FLUVASTATIN SODIUM

Fluvastatin Sodium Capsules, USP and Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets, USP 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.

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.

In patients with clinically evident CHD, Fluvastatin Sodium Capsules, USP and Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets, USP are indicated to:

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

Neither Fluvastatin Sodium Capsules, USP nor Fluvastatin Sodium Extended-Release Tablets, USP have been studied in conditions where the major abnormality is elevation of chylomicrons, VLDL, or IDL (i.e., hyperlipoproteinemia Types I, III, IV, or V).

Dose range: 20 mg to 80 mg/ day.

Fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets can be administered orally as a single dose, with or without food.

Do not break, crush or chew fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets or open fluvastatin sodium capsules prior to administration.

Do not take two fluvastatin sodium 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, 80 mg as one fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablet administered as a single dose at any time of the day or 80 mg in divided doses of the 40 mg capsule given twice daily. For patients requiring LDL-C reduction to a goal of <25% a starting dose of 20 mg may be used.

Adult patients can be started on either fluvastatin sodium capsules or fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. The recommended starting dose for fluvastatin sodium capsules is one 40 mg capsule in the evening, or one fluvastatin sodium capsule 40 mg twice daily. Do not take two fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg at one time.

The recommended starting dose for fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets is one 80 mg tablet administered as a single dose at any time of the day.

The recommended starting dose is one fluvastatin sodium capsule 20 mg. Dose adjustments, up to a maximum daily dose administered either as fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg twice daily or one fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablet 80 mg once 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.

¹National 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.

Do not exceed a dose of 20 mg b.i.d. fluvastatin sodium capsules in patients taking cyclosporine [see Drug Interactions 7.1].

Do not exceed a dose of 20 mg b.i.d. fluvastatin sodium capsules in patients taking fluconazole [see Drug Interactions 7.2].

Fluvastatin sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.

Fluvastatin sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum transaminases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Fluvastatin sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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 sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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 sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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 sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be discontinued and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Use In Specific Populations (8.1)].

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 sodium capsules or fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be advised not to breastfeed their infants [see Use In Specific Populations (8.3)].

Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported with fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and other drugs in this class.

Fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be prescribed with caution in patients with predisposing factors for myopathy. These factors include advanced age (>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 capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets together with niacin. Isolated cases of myopathy have been reported during post-marketing experience with concomitant administration of fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and colchicine. No information is available on the pharmacokinetic interaction between fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and colchicine.

Uncomplicated myalgia has also been reported in fluvastatin sodium capsule-treated patients [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. In clinical trials, uncomplicated myalgia has been observed infrequently in patients treated with fluvastatin sodium capsules 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 <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.

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; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy without significant inflammation; improvement with immunosuppressive agents.

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 sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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.

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 capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. 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 sodium 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 capsules 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 sodium 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 sodium 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 1.9%, 1.8% and 4.9% of patients treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg, fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg and fluvastatin sodium 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.

It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed prior to the initiation of fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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 capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets promptly interrupt therapy. If an alternate etiology is not found do not restart fluvastatin sodium/ fluvastatin sodium extended-release.

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 capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Caution should be exercised when fluvastatin sodium capsules are administered to patients with a history of liver disease or heavy alcohol ingestion [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Such patients should be closely monitored.

Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Statins interfere with cholesterol synthesis and lower circulating cholesterol levels and, as such, might theoretically blunt adrenal or gonadal steroid hormone production.

Fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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 capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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 sodium capsules 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<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 sodium capsules or placebo.

Patients treated with fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 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.

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.

Because clinical studies on fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are conducted in varying study populations and study designs, the frequency of adverse reactions observed in the clinical studies of fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets cannot be directly compared with that in the clinical studies of other statins and may not reflect the frequency of adverse reactions observed in clinical practice.

In the fluvastatin sodium capsule placebo-controlled clinical trials database of 2326 patients treated with fluvastatin sodium capsules¹ (age range 18-75 years, 44% women, 94% Caucasians, 4% Blacks, 2% other ethnicities) with a median treatment duration of 24 weeks, 3.4% of patients on fluvastatin sodium capsule and 2.3% patients on placebo discontinued due to adverse reactions regardless of causality. 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 tablet database of controlled clinical trials of 912 patients treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets (age range 21-87 years, 52% women, 91% Caucasians, 4% Blacks, 5% other ethnicities) with a median treatment duration of 24 weeks, 3.9% of patients on fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets discontinued due to adverse reactions regardless of causality. 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%).

Clinically relevant adverse experiences occurring in the fluvastatin sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets controlled studies with a frequency ≥2%, regardless of causality, included the following:

Fluvastatin Sodium Capsules Intervention Prevention Study

In the fluvastatin sodium Intervention Prevention Study, the effect of fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg, administered twice daily on the risk of recurrent cardiac events was assessed in 1677 patients with CHD who had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients were treated with dietary/lifestyle counseling and either fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg (n=844) or placebo (n=833) given twice daily for a median of 3.9 years [see Clinical Studies (14.3)].

In patients aged <18 years, efficacy and safety have not been studied for treatment periods longer than two years. 

In two open-label, uncontrolled studies, 66 boys and 48 girls with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia ( 9-16 years of age, 80% Caucasian, 19% Other [ mixed ethnicity], 1% Asians) were treated with fluvastatin sodium administered as fluvastatin sodium capsules 20 mg - 40 mg twice daily, or fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg [see Clinical Studies (14.2) and Use In Specific Populations (8.4)].

Because adverse reactions from spontaneous reports are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following effects have been reported with drugs in this class. Not all the effects listed below have necessarily been associated with fluvastatin sodium therapy.

Musculoskeletal: muscle cramps, myalgia, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, arthralgias, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, myositis.

There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy associated with statin use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Neurological: dysfunction of certain cranial nerves (including alteration of taste, impairment of extra-ocular movement, facial paresis), tremor, dizziness, 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 statin use. These cognitive issues have been reported for 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).

Psychiatric: anxiety, insomnia, depression, psychic disturbances

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, 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.

Cyclosporine coadministration increases fluvastatin exposure. Therefore, in patients taking cyclosporine, therapy should be limited to fluvastatin sodium capsules 20 mg twice daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Administration of fluvastatin 40 mg single dose to healthy volunteers pre-treated with fluconazole for 4 days results in an increase of fluvastatin exposure. Therefore, in patients taking fluconazole, therapy should be limited to fluvastatin sodium capsules 20 mg twice daily [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Due to an increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are coadministered with gemfibrozil, concomitant administration of fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets with gemfibrozil should be avoided.

Because it is known that the risk of myopathy during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is increased with concurrent administration of other fibrates, fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be administered with caution when used concomitantly with other fibrates [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The risk of skeletal muscle effects may be enhanced when fluvastatin sodium capsules are used in combination with lipid-modifying doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin; a reduction in fluvastatin sodium capsules dosage should be considered in this setting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Concomitant administration of fluvastatin and glyburide increased glyburide exposures. Patients on concomitant therapy of glyburide and fluvastatin should continue to be monitored appropriately [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Concomitant administration of fluvastatin and phenytoin increased phenytoin exposures. Patients should continue to be monitored appropriately when fluvastatin therapy is initiated or when fluvastatin dose is changed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Bleeding and/or increased prothrombin times have been reported in patients taking coumarin anticoagulants concomitantly with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Therefore, patients receiving warfarin-type anticoagulants should have their prothrombin times closely monitored when fluvastatin sodium is initiated or the dosage of fluvastatin sodium is changed.

Cases of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with fluvastatin coadministered with colchicine, and caution should be exercised when prescribing fluvastatin with colchicine.

Pregnancy Category X

Fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant [see Contraindications (4)].

Lipid lowering drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, because cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives are needed for normal fetal development. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides increase during normal pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, and discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on long-term outcomes of primary hypercholesterolemia therapy.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of use with fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets during pregnancy. Rare reports of congenital anomalies have been received following intrauterine exposure to other statins. In a review² of about 100 prospectively followed pregnancies in women exposed to other statins, the incidences of congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortions, and fetal deaths/stillbirths did not exceed the rate expected in the general population. The number of cases is adequate only to exclude a 3- to 4-fold increase in congenital anomalies over background incidence. In 89% of prospectively followed pregnancies, drug treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified.

Teratology studies with fluvastatin in rats and rabbits showed maternal toxicity at high dose levels, but there was no evidence of embryotoxic or teratogenic potential [see Non-Clinical Toxicology (13)]. 

Fluvastatin sodium capsules or fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be administered to women of child-bearing potential only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive and have been informed of the potential hazards. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking fluvastatin sodium capsules or fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets, the drug should be discontinued and the patient advised again as to the potential hazards to the fetus.

Based on animal data, fluvastatin is present in breast milk in a 2:1 ratio (milk:plasma). Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, nursing women should not take fluvastatin sodium capsules or fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets [see Contraindications (4)].

The safety and efficacy of fluvastatin sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets in children and adolescent patients 9-16 years of age with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia have been evaluated in open-label, uncontrolled clinical trials for a duration of two years. The most common adverse events observed were influenza and infections. In these limited uncontrolled studies, there was no detectable effect on growth or sexual maturation in the adolescent boys or on menstrual cycle length in girls [see Clinical Studies (14.2), Adverse Reactions (6.3) and Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Adolescent females should be counseled on appropriate contraceptive methods while on fluvastatin sodium therapy [see Contraindications (4)].

Fluvastatin exposures were not significantly different between the nonelderly and elderly populations (age ≥ 65 years) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Since advanced age (≥ 65 years) is a predisposing factor for myopathy, fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be prescribed with caution in the elderly.

Fluvastatin sodium capsules and fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum transaminases [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Dose adjustments for mild to moderate renal impairment are not necessary. Fluvastatin has not been studied at doses greater than 40 mg in patients with severe renal impairment; therefore caution should be exercised when treating such patients at higher doses [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Fluvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate limiting enzyme that converts 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. The inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis reduces the cholesterol in hepatic cells, which stimulates the synthesis of LDL receptors and thereby increases the uptake of LDL particles. The end result of these biochemical processes is a reduction of the plasma cholesterol concentration.

Absorption:

Following oral administration of the capsule, fluvastatin reaches peak concentrations in less than 1 hour. The absolute bioavailability is 24% (range 9%-50%) after administration of a 10 mg dose.

At steady state, administration of fluvastatin with the evening meal results in a 50% decrease in C_max, an 11% decrease in AUC, and a more than two-fold increase in t_max as compared to administration 4 hours after the evening meal. No significant differences in the lipid-lowering effects were observed between the two administrations. After single or multiple doses above 20 mg, fluvastatin exhibits saturable first-pass metabolism resulting in more than dose proportional plasma fluvastatin concentrations.

Fluvastatin administered as fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg reaches peak concentration in approximately 3 hours under fasting conditions, after a low-fat meal, or 2.5 hours after a low-fat meal. The mean relative bioavailability of the extended-release tablet is approximately 29% (range: 9%-66%) compared to that of the fluvastatin sodium immediate-release capsule administered under fasting conditions. Administration of a high-fat meal delayed the absorption (T_max: 6h) and increased the bioavailability of the extended-release tablet by approximately 50%. However, the maximum concentration of fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets seen after a high-fat meal is less than the peak concentration following a single dose or twice daily dose of the 40 mg fluvastatin sodium capsule.

Distribution:

Fluvastatin is 98% bound to plasma proteins. The mean volume of distribution (VD_ss) is estimated at 0.35 L/kg. At therapeutic concentrations, the protein binding of fluvastatin is not affected by warfarin, salicylic acid and glyburide.

Metabolism:

Fluvastatin is metabolized in the liver, primarily via hydroxylation of the indole ring at the 5- and 6-positions. N-dealkylation and beta-oxidation of the side-chain also occurs. The hydroxy metabolites have some pharmacologic activity, but do not circulate in the blood. Fluvastatin has two enantiomers. Both enantiomers of fluvastatin are metabolized in a similar manner.

In vitro data indicate that fluvastatin metabolism involves multiple Cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes. CYP2C9 isoenzyme is primarily involved in the metabolism of fluvastatin (approximately 75%), while CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 isoenzymes are involved to a much less extent, i.e. approximately 5% and approximately 20%, respectively.

Excretion:

Following oral administration, fluvastatin is primarily (about 90%) excreted in the feces as metabolites, with less than 2% present as unchanged drug. Approximately 5% of a radiolabeled oral dose were recovered in urine. The elimination half-life (t_1/2) of fluvastatin is approximately 3 hours. 

Specific Populations 

Renal Impairment:

In patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (CL_Cr 10-40 mL/min), AUC and C_max increased approximately 1.2-fold after administration of a single dose of 40 mg fluvastatin compared to healthy volunteers. In patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, the AUC increased by approximately 1.5-fold. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets were not evaluated in patients with renal impairment. However, systemic exposures after administration of fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are lower than after the 40 mg immediate release capsule.

Hepatic Impairment:

In patients with hepatic impairment due to liver cirrhosis, fluvastatin AUC and C_max increased approximately 2.5- fold compared to healthy subjects after administration of a single 40 mg dose. The enantiomer ratios of the two isomers of fluvastatin in hepatic impairment patients were comparable to those observed in healthy subjects.

Geriatric:

Plasma levels of fluvastatin are not significantly different in patients age > 65 years compared to patients age 21 to 49 years.

Gender:

In a study evaluating the effect of age and gender on fluvastatin pharmacokinetics, there were no significant differences in fluvastatin exposures between males and females, except between younger females and younger males (both ages 21-49 years), where there was an approximate 30% increase in AUC in females. Adjusting for body weight decreases the magnitude of the differences seen. For fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets, the AUC increases 67% and 77% for women compared to men under fasted and high- fat meal fed conditions, respectively.

Pediatric:

Pharmacokinetic data in the pediatric population are not available.

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Data from drug-drug interactions studies involving coadministration of gemfibrozil, niacin, itraconazole, erythromycin, tolbutamide or clopidogrel indicate that the PK disposition of fluvastatin is not significantly altered when fluvastatin is coadministered with any of these drugs.

The below listed drug interaction information is derived from studies using fluvastatin sodium capsules. Similar studies have not been conducted using the fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablet.

*Single dose unless otherwise noted

**Mean ratio (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 1-fold) or % change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively.

† Considered clinically significant [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Drug Interactions (7)]

Data from drug-drug interaction studies involving fluvastatin and coadministration of either gemfibrozil, tolbutamide or losartan indicate that the PK disposition of either gemfibrozil, tolbutamide or losartan is not significantly altered when coadministered with fluvastatin.

*Single dose unless otherwise noted

**Mean ratio (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 1-fold) or % change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively.

† Considered clinically significant [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Drug Interactions (7)]

A 2-year study was performed in rats at dose levels of 6, 9, and 18-24 (escalated after 1 year) mg/kg/day. These treatment levels represented plasma drug levels of approximately 9, 13, and 26-35 times the mean human plasma drug concentration after a 40 mg oral dose. A low incidence of forestomach squamous papillomas and 1 carcinoma of the forestomach at the 24 mg/kg/day dose level was considered to reflect the prolonged hyperplasia induced by direct contact exposure to fluvastatin sodium rather than to a systemic effect of the drug. In addition, an increased incidence of thyroid follicular cell adenomas and carcinomas was recorded for males treated with 18-24 mg/kg/day. The increased incidence of thyroid follicular cell neoplasm in male rats with fluvastatin sodium appears to be consistent with findings from other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In contrast to other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, no hepatic adenomas or carcinomas were observed.

The carcinogenicity study conducted in mice at dose levels of 0.3, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day revealed, as in rats, a statistically significant increase in forestomach squamous cell papillomas in males and females at 30 mg/kg/day and in females at 15 mg/kg/day. These treatment levels represented plasma drug levels of approximately 0.05, 2, and 7 times the mean human plasma drug concentration after a 40 mg oral dose.

No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in vitro, with or without rat-liver metabolic activation, in the following studies: microbial mutagen tests using mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium or Escherichia coli; malignant transformation assay in BALB/3T3 cells; unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat primary hepatocytes; chromosomal aberrations in V79 Chinese Hamster cells; HGPRT V79 Chinese Hamster cells. In addition, there was no evidence of mutagenicity in vivo in either a rat or mouse micronucleus test.

In a study in rats at dose levels for females of 0.6, 2 and 6 mg/kg/day and at dose levels for males of 2, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day, fluvastatin sodium had no adverse effects on the fertility or reproductive performance.

Seminal vesicles and testes were small in hamsters treated for 3 months at 20 mg/kg/day (approximately three times the 40 mg human daily dose based on surface area, mg/m²). There was tubular degeneration and aspermatogenesis in testes as well as vesiculitis of seminal vesicles. Vesiculitis of seminal vesicles and edema of the testes were also seen in rats treated for 2 years at 18 mg/kg/day (approximately 4 times the human C_max achieved with a 40 mg daily dose).

Fluvastatin sodium produced delays in skeletal development in rats at doses of 12 mg/kg/day and in rabbits at doses of 10 mg/kg/day. Malaligned thoracic vertebrae were seen in rats at 36 mg/kg, a dose that produced maternal toxicity. These doses resulted in 2 times (rat at 12 mg/kg) or 5 times (rabbit at 10 mg/kg) the 40 mg human exposure based on mg/m² surface area. A study in which female rats were dosed during the third trimester at 12 and 24 mg/kg/day resulted in maternal mortality at or near term and postpartum. In addition, fetal and neonatal lethality were apparent. No effects on the dam or fetus occurred at 2 mg/kg/day. A second study at levels of 2, 6, 12 and 24 mg/kg/day confirmed the findings in the first study with neonatal mortality beginning at 6 mg/kg. A modified Segment III study was performed at dose levels of 12 or 24 mg/kg/day with or without the presence of concurrent supplementation with mevalonic acid, a product of HMG-CoA reductase which is essential for cholesterol biosynthesis. The concurrent administration of mevalonic acid completely prevented the maternal and neonatal mortality but did not prevent low body weights in pups at 24 mg/kg on days 0 and 7 postpartum. 

In 12 placebo-controlled studies in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia, fluvastatin sodium capsules was administered to 1621 patients in daily dose regimens of 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg (40 mg twice daily) for at least 6 weeks duration (Table 5). After 24 weeks of treatment, treatment with fluvastatin sodium capsules resulted in significantly reduced plasma LDL-C, TC, TG, and Apo B compared to placebo and was associated with variable increases in HDL-C across the dose range. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets have been studied in five controlled studies of patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets were administered to over 900 patients in trials from 4 to 26 weeks in duration. In the three largest of these studies, fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets given as a single daily dose of 80 mg significantly reduced Total-C, LDL-C, TG and Apo B and resulted in increases in HDL-C (Table 5).

In patients with primary mixed dyslipidemia as defined by baseline plasma TG levels ≥200 mg/dL and <400 mg/dL, treatment with fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets produced significant decreases in Total-C, LDL-C, TG and Apo B and variable increases in HDL-C (Table 5).

^{1 Data for fluvastatin sodium capsules from 12 placebo-controlled trials}

^{2 Data for fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg from three 24- week controlled trials}

Fluvastatin sodium capsules were studied in two open-label, uncontrolled, dose-titration studies. The first study enrolled 29 pre-pubertal boys, 9-12 years of age, who had an LDL-C level >90th percentile for age and one parent with primary hypercholesterolemia and either a family history of premature ischemic heart disease or tendon xanthomas. The mean baseline LDL-C was 226 mg/dL (range: 137-354 mg/dL). All patients were started on fluvastatin sodium capsules 20 mg daily with dose adjustments every 6 weeks to 40 mg daily then 80 mg daily (40 mg b.i.d.) to achieve an LDL-C goal between 96.7 – 123.7 mg/dL. Endpoint analyses were performed at Year 2. Fluvastatin sodium capsules decreased plasma levels of Total-C and LDL-C by 21% and 27%, respectively. The mean achieved LDL-C was 161 mg/dL (range: 74-336 mg/dL).

The second study enrolled 85 male and female patients, 10 to 16 years of age, who had an LDL-C >190 mg/dL or LDL-C >160 mg/dL and one or more risk factors for coronary heart disease, or LDL-C >160 mg/dL and a proven LDL-receptor defect. The mean baseline LDL-C was 225 mg/dL (range: 148-343 mg/dL). All patients were started on fluvastatin sodium capsules 20 mg daily with dose adjustments every 6 weeks to 40 mg daily then 80 mg daily (fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg) to achieve an LDL-C goal of <130 mg/dL. Endpoint analyses were performed at Week 114. Fluvastatin sodium capsules decreased plasma levels of Total-C and LDL-C by 22% and 28%, respectively. The mean achieved LDL-C was 159 mg/dL (range: 90-295 mg/dL).

The majority of patients in both studies (83% in the first study and 89% in the second study) were titrated to the maximum daily dose of 80 mg. At study endpoint, 26% to 30% of patients in both studies achieved a targeted LDL-C goal of <130 mg/dL. The long-term efficacy of fluvastatin sodium capsules or fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablet therapy in childhood to reduce morbidity and mortality in adulthood has not been established.

In the Fluvastatin Intervention Prevention Study, the effect of fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg administered twice daily on the risk of recurrent cardiac events (time to first occurrence of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or revascularization) was assessed in 1677 patients with CHD who had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure (mean time from PCI to randomization=3 days). In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients were treated with dietary/lifestyle counseling and either fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg (n=844) or placebo (n=833) given twice daily for a median of 3.9 years. The study population was 84% male, 98% Caucasian, with 37% >65 years of age. Mean baseline lipid concentrations were: total cholesterol 201 mg/dL, LDL-C 132 mg/dL, triglycerides 70 mg/dL and HDL-C 39 mg/dL.

Fluvastatin sodium capsules significantly reduced the risk of recurrent cardiac events (Figure 1) by 22% (p=0.013, 181 patients in the fluvastatin sodium capsule group vs. 222 patients in the placebo group). Revascularization procedures comprised the majority of the initial recurrent cardiac events (143 revascularization procedures in the fluvastatin sodium capsule group and 171 in the placebo group). Consistent trends in risk reduction were observed in patients >65 years of age.

Outcome data for the Fluvastatin Intervention Prevention Study are shown in Figure 2. After exclusion of revascularization procedures (CABG and repeat PCI) occurring within the first 6 months of the initial procedure involving the originally instrumental site, treatment with fluvastatin sodium capsules was associated with a 32% (p=0.002) reduction in risk of late revascularization procedures (CABG or PCI occurring at the original site >6 months after the initial procedure, or at another site).

In the Lipoprotein and Coronary Atherosclerosis Study (LCAS), the effect of fluvastatin sodium capsule therapy on coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) in patients with CAD and mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia (baseline LDL-C range 115-190 mg/dL). In this randomized double-blind, placebo- controlled trial, 429 patients were treated with conventional measures (Step 1 AHA Diet) and either fluvastatin sodium capsules 40 mg/day or placebo. In order to provide treatment to patients receiving placebo with LDL-C levels ≥160 mg/dL at baseline, adjunctive therapy with cholestyramine was added after Week 12 to all patients in the study with baseline LDL-C values of ≥160 mg/dL which were present in 25% of the study population. Quantitative coronary angiograms were evaluated at baseline and 2.5 years in 340 (79%) angiographic evaluable patients.

Compared to placebo, fluvastatin sodium capsules significantly slowed the progression of coronary atherosclerosis as measured by within-patient per-lesion change in minimum lumen diameter (MLD), the primary endpoint (Figure 3 below), percent diameter stenosis (Figure 4), and the formation of new lesions (13% of all fluvastatin patients versus 22% of all placebo patients). A significant difference in favor of fluvastatin sodium capsules was found between all fluvastatin and all placebo patients in the distribution among the three categories of definite progression, definite regression, and mixed or no change. Beneficial angiographic results (change in MLD) were independent of patients’ gender and consistent across a range of baseline LDL-C levels.

Patients starting therapy with fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be advised of the risk of myopathy and told to report promptly any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed before the initiation of fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and if signs or symptoms of liver injury occur. All patients treated with fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets should be advised to report promptly any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice.

Women of childbearing age should be advised to use an effective method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while using fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. Discuss future pregnancy plans with your patients, and discuss when to stop taking fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets if they are trying to conceive. Patients should be advised that if they become pregnant they should stop taking fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and call their healthcare professional.

Women who are breastfeeding should not use fluvastatin sodium capsules / fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. Patients who have a lipid disorder and are breastfeeding should be advised to discuss the options with their healthcare professional.

T2012-210
October 2012