Lescol XL

Fluvastatin sodium is a water-soluble cholesterol lowering agent which acts through the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl- coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase.

Fluvastatin sodium is [R*,S*-(E)]-(±)-7-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indol-2-yl]-3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic acid, monosodium salt. The empirical formula of fluvastatin sodium is C₂₄H₂₅FNO₄•Na, its molecular weight is 433.46 and its structural formula is:

This molecular entity is the first entirely synthetic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, and is in part structurally distinct from the fungal derivatives of this therapeutic class.

Fluvastatin sodium is a white to pale yellow, hygroscopic powder soluble in water, ethanol and methanol. LESCOL XL is supplied as extended-release tablets containing fluvastatin sodium, equivalent to 80 mg of fluvastatin, for oral administration.

Active Ingredient: fluvastatin sodium

Inactive Ingredients in extended-release tablets: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, potassium bicarbonate, povidone, magnesium stearate, yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol 8000.

INDICATIONS

Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be only one component of multiple risk factor intervention in individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Drug therapy is indicated as an adjunct to diet when the response to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol and other non-pharmacologic measures alone has been inadequate.

Hypercholesterolemia (Heterozygous Familial And Nonfamilial) And Mixed Dyslipidemia

LESCOL XL is 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.

Secondary Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

In patients with clinically evident CHD, LESCOL XL is indicated to:

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

Limitations Of Use

LESCOL XL has not been studied in conditions where the major abnormality is elevation of chylomicrons, VLDL, or IDL (i.e., hyperlipoproteinemia Types I, III, IV, or V).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

General Dosing Information

Dose range: 20 mg to 80 mg/ day.

LESCOL XL can be administered orally as a single dose, with or without food.

Do not break, crush or chew LESCOL XL tablets prior to administration.

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 80 mg as one LESCOL XL tablet administered as a single dose at any time of the day. For patients requiring LDL-C reduction to a goal of < 25% a starting dose of 20 mg may be used.

Adult Patients With Hypercholesterolemia (Heterozygous Familial And Nonfamilial) And Mixed Dyslipidemia

The recommended starting dose for LESCOL XL is one 80 mg tablet administered as a single dose at any time of the day.

Pediatric Patients (10-16 Years Of Age) With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

The recommended starting dose is one 20 mg fluvastatin capsule. Dose adjustments, up to a maximum daily dose administered one LESCOL XL 80 mg tablet 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]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.

Use With Cyclosporine

Do not exceed a dose of 20 mg twice daily fluvastatin capsules in patients taking cyclosporine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS)].

Use With Fluconazole

Do not exceed a dose of 20 mg twice daily fluvastatin capsules in patients taking fluconazole [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

LESCOL XL 80 mg tablets are yellow, round, slightly biconvex film-coated tablets with beveled edges debossed with “LESCOL XL” on one side and “80” on the other.

Storage And Handling

LESCOL^® XL (fluvastatin sodium) Extended-Release Tablets,80 mg

Yellow, round, slightly biconvex film-coated tablet with beveled edges debossed with “LESCOL XL” on one side and “80” on the other.

Bottles of 30 tablets - NDC 0078-0354-15
Bottles of 100 tablets - NDC 0078-0354-05

Store And Dispense

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F -86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight container. Protect from light.

Distributed by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936. Revised: Sep 2020

SIDE EFFECTS

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

• Rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria and acute renal failure and myopathy (including myositis) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Liver Enzyme Abnormalities [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Clinical Studies Experience In Adult Patients

Because clinical studies on fluvastatin capsules /LESCOL XL are conducted in varying study populations and study designs, the frequency of adverse reactions observed in the clinical studies of fluvastatin capsules /LESCOL XL 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 capsule placebo-controlled clinical trials database of 2326 patients treated with fluvastatin¹ (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 capsules 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 LESCOL XL database of controlled clinical trials of 912 patients treated with LESCOL XL (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 LESCOL XL 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 capsules and LESCOL XL controlled studies with a frequency ≥ 2%, regardless of causality, included the following:

Table 1 Clinical adverse events reported in ≥ 2% in patients treated with fluvastatin capsules /LESCOL XL and at an incidence greater than placebo in placebo-controlled trials regardless of causality (% of patients) Pooled Dosages

LESCOL Intervention Prevention Study

In the LESCOL Intervention Prevention Study (LIPS), the effect of LESCOL (fluvastatin 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 capsules 40 mg (n=844) or placebo (n=833) given twice daily for a median of 3.9 years [see Clinical Studies].

Table 2 Clinical adverse events reported in ≥ 2% in patients treated with Fluvastatin Capsules /LESCOL XL and at an incidence greater than placebo in the LIPS Trial regardless of causality (% of patients)

Clinical Studies Experience In Pediatric Patients

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 capsules 20 mg-40 mg twice daily, or LESCOL XL 80 mg extended-release tablet [see Clinical Studies and Use In Specific Populations].

Postmarketing Experience

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].

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

Respiratory: interstitial lung disease

Hypersensitivity Reactions: An apparent hypersensitivity syndrome has been reported rarely which has included one or more of the following features: anaphylaxis, angioedema, lupus erythematosus-like syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, vasculitis, purpura, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, positive ANA, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) increase, eosinophilia, arthritis, arthralgia, urticaria, asthenia, photosensitivity reaction, fever, chills, flushing, malaise, dyspnea, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Gastrointestinal: pancreatitis, hepatitis, including chronic active hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, fatty change in liver, cirrhosis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, hepatoma, anorexia, vomiting, fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure.

Skin: rash, dermatitis, including bullous dermatitis, eczema, alopecia, pruritus, 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.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine coadministration increases fluvastatin exposure. Therefore, in patients taking cyclosporine, therapy should be limited to fluvastatin 20 mg twice daily [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Fluconazole

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 20 mg twice daily [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Gemfibrozil

Due to an increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are coadministered with gemfibrozil, concomitant administration of LESCOL XL with gemfibrozil should be avoided.

Other Fibrates

Because it is known that the risk of myopathy during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is increased with concurrent administration of other fibrates, LESCOL XL should be administered with caution when used concomitantly with other fibrates [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Niacin

The risk of skeletal muscle effects may be enhanced when fluvastatin is used in combination with lipid-modifying doses (≥ 1 g/day) of niacin; a reduction in fluvastatin dosage should be considered in this setting [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Glyburide

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].

Phenytoin

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].

Warfarin

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.

Colchicine

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

REFERENCES

1. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP): Highlights of the Report of the Expert Panel on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 89(3):495-501.1992.

WARNINGS

Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section

PRECAUTIONS

Skeletal Muscle

Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported with LESCOL XL and other drugs in this class.

LESCOL XL 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 LESCOL XL together with niacin. Isolated cases of myopathy have been reported during post-marketing experience with concomitant administration of LESCOL XL and colchicine. No information is available on the pharmacokinetic interaction between LESCOL XL and colchicine.

Uncomplicated myalgia has also been reported in fluvastatin -treated patients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. In clinical trials, uncomplicated myalgia has been observed infrequently in patients treated with fluvastatin 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.

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 LESCOL XL.

LESCOL XL therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. LESCOL XL 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.

Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy

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

Liver Enzymes

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

Approximately 1.1% of patients treated with fluvastatin capsules in worldwide trials developed dose-related, persistent elevations of serum transaminase levels to more than 3 times the upper limit of normal. Fourteen of these patients (0.6%) were discontinued from therapy. In all clinical trials, a total of 33/2969 patients (1.1%) had persistent transaminase elevations with an average fluvastatin 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 LESCOL capsules were used, persistent transaminase elevations (> 3 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] on two consecutive weekly measurements) occurred in 0.2%, 1.5%, and 2.7% of patients treated with daily doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg (titrated to 40 mg twice daily) fluvastatin capsules, respectively. Ninety-one percent of the cases of persistent liver function test abnormalities (20 of 22 patients) occurred within 12 weeks of therapy and in all patients with persistent liver function test abnormalities there was an abnormal liver function test present at baseline or by Week 8.

In the pooled analysis of the 24-week controlled trials, persistent transaminase elevation occurred in 1.9%, 1.8% and 4.9% of patients treated with LESCOL XL 80 mg, fluvastatin capsules 40 mg and fluvastatin capsules 40 mg twice daily, respectively. In 13 of 16 patients treated with LESCOL XL the abnormality occurred within 12 weeks of initiation of treatment with LESCOL XL 80 mg.

It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed prior to the initiation of LESCOL XL, 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 LESCOL XL, promptly interrupt therapy. If an alternate etiology is not found do not restart LESCOL XL.

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 LESCOL XL [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy]. Caution should be exercised when fluvastatin is administered to patients with a history of liver disease or heavy alcohol ingestion [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Such patients should be closely monitored.

Endocrine Effects

Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including LESCOL XL.

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

LESCOL XL 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 LESCOL XL upon female sex hormones may be made.

Two clinical studies in patients receiving fluvastatin at doses up to 80 mg daily for periods of 24 to 28 weeks demonstrated no effect of treatment upon the adrenal response to ACTH stimulation. A clinical study evaluated the effect of fluvastatin at doses up to 80 mg daily for 28 weeks upon the gonadal response to HCG stimulation. Although the mean total testosterone response was significantly reduced (p<0.05) relative to baseline in the 80 mg group, it was not significant in comparison to the changes noted in groups receiving either 40 mg of fluvastatin or placebo.

Patients treated with LESCOL XL 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 Toxicity

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

Prominent bilateral posterior Y suture lines in the ocular lens were seen in dogs after treatment with 1, 8, and 16 mg/kg/day for 2 years.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).

Patients taking LESCOL XL should be advised that high cholesterol is a chronic condition and they should adhere to their medication along with their National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-recommended diet, a regular exercise program, and periodic testing of a fasting lipid panel to determine goal attainment.

Patients should be advised about substances they should not take concomitantly with LESCOL XL [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Patients should also be advised to inform other healthcare professionals prescribing a new medication that they are taking LESCOL XL.

Muscle Pain

Patients starting therapy with LESCOL XL 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 LESCOL XL.

Liver Enzymes

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

Pregnancy

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

Breastfeeding

Women who are breastfeeding should not use LESCOL/LESCOL XL. Patients who have a lipid disorder and are breastfeeding should be advised to discuss the options with their healthcare professional.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

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 genotoxicity in vivo in either a rat chromosome aberration study 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 Cmax 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.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category X

LESCOL XL is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

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 LESCOL XL 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 Nonclinical Toxicology].

LESCOL XL 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 LESCOL XL, the drug should be discontinued and the patient advised again as to the potential hazards to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

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 LESCOL XL [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of LESCOL XL 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, ADVERSE REACTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Adolescent females should be counseled on appropriate contraceptive methods while on fluvastatin therapy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Geriatric Use

Fluvastatin exposures were not significantly different between the nonelderly and elderly populations (age ≥ 65 years) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Since advanced age (≥ 65 years) is a predisposing factor for myopathy, LESCOL XL should be prescribed with caution in the elderly.

Hepatic Impairment

LESCOL XL are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum transaminases [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Renal Impairment

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].

REFERENCES

1. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP): Highlights of the Report of the Expert Panel on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 89(3):495-501.1992.

2. Manson, J.M., Freyssinges, C., Ducrocq, M.B., Stephenson, W.P., Postmarketing Surveillance of Lovastatin and Simvastatin Exposure During Pregnancy, Reproductive Toxicology, 10(6): 439-446, 1996.

OVERDOSE

To date, there has been limited experience with overdosage of fluvastatin. If an overdose occurs, it should be treated symptomatically with laboratory monitoring and supportive measures should be instituted as required. The dialyzability of fluvastatin sodium and of its metabolites in humans is not known at present [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

In the pediatric population, there have been reports of overdosage with fluvastatin sodium in children including a 2 year-old and the other 3 years of age, either of whom may have possibly ingested fluvastatin sodium. The maximum amount of fluvastatin sodium that could have been ingested was 80 mg (4 x 20 mg capsules). Vomiting was induced by ipecac in both children and no capsules were noted in their emesis. Neither child experienced any adverse symptoms and both recovered from the incident without problems.

In the postmarketing experience there have been reports of accidental ingestion of fluvastatin capsules in infants up to 3 years of age. In one case, increased serum CPK values were noted. There have been reports of intentional overdose in adolescents with the development of hepatic enzyme elevations, convulsions and gastroenteritis/vomiting/diarrhea. One case of intentional overdose as suicide attempt in a 15 year-old female reported ingestion of 2,800 mg LESCOL XL with hepatic enzyme elevation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity To Any Component Of This Medication

LESCOL XL is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.

Active Liver Disease

LESCOL XL is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum transaminases [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Pregnancy

LESCOL XL is 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. LESCOL XL 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.

LESCOL XL 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, LESCOL XL should be discontinued and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Use In Specific Populations].

Nursing Mothers

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

PATIENT INFORMATION

LESCOL ^® XL
(fluvastatin sodium)
Extended-Release Tablets, 80 mg

You must read and follow all instructions before using LESCOL XL.

Read the Patient Information every time you or a family member gets LESCOL XL. There may be new information. This Patient Information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. If you have any questions about LESCOL XL, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is LESCOL XL?

LESCOL XL tablets are prescription medicines called "statins" that lower cholesterol in your blood. They lower the "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. They can raise your "good" cholesterol as well.

LESCOL XL is for people whose cholesterol does not come down enough with exercise and a low-fat diet alone.

LESCOL XL may be used in patients with heart disease (coronary artery disease) to:

• lower the chances of heart problems which would require procedures to help restore blood flow to the heart.
• slow the buildup of too much cholesterol in the arteries of the heart.

Treatment with LESCOL XL has not been shown to prevent heart attacks or stroke.

LESCOL XL is an extended-release tablet that is only taken one time a day.

Who should not take LESCOL XL?

Do not take LESCOL XL if you:

• are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. LESCOL XL may harm your unborn baby. If you get pregnant, stop taking LESCOL XL and call your doctor right away.
• are breast-feeding. LESCOL XL can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby
• have liver problems
• are allergic to LESCOL XL or any of its ingredients. The active ingredient in LESCOL XL is fluvastatin. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in LESCOL XL.

LESCOL XL has not been studied in children under 9 years of age.

Before taking LESCOL XL, tell your doctor if you:

• have muscle aches or weakness
• drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol daily
• have diabetes
• have a thyroid problem
• have kidney problems

Some medicines should not be taken with LESCOL XL. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. LESCOL XL and certain other medicines can interact causing serious side effects. Especially tell your doctor if you take medicines for:

• your immune system
• cholesterol
• infections
• heart failure
• seizures
• diabetes
• heartburn or stomach ulcers

Know all the medicines you take. Keep a list of all the medicines you take with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

How should I take LESCOL XL?

• Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that is right for you. Take LESCOL XL exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or stop LESCOL XL without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels during treatment with LESCOL XL. Your dose of fluvastatin may be changed based on these blood test results.
• LESCOL XL tablets may be taken at any time of the day. LESCOL XL can be taken with or without food.
• LESCOL XL tablets must be swallowed whole with a liquid. Do not break, crush or chew LESCOL XL tablets. Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow tablets whole. You may need fluvastatin capsules or a different medicine instead of LESCOL XL tablets.
• Your doctor should start you on a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet before giving you LESCOL XL. Stay on this low-fat and low-cholesterol diet while taking LESCOL XL.
• If you miss a dose of LESCOL XL, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take LESCOL XL if it has been more than 12 hours since your last dose. Wait and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses of LESCOL XL at the same time.
• If you take too much LESCOL XL or overdose, call your doctor or Poison Control Center right away. Or, go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I avoid while taking LESCOL XL?

• Talk to your doctor before you start any new medicines. This includes prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. LESCOL XL and certain other medicines can interact causing serious side effects.
• Do not get pregnant. If you get pregnant, stop taking LESCOL XL right away and call your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of LESCOL XL?

When taking LESCOL XL, some patients may develop serious side effects, including:

muscle problems. Call your health care professional right away if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially with fever. This may be an early sign of a rare muscle problem that could lead to serious kidney problems.

The risk of muscle problems is greater in people who are 65 years of age or older, or who already have thyroid or kidney problems. The chance of muscle problems may be increased if you are taking certain other medicines with LESCOL XL.

If you have muscle problems that do not go away even after your health care professional has advised you to stop taking LESCOL XL, notify your health care professional. Your health care professional may do further tests to diagnose the cause of your muscle problems.

liver problems. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking LESCOL XL, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you take LESCOL XL. Call your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms of liver problems:

• feel tired or weak
• loss of appetite
• upper belly pain
• dark amber colored urine
• yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

The most common side effects of LESCOL XL are headache, upset stomach and stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, sinus infection, tiredness, or trouble sleeping. These side effects are usually mild and may go away. The following additional side effects have been reported with LESCOL XL: memory loss, and confusion.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that bother you or that will not go away.

These are not all the side effects of LESCOL XL. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list.

How should I store LESCOL XL?

• Store LESCOL XL at room temperature, 59° to 86° F (15° to 30° C). Protect from light.
• Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need.
• Keep LESCOL XL out of the reach of children. Be sure that if you throw medicines away, it is out of the reach of children.

General information about LESCOL XL

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use LESCOL XL for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give LESCOL XL to other people, even if they have the same problem you have; it may harm them.

For more information, you can also visit the Novartis Internet site at www.LESCOLXL.com or call the Novartis help line at 1-888-669-6682.

What are the ingredients in LESCOL XL?

Active Ingredient: fluvastatin sodium

Inactive Ingredients:

LESCOL XL Tablets: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, potassium bicarbonate, povidone, magnesium stearate, yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol 8000.