ROSUVASTATIN AND EZETIMIBE

• Swallow rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets whole at any time of day, with or without food. Do not crush, dissolve, or chew tablets.
• The dosage range is 5 mg/10 mg to 40 mg/10 mg once daily.
• The recommended dose of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets depends on a patient’s indication for usage, LDL- C, and individual risk for cardiovascular events.
• The starting dosage for patients switching to rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets from co-administration of a statin and ezetimibe is based on an equivalent dose of rosuvastatin and 10 mg of ezetimibe.
• Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 2 weeks after initiating rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets, and adjust the dosage if necessary.

Initiate rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets at 5 mg/10 mg daily due to increased rosuvastatin plasma concentrations. Consider the risk/benefit when treating Asian patients not adequately controlled at doses up to 20 mg/10 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.8), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

In patients with severe renal impairment (CL_cr less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) not on hemodialysis, the recommended starting dosage is 5 mg/10 mg once daily and should not exceed 10 mg/10 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

There are no dosage adjustment recommendations for patients with mild and moderate renal impairment.

• In patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
• When taking rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets with an aluminum and magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, administer rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets at least 2 hours before the antacid [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
• Concomitant use of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets with the following drugs requires dosage modifications of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Darolutamide
Do not exceed rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets 5 mg/10 mg once daily.

Regorafenib
Do not exceed rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets 10 mg/10 mg once daily.

Antiviral Medications
Concomitant use of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets is not recommended.

In patients taking simeprevir, dasabuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, elbasvir/grazoprevir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, atazanavir/ritonavir, and lopinavir/ritonavir initiate rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets at 5 mg/10 mg once daily. Do not exceed rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets 10 mg/10 mg once daily.

No dose adjustment is needed for concomitant use with fosamprenavir/ritonavir or tipranavir/ritonavir.

Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with creatine kinase [CK] above ten times the upper limit of normal) and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis with statins, including rosuvastatin.
Risk Factors for Myopathy
Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs including other lipid-lowering therapies, and higher rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets dosage; Asian patients on rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets may be at higher risk for myopathy [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.8)]. The myopathy risk is greater in patients taking rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets 40 mg/10 mg daily compared with lower rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets dosages.

Steps to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis
The concomitant use of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets with cyclosporine or gemfibrozil is not recommended. Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets dosage modifications are recommended for patients taking certain antiviral medications, darolutamide, and regorafenib [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Niacin, fibrates, and colchicine may also increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Discontinue rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Muscle symptoms and CK increases may resolve if rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets is discontinued. Temporarily discontinue rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis, e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy.

Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.

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.

Increases in serum transaminases have occurred with rosuvastatin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In most cases, the elevations appeared soon after initiation, were transient, were not accompanied by symptoms, and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. In a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled trials, increases in serum transaminases to more than three times the ULN occurred in 1.1% of patients taking rosuvastatin versus 0.5% of patients treated with placebo. Marked persistent increases of hepatic transaminases have also occurred with rosuvastatin. There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including rosuvastatin.

Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatic injury.

Consider liver enzyme testing before rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets initiation and thereafter, when clinically indicated. Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Contraindications (4)]. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets.

In the rosuvastatin clinical trial program, dipstick-positive proteinuria and microscopic hematuria were observed among rosuvastatin treated patients. These findings were more frequent in patients taking rosuvastatin 40 mg, when compared to lower doses of rosuvastatin or comparator statins, though it was generally transient and was not associated with worsening renal function. Although the clinical significance of this finding is unknown, consider a dose reduction for patients on rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets therapy with unexplained persistent proteinuria and/or hematuria during routine urinalysis testing.

Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with statins, including rosuvastatin. Based on clinical trial data with rosuvastatin, in some instances these increases may exceed the threshold for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices [See Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Rosuvastatin
In double-blind, controlled (placebo- or active-controlled) clinical trials of rosuvastatin, 5394 patients with primary hyperlipidemia were treated for a duration of up to 12 weeks. Adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies and at a rate greater than placebo are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Rosuvastatin and Greater than Placebo in Placebo-Controlled Trials

Other adverse reactions reported in clinical studies were abdominal pain, dizziness, hypersensitivity (including rash, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema), and pancreatitis.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with mean treatment duration of 1.7 years, 981 participants were treated with rosuvastatin 40 mg (n=700) or placebo (n=281). The most common adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients and at a rate greater than placebo are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Rosuvastatin and Greater than Placebo

1 Frequency recorded as abnormal laboratory value.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with mean treatment duration of 2 years, 17,802 participants were treated with rosuvastatin 20 mg (n=8901) or placebo (n=8901). There was a significantly higher frequency of diabetes mellitus reported in patients taking rosuvastatin (2.8%) versus patients taking placebo (2.3%). Mean HbA1c was significantly increased by 0.1% in rosuvastatin-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients. The number of patients with a HbA1c >6.5% at the end of the trial was significantly higher in rosuvastatin-treated versus placebo-treated patients.

Laboratory Tests
The following laboratory abnormalities have been reported in clinical studies of rosuvastatin: dipstick- positive proteinuria and microscopic hematuria; elevated creatine phosphokinase, transaminases, glucose, glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin; and thyroid function abnormalities.

Ezetimibe Monotherapy
In 10 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, 2396 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (50% women, 90% Caucasians, 5% Blacks, 3% Hispanics, 2% Asians) and elevated LDL-C were treated with ezetimibe for a median treatment duration of 12 weeks. Adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with ezetimibe and at an incidence greater than placebo are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Ezetimibe and Greater than Placebo in Placebo-Controlled Trials

The incidence of consecutive elevations (≥3x ULN) in hepatic transaminase levels was similar between ezetimibe (0.5%) and placebo (0.3%).

Ezetimibe Combination with Statins
In 28 double-blind, controlled (placebo- or active-controlled) clinical trials, 11,308 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (48% women, 85% Caucasians, 7% Blacks, 4% Hispanics, 3% Asians) and elevated LDL-C were treated with ezetimibe concurrently with or added to ongoing statin therapy for a median treatment duration of 8 weeks. Clinical adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with ezetimibe + statin and at an incidence greater than statin are shown in Table 4.

Table 4: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Ezetimibe Coadministered with a Statin and at an Incidence Greater than Statin

1 All Statins = all doses of statins

The incidence of consecutive increased transaminases (≥3x ULN) was higher in patients receiving ezetimibe administered with statins (1.3%) than in patients treated with statins alone (0.4%). These elevations in transaminases were generally asymptomatic, not associated with cholestasis, and returned to baseline after discontinuation of therapy or with continued treatment.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe. Because these reactions 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.

Rosuvastatin
Arthralgia, fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure, hepatitis, jaundice, thrombocytopenia, depression, sleep disorders (including insomnia and nightmares), peripheral neuropathy, interstitial lung disease and gynecomastia. There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy associated with statin use. There have been rare post marketing 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).

Ezetimibe
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria; erythema multiforme; arthralgia; myalgia; elevated creatine phosphokinase; myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; elevations in liver transaminases; hepatitis; abdominal pain; thrombocytopenia; pancreatitis; nausea; dizziness; paresthesia; depression; headache; cholelithiasis; cholecystitis.

Rosuvastatin is a substrate of CYP2C9 and transporters (such as OATP1B1, BCRP). Rosuvastatin plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP2C9 and transporters. Table 5 includes a list of drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomitantly with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets and instructions for preventing or managing them [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Table 5: Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe Tablets

Table 6 presents drug interactions that may decrease the efficacy of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets and instructions for preventing or managing them.

Table 6: Drug Interactions that Decrease the Efficacy of Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe Tablets

Table 7 presents rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets effect on other drugs and instructions for preventing or managing them.

Table 7: Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe Tablets Effects on Other Drugs

Risk Summary
Discontinue rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy. 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 hyperlipidemia for most patients.

Available data from case series and prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies over decades of use with statins in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations. Published data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies with rosuvastatin use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine if there is a drug- associated risk of miscarriage (see Data). In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of rosuvastatin to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses equivalent to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day resulted in no adverse developmental effects (see Data).

There are insufficient data on ezetimibe use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of ezetimibe to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 10 and 150 times, respectively, the MRHD resulted in no adverse developmental effects (see Data).

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data
Human Data
A Medicaid cohort linkage study of 1152 statin-exposed pregnant women compared to 886,996 controls did not find a significant teratogenic effect from maternal use of statins in the first trimester of pregnancy, after adjusting for potential confounders – including maternal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol and tobacco use – using propensity score-based methods. The relative risk of congenital malformations between the group with statin use and the group with no statin use in the first trimester was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.37) after controlling for confounders, particularly pre-existing diabetes mellitus. There were also no statistically significant increases in any of the organ-specific malformations assessed after accounting for confounders. In the majority of pregnancies, statin treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified. Study limitations include reliance on physician coding to define the presence of a malformation, lack of control for certain confounders such as body mass index, use of prescription dispensing as verification for the use of a statin, and lack of information on non-live births.

Animal Data

Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin administration did not indicate a teratogenic effect in rats at ≤25 mg/kg/day or in rabbits ≤3 mg/kg/day (doses equivalent to the MRHD of 40 mg/day based on AUC and body surface area, respectively).

In female rats given 5, 15 and 50 mg/kg/day before mating and continuing through to gestation day 7 resulted in decreased fetal body weight (female pups) and delayed ossification at 50 mg/kg/day (10 times the human exposure at the MRHD dose of 40 mg/day based on AUC).

In pregnant rats given 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin from gestation day 7 through lactation day 21 (weaning), decreased pup survival occurred at 50 mg/kg/day (dose equivalent to 12 times the MRHD of 40 mg/day based body surface area).

In pregnant rabbits given 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin from gestation day 6 to day 18, decreased fetal viability and maternal mortality was observed at 3 mg/kg/day (dose equivalent to the MRHD of 40 mg/day based on body surface area).

Rosuvastatin crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits and is found in fetal tissue and amniotic fluid at 3% and 20%, respectively, of the maternal plasma concentration following a single 25 mg/kg oral gavage dose on gestation day 16 in rats. A higher fetal tissue distribution (25% maternal plasma concentration) was observed in rabbits after a single oral gavage dose of 1 mg/kg on gestation day 18.

Ezetimibe
In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats (gestation days 6-15) and rabbits (gestation days 7-19), there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryolethality at any dose tested (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/day) at exposures equivalent to 10 and 150 times the clinical exposure, based on AUC, in rats and rabbits. In rats, increased incidences of common fetal skeletal findings (extra pair of thoracic ribs, unossified cervical vertebral centra, shortened ribs) were observed at 1000 mg/kg/day (~10 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC_0-24hr for total ezetimibe). In rabbits treated with ezetimibe, an increased incidence of extra thoracic ribs was observed at 1000 mg/kg/day (150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC_0-24hr for total ezetimibe). The animal-to-human exposure multiple for total ezetimibe at the no observed effect level was 6 times for rat and 134 times for rabbit. Fetal exposure to ezetimibe (conjugated and unconjugated) was confirmed in subsequent placental transfer studies conducted using a maternal dose of 1000 mg/kg/day. The fetal maternal plasma exposure ratio (total ezetimibe) was 1.5 for rats on gestation day 20 and 0.03 for rabbits on gestation day 22.

The effect of ezetimibe on prenatal and postnatal development and maternal function was evaluated in pregnant rats at doses of 100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg/day (gestation day 6 through lactation day 21). No maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes were observed up to and including the highest dose tested (17 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC_0-24hr for total ezetimibe).

Multiple dose studies of ezetimibe given in combination with statins in rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in higher ezetimibe and statin exposures. Reproductive findings occurred at lower doses in combination therapy compared to monotherapy.

Risk Summary
Limited data from case reports in published literature indicate that rosuvastatin is present in human milk. There is no available information on the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. Statins, including rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets, decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol and may cause harm to the breastfed infant.

There is no information about the presence of ezetimibe in human milk. Ezetimibe is present in rat milk (see Data). When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. There is no information about the effects of ezetimibe on the breastfed infant or the effects of ezetimibe on milk production.

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, based on the mechanism of action, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].

Data
Ezetimibe was present in the milk of lactating rats. The pup to maternal plasma ratio for total ezetimibe was 0.5 on lactation day 12.

The safety and effectiveness of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets have not been established in pediatric patients.

Advanced age (≥65 years) is a risk factor for rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets-associated myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, recognizing the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function; of concomitant disease or other drug therapy; and the higher risk of myopathy. Monitor geriatric patients receiving rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets for the increased risk of myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Rosuvastatin
Of the 10,275 patients in clinical studies with rosuvastatin, 3159 (31%) were 65 years and older, and 698 (6.8%) were 75 years and older.

Ezetimibe
Of the 2396 patients who received ezetimibe monotherapy in clinical studies, 669 (28%) were 65 and older, and 111 (5%) were 75 and older. Of the 11,308 patients who received ezetimibe + statin in clinical studies, 3587 (32%) were 65 and older, and 924 (8%) were 75 and older. No overall differences in safety and effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. In a multiple-dose study with ezetimibe, plasma concentrations for ezetimibe were about 2-fold higher in older (≥65 years) healthy subjects compared to younger subjects [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Renal impairment is a risk factor for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Monitor patients with renal impairment for development of myopathy. In patients with severe renal impairment not on hemodialysis, the recommended starting dosage is 5 mg/10 mg daily and should not exceed 10 mg/10 mg daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin exposure is not influenced by mild to moderate renal impairment (CLcr≥30 mL/min/1.73 m² ). Exposure to rosuvastatin is increased to a clinically significant extent in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr<30 mL/min/1.73 m²) who are not receiving hemodialysis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Ezetimibe
In a trial of 9270 patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (6247 non-dialysis patients with median serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL and median estimated glomerular filtration rate 25.6 mL/min/1.73 m², and 3023 dialysis patients), the incidence of serious adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation of study treatment, or adverse events of special interest (musculoskeletal adverse events, liver enzyme abnormalities, incident cancer) was similar between patients ever assigned to ezetimibe 10 mg plus simvastatin 20 mg (n=4650) or placebo (n=4620) during a median follow-up of 4.9 years.

Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated an approximate 2-fold increase in median exposure to rosuvastatin in Asian subjects when compared with Caucasian controls. Adjust the rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets dosage in Asian patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]

Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin is an inhibitor of HMG CoA-reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol. In in vivo and in vitro studies, rosuvastatin produces its lipid-modifying effects in two ways. First, it increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell-surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL. Second, rosuvastatin inhibits hepatic synthesis of VLDL, which reduces the total number of VLDL and LDL particles.

Ezetimibe
The molecular target of ezetimibe is the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols. Ezetimibe localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. This causes a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in clearance of cholesterol from the blood.

The maximum therapeutic response of rosuvastatin is usually achieved by 4 weeks and is maintained after that. The maximum therapeutic response of ezetimibe is generally achieved within 2 weeks and is maintained during chronic therapy.

Absorption
Rosuvastatin
In clinical pharmacology studies in man, peak plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin were reached 3 to 5 hours following oral dosing. Both Cmax and AUC increased in approximate proportion to rosuvastatin dose. The absolute bioavailability of rosuvastatin is approximately 20%.The AUC of rosuvastatin does not differ following evening or morning drug administration.

Administration of rosuvastatin with food did not affect the AUC of rosuvastatin.

Ezetimibe
After oral administration, ezetimibe is absorbed and extensively conjugated to a pharmacologically active phenolic glucuronide (ezetimibe-glucuronide). After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe to fasted adults, mean ezetimibe peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 3.4 to 5.5 ng/mL were attained within 4 to 12 hours (Tmax). Ezetimibe-glucuronide mean Cmax values of 45 to 71 ng/mL were achieved between 1 and 2 hours (Tmax). There was no substantial deviation from dose proportionality between 5 and 20 mg. The absolute bioavailability of ezetimibe cannot be determined, as the compound is virtually insoluble in aqueous media suitable for injection.

Concomitant food administration (high-fat or non-fat meals) had no effect on the extent of absorption of ezetimibe when administered as ezetimibe 10-mg tablets. The Cmax value of ezetimibe was increased by 38% with consumption of high-fat meals.

Distribution
Rosuvastatin
Mean volume of distribution at steady-state of rosuvastatin is approximately 134 liters. Rosuvastatin is 88% bound to plasma proteins, mostly albumin. This binding is reversible and independent of plasma concentrations.

Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are highly bound (>90%) to human plasma proteins.

Elimination
Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin is not extensively metabolized; approximately 10% of a radiolabeled dose is recovered as metabolite. The major metabolite is N-desmethyl rosuvastatin, which is formed principally by cytochrome P450 \ 2C9, and in vitro studies have demonstrated that N-desmethyl rosuvastatin has approximately one-sixth to one-half the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity of the parent compound. Overall, greater than 90% of active plasma HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity is accounted for by the parent compound.

Following oral administration, rosuvastatin and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the feces (90%). The elimination half-life (t_1/2) of rosuvastatin is approximately 19 hours. After an intravenous dose, approximately 28% of total body clearance was via the renal route, and 72% by the hepatic route.

Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe is primarily metabolized in the small intestine and liver via glucuronide conjugation with subsequent biliary and renal excretion. Minimal oxidative metabolism has been observed in all species evaluated. In humans, ezetimibe is rapidly metabolized to ezetimibe-glucuronide. Ezetimibe and ezetimibe- glucuronide are the major drug-derived compounds detected in plasma, constituting approximately 10 to 20% and 80 to 90% of the total drug in plasma, respectively. Both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are eliminated from plasma with a half-life of approximately 22 hours for both ezetimibe and ezetimibe- glucuronide. Plasma concentration-time profiles exhibit multiple peaks, suggesting enterohepatic recycling.

Following oral administration of ¹⁴C-ezetimibe (20 mg) to human subjects, total ezetimibe (ezetimibe + ezetimibe-glucuronide) accounted for approximately 93% of the total radioactivity in plasma. After 48 hours, there were no detectable levels of radioactivity in the plasma. Approximately 78% and 11% of the administered radioactivity were recovered in the feces and urine, respectively, over a 10-day collection period. Ezetimibe was the major component in feces and accounted for 69% of the administered dose, while ezetimibe-glucuronide was the major component in urine and accounted for 9% of the administered dose.

Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
Rosuvastatin
There were no differences in plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin between the nonelderly and elderly populations (age ≥65 years).

Ezetimibe
In a multiple-dose study with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were about 2-fold higher in older (≥65 years) healthy subjects compared to younger subjects.

Gender
Rosuvastatin
There were no differences in plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin between men and women.

Ezetimibe
In a multiple-dose study with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were slightly higher (<20%) in women than in men.

Race
Rosuvastatin
A population pharmacokinetic analysis revealed no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetics among Caucasian, Hispanic, and Black or Afro-Caribbean groups. However, pharmacokinetic studies, including one conducted in the US, have demonstrated an approximate 2-fold elevation in median exposure (AUC and C_max) in Asian subjects when compared with a Caucasian control group. [See Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Specific Populations (8.8).]

Ezetimibe
Based on a meta-analysis of multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies, there were no pharmacokinetic differences between Black and Caucasian subjects. Studies in Asian subjects indicated that the pharmacokinetics of ezetimibe were similar to those seen in Caucasian subjects.

Hepatic Impairment
Rosuvastatin
In patients with chronic alcohol liver disease, plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin were modestly increased. In patients with Child-Pugh A disease, C_max and AUC were increased by 60% and 5%, respectively, as compared with patients with normal liver function. In patients with Child-Pugh B disease, C_max and AUC were increased 100% and 21%, respectively, compared with patients with normal liver function [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Ezetimibe
After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe, the mean AUC for total ezetimibe was increased approximately 1.7-fold in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6), compared to healthy subjects. The mean AUC values for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe increased approximately 3- to 4-fold and 5- to 6- fold, respectively, in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9) or severe hepatic impairment (Child- Pugh score 10 to 15). In a 14-day, multiple-dose study (10 mg daily) in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the mean AUC for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe increased approximately 4-fold on both Day 1 and Day 14 when compared to healthy subjects [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2), and Specific Populations (8.7)].

Renal Impairment
Rosuvastatin
Mild to moderate renal impairment (CL_cr ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m²) had no influence on plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin. However, plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin increased to a clinically significant extent (about 3-fold) in patients with severe renal impairment (CL_cr <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) not receiving hemodialysis compared with healthy subjects (CL_cr>80 mL/min/1.73 m²). Steady-state plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin in patients on chronic hemodialysis were approximately 50% greater compared with healthy volunteer subjects with normal renal function.

Ezetimibe
After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe in patients with severe renal disease (n=8; mean CL_cr≤30 mL/min/1.73 m²), the mean AUC values for total ezetimibe, ezetimibe-glucuronide, and ezetimibe were increased approximately 1.5-fold, compared to healthy subjects (n=9).

Drug Interactions
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction was seen when ezetimibe was coadministered with rosuvastatin. Specific pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets have not been performed.

Cytochrome P450
Rosuvastatin clearance is not dependent on metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4 to a clinically significant extent. Rosuvastatin is a substrate for certain transporter proteins including the hepatic uptake transporter organic anion-transporting polyprotein 1B1 (OATP1B1) and efflux transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.3)].

Ezetimibe had no significant effect on a series of probe drugs (caffeine, dextromethorphan, tolbutamide, and IV midazolam) known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 (1A2, 2D6, 2C8/9 and 3A4) in a "cocktail" study of twelve healthy adult males. This indicates that ezetimibe is neither an inhibitor nor an inducer of these cytochrome P450 isozymes.

Rosuvastatin
Table 8: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Rosuvastatin Systemic Exposure

QD= Once daily, BID= Twice daily, TID= Three times daily, QID= Four times daily
¹ Single dose unless otherwise noted.
² Clinically significant [See Dosage and Administration (2), Warnings and Precautions (5), and Drug Interactions (7)]

³ Mean ratio with 90% CI (with/without coadministered drug, e.g., 1= no change, 0.7 = 30% decrease, 11=11 fold increase in exposure)

Table 9: Effect of Rosuvastatin Coadministration on Systemic Exposure to Other Drugs

 EE = ethinyl estradiol, NG = norgestrel, QD= Once daily

¹ Clinically significant pharmacodynamic effects [see Drug Interactions (7)]
² Mean ratio with 90% CI (with/without coadministered drug, e.g., 1= no change, 0.7=30% decrease, 11=11-fold increase in exposure)

Ezetimibe
Table 10: Effect of Co-Administered Drugs on Total Ezetimibe

* Based on 10-mg dose of ezetimibe
¹ Post-renal transplant patients with mild impaired or normal renal function. In a different study, a renal transplant patient with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 13.2 mL/min/1.73m²) who was receiving multiple medications, including cyclosporine, demonstrated a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe compared to healthy subjects.
² See Drug Interactions (7)
³ Supralox^®, 20 mL

Table 11: Effect of Ezetimibe Coadministration on Systemic Exposure to Other Drugs

* See Drug Interactions (7)

Disposition of statins, including rosuvastatin, involves OATP1B1 and other transporter proteins. Higher plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin have been reported in very small groups of patients (n=3 to 5) who have two reduced function alleles of the gene that encodes OATP1B1 (SLCO1B1 521T > C). The frequency of this genotype (i.e., SLCO1B1 521T>C) is generally lower than 5% in most racial/ethnic groups. The impact of this polymorphism on rosuvastatin is unknown.

No animal carcinogenicity or fertility studies have been conducted with the combination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.

Rosuvastatin
In a 104-week carcinogenicity study in rats at dose levels of 2, 20, 60, or 80 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, the incidence of uterine stromal polyps was significantly increased in females at 80 mg/kg/day at systemic exposure 20 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC. Increased incidence of polyps was not seen at lower doses.

In a 107-week carcinogenicity study in mice given 10, 60, or 200 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, an increased incidence of hepatocellular adenoma/carcinoma was observed at 200 mg/kg/day at systemic exposures 20 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC. An increased incidence of hepatocellular tumors was not seen at lower doses.

Rosuvastatin was not mutagenic or clastogenic with or without metabolic activation in the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, the mouse lymphoma assay, and the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung cells. Rosuvastatin was negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

In rat fertility studies with oral gavage doses of 5, 15, 50 mg/kg/day, males were treated for 9 weeks prior to and throughout mating and females were treated 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout mating until gestation day 7. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 50 mg/kg/day (systemic exposures up to 10 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC). In testicles of dogs treated with rosuvastatin at 30 mg/kg/day for one month, spermatidic giant cells were seen. Spermatidic giant cells were observed in monkeys after 6-month treatment at 30 mg/kg/day in addition to vacuolation of seminiferous tubular epithelium. Exposures in the dog were 20 times and in the monkey 10 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on body surface area. Similar findings have been seen with other drugs in this class.

Ezetimibe
A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was conducted in rats at doses up to 1500 mg/kg/day (males) and 500 mg/kg/day (females) (~20 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC_0-24hr for total ezetimibe). A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was also conducted in mice at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (>150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC_0-24hr for total ezetimibe). There were no statistically significant increases in tumor incidences in drug-treated rats or mice.
No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in vitro in a microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with or without metabolic activation. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed in vitro in a chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with or without metabolic activation. In addition, there was no evidence of genotoxicity in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

In oral (gavage) fertility studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats, there was no evidence of reproductive toxicity at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day in male or female rats (~7 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC_0-24hr for total ezetimibe).

Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe tablets reduces total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C in adults with hyperlipidemia.

Rosuvastatin monotherapy
In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study in patients with hyperlipidemia, rosuvastatin given as a single daily dose for 6 weeks significantly reduced Total-C, LDL-C, non-HDL- C, and Apo B, across the dose range (Table 12).

Table 12. Dose-Response of Rosuvastatin Monotherapy in Patients with Hyperlipidemia (Adjusted Mean % Change from Baseline at Week 6)

Ezetimibe added to ongoing statin therapy
In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week study, 769 patients with primary hyperlipidemia, known coronary heart disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors who were already receiving statin monotherapy, but who had not met their NCEP ATP II target LDL-C goal were randomized to receive either ezetimibe or placebo in addition to their ongoing statin.

Ezetimibe, added to ongoing statin therapy, significantly lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, non-HDL-C, and TG, and increased HDL-C compared with a statin administered alone (Table 13). LDL-C reductions induced by ezetimibe were generally consistent across all statins.

Table 13: Response to Addition of Ezetimibe to Ongoing Statin Therapy¹ in Patients with Hyperlipidemia (Mean² % Change from Treated Baseline³)

1 Patients receiving each statin: 40% atorvastatin, 31% simvastatin, 29% others (pravastatin, fluvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin)
2 For triglycerides, median % change from baseline
3 Baseline – on a statin alone
4 Ezetimibe + statin significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, non-HDL-C, and TG and increased HDL-C compared to statin alone

Rosuvastatin monotherapy
Dose-Titration Study: In an open-label, forced-titration study, homozygous FH patients (n=40) were evaluated for their response to rosuvastatin 20 to 40 mg titrated at a 6-week interval. In the overall population, the mean LDL-C reduction from baseline was 22%. About one-third of the patients benefited from increasing their dose from 20 mg to 40 mg with further LDL lowering of greater than 6%. In the 27 patients with at least a 15% reduction in LDL-C, the mean LDL-C reduction was 30% (median 28% reduction). Among 13 patients with an LDL-C reduction of <15%, 3 had no change or an increase in LDL-C. Reductions in LDL-C of 15% or greater were observed in 3 of 5 patients with known receptor negative status.

Ezetimibe monotherapy
A study was conducted to assess the efficacy of ezetimibe in the treatment of HoFH. This double-blind, randomized, 12-week study enrolled 50 patients with a clinical and/or genotypic diagnosis of HoFH, with or without concomitant LDL apheresis, already receiving atorvastatin or simvastatin (40 mg). Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups: atorvastatin or simvastatin (80 mg), ezetimibe administered with atorvastatin or simvastatin (40 mg), or ezetimibe administered with atorvastatin or simvastatin (80 mg). Due to decreased bioavailability of ezetimibe in patients concomitantly receiving cholestyramine, ezetimibe was dosed at least 4 hours before or after administration of resins. Mean baseline LDL-C was 341 mg/dL in those patients randomized to atorvastatin 80 mg or simvastatin 80 mg alone and 316 mg/dL in the group randomized to ezetimibe plus atorvastatin 40 or 80 mg or simvastatin 40 or 80 mg. Ezetimibe, administered with atorvastatin or simvastatin (40 and 80 mg statin groups, pooled), significantly reduced LDL-C (21%) compared with increasing the dose of simvastatin or atorvastatin monotherapy from 40 to 80 mg (7%). In those treated with ezetimibe plus 80 mg atorvastatin or with ezetimibe plus 80 mg simvastatin, LDL-C was reduced by 27%.