet to reduce Total-C, LDL-C, and Apo B levels in adolescent boys and adolescent girls who are at least one year post-menarche, 10-16 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and the following findings are present:
• LDL-C remains ≥ 190 mg/dL or
• LDL-C remains ≥ 160 mg/dL and:
• there is a positive family history of premature cardiovascular disease or
• two or more other cardiovascular disease risk factors are present The NCEP classification of cholesterol levels in pediatric patients with a familial history of hypercholesterolemia or premature CVD is summarized below.

Category

Total-C (mg/dL) LDL-C (mg/dL) Acceptable < 170 < 110 Borderline 170-199 110-129 High ≥ 200 ≥ 130 Children treated with fluvastatin in adolescence should be re-evaluated in adulthood and appropriate changes made to their cholesterol-lowering regimen to achieve adult treatment goals.

1.2 Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease In patients with clinically evident CHD, fluvastatin capsules are indicated to:

• reduce the risk of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures
• slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis

1.3 Limitations of Use Fluvastatin capsules have not been studied in conditions where the major abnormality is elevation of chylomicrons, VLDL, or IDL (i.e., hyperlipoproteinemia Types I, III, IV, or V).

AND ADMINISTRATION Dose range: 20 mg to 80 mg/day ( 2.1 ) Fluvastatin capsules can be taken with or without food. ( 2.1 ) Do not open fluvastatin capsules prior to administration ( 2.1 ) Adults: the recommended starting dose is 40 mg to 80 mg (administered as one fluvastatin capsule, 40 mg twice daily) ( 2.2 ) Do not take two fluvastatin capsules, 40 mg at one time Children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (ages 10 to 16, inclusive): the recommended starting dose is fluvastatin capsule, 20 mg once daily ( 2.3 )

2.1 General Dosing Information Dose range: 20 mg to 80 mg/day. Fluvastatin capsules can be administered orally as a single dose, with or without food. Do not open fluvastatin capsules prior to administration. Do not take two fluvastatin capsules, 40 mg at one time. Since the maximal effect of a given dose is seen within 4 weeks, periodic lipid determinations should be performed at this time and dosage adjusted according to the patient’s response to therapy and established treatment guidelines. For patients requiring LDL-C reduction to a goal of ≥ 25%, the recommended starting dose is 40 mg as one capsule in the evening, or 80 mg in divided doses of the 40 mg capsule given twice daily. For patients requiring LDL-C reduction to a goal of &lt; 25% a starting dose of 20 mg may be used.

2.2 Adult Patients With Hypercholesterolemia (Heterozygous Familial and Nonfamilial) and Mixed Dyslipidemia Adult patients can be started on fluvastatin capsules. The recommended starting dose for fluvastatin capsules is one 40 mg capsule in the evening, or one fluvastatin capsule, 40 mg twice daily. Do not take two fluvastatin capsules, 40 mg at one time.

2.3 Pediatric Patients (10 to 16 Years of Age)

With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

The recommended starting dose is one fluvastatin capsule, 20 mg. Dose adjustments, up to a maximum daily dose administered as fluvastatin capsules, 40 mg twice daily should be made at 6 week intervals. Doses should be individualized according to the goal of therapy [ see NCEP Pediatric Panel Guidelines and CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14 ) ] 1 . 1 National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP): Highlights of the Report of the Expert Panel on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 89(3):495-501. 1992.

2.4 Use With Cyclosporine Do not exceed a dose of 20 mg b.i.d. fluvastatin capsules in patients taking cyclosporine [ see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ].

2.5 Use With Fluconazole Do not exceed a dose of 20 mg b.i.d. fluvastatin capsules in patients taking fluconazole [ see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) ].

Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication ( 4 ) Active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum transaminases ( 4 , 5.3 ) Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant ( 4 , 8.1 ) Nursing mothers ( 4 , 8.3 )

4.1 Hypersensitivity to any Component of This Medication Fluvastatin capsules are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.

4.2 Active Liver Disease Fluvastatin capsules are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum transaminases [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ].

4.3 Pregnancy Fluvastatin capsules are contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides increase during normal pregnancy, and cholesterol or cholesterol derivatives are essential for fetal development. Fluvastatin capsules may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hypercholesterolemia. Fluvastatin capsules should be administered to women of childbearing age only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive and have been informed of the potential hazards. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, fluvastatin capsules should be discontinued and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 ) ].

4.4 Nursing Mothers Fluvastatin is secreted into the breast milk of animals and because HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have the potential to cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women who require treatment with fluvastatin capsules should be advised not to breastfeed their infants [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 ) ].

REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

• Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
• Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
• Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
• Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Most frequent adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 2.5% of subjects treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and more than placebo are: influenza-like symptoms, sinusitis, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, bronchitis, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In the fluvastatin capsule, clinical trials there were 2326 patients treated with fluvastatin (age range, 18 to 75 years, 44% women, 94% White, 4% Black or African American, 2% other ethnicities) with a median treatment duration of 24 weeks. The most common adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at an incidence greater than placebo were: transaminase increased (0.8%), upper abdominal pain (0.3%), dyspepsia (0.3%), fatigue (0.2%), and diarrhea (0.2%). In the fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets clinical trials there were 912 patients treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets (age range, 21 to 87 years, 52% women, 91% White, 4% Black of African American, 5% other ethnicities) with a median treatment duration of 24 weeks. The most common adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation were abdominal pain (0.7%), diarrhea (0.5%), nausea (0.4%), dyspepsia (0.4%) and chest pain (0.3%). Adverse reactions occurring in the fluvastatin capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets controlled trials with a frequency ≥ 2% included the following: Table 1.

Adverse Reactions

Reported in ≥ 2% in Patients Treated with Fluvastatin Capsules/ Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets and at an Incidence Greater Than Placebo in Placebo-Controlled Trials Pooled Dosages Adverse reaction Placebo a N = 960 (%) Fluvastatin capsules a N = 2326 (%) Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets b N = 912 (%) Influenza-like symptoms 5.7 5.1

7.1 Headache 7.8 8.9

4.7 Myalgia 4.5 5.0

3.8 Abdominal pain 3.8 4.9

3.7 Dyspepsia 3.2 7.9

3.5 Sinusitis 1.9 2.6

3.5 Diarrhea 4.2 4.9

3.3 Arthropathy NA NA

3.2 Urinary tract infection 1.1 1.6

2.7 Nausea 2.0 3.2

2.5 Bronchitis 1.0 1.8

2.6 Fatigue 2.3 2.7

1.6 Flatulence 2.5 2.6

1.4 Arthritis 2.0 2.1

1.3 Allergy 2.2 2.3

1.0 Insomnia 1.4 2.7 0.8 a Controlled trials with fluvastatin capsules (20 mg and 40 mg daily and 40 mg twice daily) compared to placebo. b Controlled trials with fluvastatin sodium extended-release 80 mg tablets as compared to fluvastatin capsules. In the Fluvastatin Capsules Intervention Prevention Study (LIPS), the effect of fluvastatin capsules 40 mg, administered twice daily on the risk of recurrent cardiac events was assessed in 1677 patients with coronary heart disease who had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients were treated with dietary/lifestyle counseling and either fluvastatin capsules 40 mg (n = 844) or placebo (n = 833) given twice daily for a median of 3.9 years <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )]</span>.

Table

2.

Adverse Reactions

Reported in ≥ 2% in Patients Treated with Fluvastatin Capsules/ Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets and at an Incidence Greater Than Placebo in the LIPS Trial Table 2.

Adverse Reactions

Reported in ≥ 2% in Patients Treated with Fluvastatin Capsules/ Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets and at an Incidence Greater Than Placebo in the LIPS Trial Adverse reaction Placebo N = 818 (%)

Fluvastatin Capsules

40 mg twice daily N = 822 (%) Abdominal pain upper 4.5

6.3 Hypertension 4.2

5.8 Fatigue 3.8

4.7 Dyspepsia 4.0

4.5 Edema peripheral 2.9

4.4 Pain in extremity 2.7

4.1 Dizziness 3.5

3.9 Constipation 2.1

3.3 Nasopharyngitis 2.1

2.8 Dyspnea exertional 2.4

2.8 Gastric disorder 2.1

2.7 Nausea 2.3

2.7 Atrial fibrillation 2.0

2.4 Syncope 2.2

2.4 Bronchitis 2.0

2.3 Intermittent claudication 2.1

2.3 Myalgia 1.6

2.2 Arthralgia 1.8

2.1 Elevations in Liver Enzyme Tests Approximately 1.1% of patients treated with fluvastatin capsules in clinical trials developed dose-related, persistent elevations of serum transaminase levels to more than 3 times the ULN. Fourteen of these patients (0.6%) were discontinued from therapy. In all clinical trials, a total of 33/2969 patients (1.1%) had persistent transaminase elevations with an average fluvastatin exposure of approximately 71.2 weeks; 19 of these patients (0.6%) were discontinued. The majority of patients with these abnormal biochemical findings were asymptomatic. In a pooled analysis of all placebo-controlled studies in which fluvastatin capsules were used, persistent transaminase elevations (&gt; 3 times the ULN on two consecutive weekly measurements) occurred in 0.2%, 1.5%, and 2.7% of patients treated with daily doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg (titrated to 40 mg twice daily) fluvastatin capsules, respectively. Ninety-one percent of the cases of persistent ALT/AST increased abnormalities (20 of 22 patients) occurred within 12 weeks of therapy and in all patients with persistent liver function test abnormalities there was an abnormal liver function test present at baseline or by Week 8. In the pooled analysis of 24-week controlled trials, persistent transaminase elevation occurred in 1.9%, 1.8%, and 4.9% of patients treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg, fluvastatin capsules 40 mg and fluvastatin capsules 40 mg twice daily, respectively.

In

13 of 16 patients treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets the abnormality occurred within 12 weeks of initiation of treatment with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of fluvastatin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Musculoskeletal : Muscle cramps, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, arthralgias, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, myositis. There have been rare reports of IMNM associated with statin use <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]</span> . Neurological : Dysfunction of certain cranial nerves (including alteration of taste, impairment of extra-ocular movement, facial paresis), tremor, vertigo, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, dysesthesia, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral nerve palsy. There have been rare postmarketing reports of cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) associated with the use of all statins. The reports are generally nonserious, and reversible upon statin discontinuation, with variable times to symptom onset (1 day to years) and symptom resolution (median of 3 weeks). There have been rare reports of new-onset or exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, including ocular myasthenia, and reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered. Psychiatric : Anxiety, depression, psychic disturbances Respiratory : Interstitial lung disease Hypersensitivity reactions : An apparent hypersensitivity syndrome has been reported rarely which has included one or more of the following features: anaphylaxis, angioedema, lupus erythematosus-like syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, vasculitis, purpura, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, positive ANA, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) increase, eosinophilia, arthritis, arthralgia, urticaria, asthenia, photosensitivity reaction, fever, chills, flushing, malaise, dyspnea, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Gastrointestinal : Pancreatitis, hepatitis, including chronic active hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, fatty change in liver, cirrhosis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, hepatoma, anorexia, vomiting, fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure. Skin : Rash, dermatitis, including bullous dermatitis, eczema, alopecia, pruritus, lichen planus, a variety of skin changes (e.g., nodules, discoloration, dryness of skin/mucous membranes, changes to hair/nails). Reproductive : Gynecomastia, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction. Eye : Progression of cataracts (lens opacities), ophthalmoplegia. Laboratory abnormalities : elevated transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin; thyroid function abnormalities.

AND PRECAUTIONS Skeletal muscle effects (e.g., myopathy and rhabdomyolysis): Risks increase with advanced age (≥ 65), uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, and combination use with cyclosporine,or gemfibrozil. Advise patients to promptly report to their physician unexplained and/or persistent muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness and discontinue fluvastatin if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. ( 5.1 , 8.5 , 8.7 ) Patients should be advised to report promptly any symptoms of myopathy. Fluvastatin capsules therapy should be discontinued if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected ( 5.1 ) Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): There have been rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use. IMNM is characterized by: proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. ( 5.2 ) Liver enzyme abnormalities: Persistent elevations in hepatic transaminases can occur. Check liver enzyme tests before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter ( 5.3 )

5.1 Skeletal Muscle Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported with fluvastatin capsules and other drugs in this class. Fluvastatin capsules should be prescribed with caution in patients with predisposing factors for myopathy. These factors include advanced age (&gt; 65 years), renal impairment, and inadequately treated hypothyroidism. The risk of myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis with statins is increased with concurrent therapy with cyclosporine, erythromycin, fibrates or niacin. Myopathy was not observed in a clinical trial in 74 patients involving patients who were treated with fluvastatin sodium together with niacin. Isolated cases of myopathy have been reported during postmarketing experience with concomitant administration of fluvastatin sodium and colchicine. No information is available on the pharmacokinetic interaction between fluvastatin sodium and colchicine. Uncomplicated myalgia has also been reported in fluvastatin sodium-treated patients [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) ]. In clinical trials, uncomplicated myalgia has been observed infrequently in patients treated with fluvastatin sodium at rates indistinguishable from placebo. Myopathy, defined as muscle aching or muscle weakness in conjunction with increases in CPK values to greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal, was &lt; 0.1% in fluvastatin clinical trials. Myopathy should be considered in any patient with diffuse myalgias, muscle tenderness or weakness, and/or marked elevation of CPK. All patients should be advised to promptly report to their physician unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever or if muscle signs and symptoms persist after discontinuing fluvastatin. Fluvastatin sodium therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Fluvastatin sodium therapy should also be temporarily withheld in any patient experiencing an acute or serious condition predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis, e.g., sepsis; hypotension; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy.

5.2 Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use. IMNM is characterized by: proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. Additional neuromuscular and serologic testing may be necessary. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents may be required. Consider risk of IMNM carefully prior to initiation of a different statin. If therapy is initiated with a different statin, monitor for signs and symptoms of IMNM.

5.3 Liver Enzymes Increases in serum transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase [AST]/serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or alanine aminotransferase [ALT]/serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including fluvastatin sodium. In most cases, the elevations were transient and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy.

Approximately

1.1% of patients treated with fluvastatin capsules in worldwide trials developed dose-related, persistent elevations of serum transaminase levels to more than 3 times the upper limit of normal. Fourteen of these patients (0.6%) were discontinued from therapy. In all clinical trials, a total of 33/2969 patients (1.1%) had persistent transaminase elevations with an average fluvastatin sodium exposure of approximately 71.2 weeks; 19 of these patients (0.6%) were discontinued. The majority of patients with these abnormal biochemical findings were asymptomatic. In a pooled analysis of all placebo-controlled studies in which fluvastatin capsules were used, persistent transaminase elevations (> 3 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] on two consecutive weekly measurements) occurred in 0.2%, 1.5%, and 2.7% of patients treated with daily doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg (titrated to 40 mg twice daily) fluvastatin capsules, respectively. Ninety-one percent of the cases of persistent liver function test abnormalities (20 of 22 patients) occurred within 12 weeks of therapy and in all patients with persistent liver function test abnormalities there was an abnormal liver function test present at baseline or by Week 8. In the pooled analysis of the 24 week controlled trials, persistent transaminase elevation occurred in 1.8% and 4.9% of patients treated with fluvastatin capsules, 40 mg and fluvastatin capsules, 40 mg twice daily, respectively. It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed prior to the initiation of fluvastatin sodium, and if signs or symptoms of liver injury occur. There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including fluvastatin. If serious liver injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs during treatment with fluvastatin sodium, promptly interrupt therapy. If an alternate etiology is not found do not restart fluvastatin sodium. In very rare cases, possibly drug-related hepatitis was observed that resolved upon discontinuation of treatment. 1 Active liver disease or unexplained serum transaminase elevations are contraindications to the use of fluvastatin sodium [ see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. Caution should be exercised when fluvastatin sodium is administered to patients with a history of liver disease or heavy alcohol ingestion [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Such patients should be closely monitored.

5.4 Endocrine Effects Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including fluvastatin sodium. Statins interfere with cholesterol synthesis and lower circulating cholesterol levels and, as such, might theoretically blunt adrenal or gonadal steroid hormone production. Fluvastatin sodium exhibited no effect upon non-stimulated cortisol levels and demonstrated no effect upon thyroid metabolism as assessed by measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Small declines in total serum testosterone have been noted in treated groups, but no commensurate elevation in LH occurred, suggesting that the observation was not due to a direct effect upon testosterone production. No effect upon FSH in males was noted. Due to the limited number of premenopausal females studied to date, no conclusions regarding the effect of fluvastatin sodium upon female sex hormones may be made. Two clinical studies in patients receiving fluvastatin at doses up to 80 mg daily for periods of 24 to 28 weeks demonstrated no effect of treatment upon the adrenal response to ACTH stimulation. A clinical study evaluated the effect of fluvastatin at doses up to 80 mg daily for 28 weeks upon the gonadal response to HCG stimulation. Although the mean total testosterone response was significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05) relative to baseline in the 80 mg group, it was not significant in comparison to the changes noted in groups receiving either 40 mg of fluvastatin or placebo. Patients treated with fluvastatin sodium who develop clinical evidence of endocrine dysfunction should be evaluated appropriately. Caution should be exercised if a statin or other agent used to lower cholesterol levels is administered to patients receiving other drugs (e.g., ketoconazole, spironolactone, cimetidine) that may decrease the levels of endogenous steroid hormones.

5.5 CNS Toxicity CNS effects, as evidenced by decreased activity, ataxia, loss of righting reflex, and ptosis were seen in the following animal studies: the 18 month mouse carcinogenicity study at 50 mg/kg/day, the 6 month dog study at 36 mg/kg/day, the 6 month hamster study at 40 mg/kg/day, and in acute, high-dose studies in rats and hamsters (50 mg/kg), rabbits (300 mg/kg) and mice (1500 mg/kg). CNS toxicity in the acute high-dose studies was characterized (in mice) by conspicuous vacuolation in the ventral white columns of the spinal cord at a dose of 5000 mg/kg and (in rats) by edema with separation of myelinated fibers of the ventral spinal tracts and sciatic nerve at a dose of 1500 mg/kg. CNS toxicity, characterized by periaxonal vacuolation, was observed in the medulla of dogs that died after treatment for 5 weeks with 48 mg/kg/day; this finding was not observed in the remaining dogs when the dose level was lowered to 36 mg/kg/day. CNS vascular lesions, characterized by perivascular hemorrhages, edema, and mononuclear cell infiltration of perivascular spaces, have been observed in dogs treated with other members of this drug class. No CNS lesions have been observed after chronic treatment for up to 2 years with fluvastatin in the mouse (at doses up to 350 mg/kg/day), rat (up to 24 mg/kg/day), or dog (up to 16 mg/kg/day). Prominent bilateral posterior Y suture lines in the ocular lens were seen in dogs after treatment with 1, 8, and 16 mg/kg/day for 2 years.

INTERACTIONS

• Gemfibrozil : Avoid use with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. ( 7.1 )
• Cyclosporine and Fluconazole : Avoid use with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. ( 7.1 )
• Fibrates, Lipid-modifying doses (≥ 1 g/day) of Niacin, and Colchicine : Consider if the benefit of concomitant use with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy, particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration. ( 7.1 )
• Warfarin : Obtain an International Normalized Ratio (INR) before starting and frequently enough after initiation or discontinuation to ensure that no significant alteration in INR occurs. Once the INR is stable, monitor INR at regular intervals. ( 7.2 )
• Glyburide : Monitor blood glucose levels when fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are initiated. ( 7.2 )
• Phenytoin : Monitor plasma phenytoin levels when fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets treatment is initiated. ( 7.2 )

7.1 Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets Table 3 includes a list of drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomitantly with fluvastatin and instructions for preventing or managing them <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> .

Table

3.

Drug Interactions That

Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets Gemfibrozil Clinical impact There is an increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are administered with gemfibrozil Intervention Avoid concomitant use of gemfibrozil with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Cyclosporine

Clinical impact Cyclosporine coadministration increases fluvastatin exposure. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be increased with concomitant use of cyclosporine with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Intervention

Avoid concomitant use of cyclosporine with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Fluconazole

Clinical impact Fluconazole coadministration increases fluvastatin exposure. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be increased with concomitant use of fluconazole with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Intervention

Avoid concomitant use of fluconazole with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Niacin

Clinical impact Risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be enhanced with concomitant use with lipid-modifying doses (≥ 1 g/day) of niacin with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Intervention

Consider if the benefit of using lipid-modifying doses (≥ 1 g/day) of niacin concomitantly with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy, particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration.

Fibrates

Clinical impact Fibrates may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be increased with concomitant use of fibrates with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Intervention

Consider if the benefit of using fibrates concomitantly with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy, particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration.

Colchicine

Clinical impact Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of colchicine with fluvastatin.

Intervention

Consider if the benefit of using colchicine concomitantly with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy, particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration.

7.2 Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets Effects on Other Drugs Table 4 presents fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets’ effects on other drugs and instructions for preventing or managing them.

Table

4.

Fluvastatin Sodium

Extended-Release Tablets’ Effects on Other Drugs Warfarin Clinical impact There are postmarketing reports of clinically evident bleeding and/or increased INR in patients taking concomitant statins and warfarin. Intervention In patients taking warfarin, obtain an INR before starting fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and frequently enough after initiation or discontinuation to ensure that no significant alteration in INR occurs. Once the INR is stable, monitor INR at regularly recommended intervals.

Glyburide

Clinical impact Concomitant administration of fluvastatin and glyburide increased glyburide exposures [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

Intervention

Monitor blood glucose levels when fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are initiated.

Phenytoin

Clinical impact Concomitant administration of fluvastatin and phenytoin increased phenytoin exposures [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

Intervention

Monitor plasma phenytoin levels when fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are initiated.