Fluvastatin Sodium

Clinical summary

Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are indicated: To reduce the risk of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in adults with clinically evident coronary heart disease. As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who require 80 mg of fluvastatin daily. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are indicated ( 1 ): To reduce the risk of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in adults with clinically evident coronary heart disease. As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who require 80 mg Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets can be taken with or without food and may be taken at any time of the day. (2.1) Do not break, crush or chew fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets prior to administration. (2.1) Adults : The recommended starting dose is 80 mg (administered as one 80 mg fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablet once daily). (2.2) Children : The recommended dose is 80 mg once daily in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older who require 80 mg of fluvastatin. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are not recommended for dosage initiation in pediatric patients because the recommended starting dosage cannot be achieved with the available strength of 80 mg. (2.3) 2.1 Important Dosage Information Take fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets orally once daily as a single dose, with or without food. Do not break, crush, or chew fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablet is only available as an 80 mg tablet. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets cannot be titrated [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3)]. For patients that require a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets 80 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets. 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients The recommended dosage for fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets is 80 mg once daily. 2.3 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years of Age and Older with HeFH Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are not recommended for dosage initiation in pediatric patients because the recommended starting dosage cannot be achieved with the available strength of 80 mg. Recommend use of another fluvastatin product to initiate dosing in pediatric patients. The recommended dosage of fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets is 80 mg once daily in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older who require 80 mg of fluvastatin. Warnings and cautions 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, and concomitant use with certain other drugs. Discontinue fluvastatin if markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels occur, or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue fluvastatin in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing fluvastatin dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. (5.1) Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): Rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, have been reported with statin use. Discontinue fluvastatin if IMNM is suspected. (5.2) Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases have occurred, some persistent. Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider testing liver enzyme before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets (5.3) 5.1 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis Fluvastatin may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase [CK]) and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis with statins, including fluvastatin. Myopathy, defined as muscle aching o