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EVISTA
(raloxifene hydrochloride) Tablets
WARNING
INCREASED RISK OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM AND DEATH FROM STROKE
EVISTA (raloxifene hydrochloride) is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, commonly referred to as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that belongs to the benzothiophene class of compounds. The chemical structure is:
 |
The chemical designation is methanone, [6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thien-3-yl]-[4-[2-(1- piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]-, hydrochloride. Raloxifene hydrochloride (HCl) has the empirical formula C28H27NO4S•HCl, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 510.05. Raloxifene HCl is an offwhite to pale-yellow solid that is very slightly soluble in water.
EVISTA is supplied in a tablet dosage form for oral administration. Each EVISTA tablet contains 60 mg of raloxifene HCl, which is the molar equivalent of 55.71 mg of free base. Inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.
EVISTA is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women [see Clinical Studies].
EVISTA is indicated for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis [see Clinical Studies].
EVISTA is indicated for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women at high risk of invasive breast cancer [see Clinical Studies].
The effect in the reduction in the incidence of breast cancer was shown in a study of postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer with a 5-year planned duration with a median follow-up of 4.3 years [see Clinical Studies]. Twenty-seven percent of the participants received drug for 5 years.  The long-term effects and the recommended length of treatment are not known.
High risk of breast cancer is defined as at least one breast biopsy showing lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia, one or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer, or a 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer ≥ 1.66% (based on the modified Gail model). Among the factors included in the modified Gail model are the following: current age, number of first-degree relatives with breast cancer, number of breast biopsies, age at menarche, nulliparity or age of first live birth. Healthcare professionals can obtain a Gail Model Risk Assessment Tool by dialing 1-800-545-5979. Currently, no single clinical finding or test result can quantify risk of breast cancer with certainty.
After an assessment of the risk of developing breast cancer, the decision regarding therapy with EVISTA should be based upon an individual assessment of the benefits and risks. EVISTA does not eliminate the risk of breast cancer. Patients should have breast exams and mammograms before starting EVISTA and should continue regular breast exams and mammograms in keeping with good medical practice after beginning treatment with EVISTA.
The recommended dosage is one 60 mg EVISTA (raloxifene hydrochloride tablets) tablet daily, which may be administered any time of day without regard to meals [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
For the indications in risk of invasive breast cancer the optimum duration of treatment is not known [see Clinical Studies].
For either osteoporosis treatment or prevention, supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D should be added to the diet if daily intake is inadequate. Postmenopausal women require an average of 1500 mg/day of elemental calcium. Total daily intake of calcium above 1500 mg has not demonstrated additional bone benefits while daily intake above 2000 mg has been associated with increased risk of adverse effects, including hypercalcemia and kidney stones. The recommended intake of vitamin D is 400-800 IU daily.
Patients at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency (e.g., over the age of 70 years, nursing home bound, or chronically ill) may need additional vitamin D supplements. Patients with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes may require higher doses of vitamin D supplementation and measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D should be considered.
60 mg, white, elliptical, film-coated tablets (not scored). They are imprinted on one side with LILLY and the tablet code 4165 in edible blue ink.
EVISTA 60 mg tablets are white, elliptical, and film coated. They are imprinted on one side with LILLY and the tablet code 4165 in edible blue ink. They are available as follows:
Bottles of 30 (unit of use) NDC 0002-4165-30
Bottles of 100 (unit of use) NDC 0002-4165-02
Bottles of 2000 NDC 0002-4165-07
Store at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP]. The USP defines controlled room temperature as a temperature maintained thermostatically that encompasses the usual and customary working environment of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); that results in a mean kinetic temperature calculated to be not more than 25°C; and that allows for excursions between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) that are experienced in pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouses.
Marketed by: Lilly USA, LLC, Indianapolis , IN 46285, USA. Revised: Feb 2015
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The data described below reflect exposure to EVISTA in 8429 patients who were enrolled in placebocontrolled trials, including 6666 exposed for 1 year and 5685 for at least 3 years.
The safety of raloxifene in the treatment of osteoporosis was assessed in a large (7705 patients) multinational, placebo-controlled trial. Duration of treatment was 36 months, and 5129 postmenopausal women were exposed to raloxifene hydrochloride (2557 received 60 mg/day, and 2572 received 120 mg/day). The incidence of all-cause mortality was similar among groups: 23 (0.9%) placebo, 13 (0.5%) EVISTA-treated (raloxifene HCl 60 mg), and 28 (1.1%) raloxifene HCl 120 mg women died. Therapy was discontinued due to an adverse reaction in 10.9% of EVISTA-treated women and 8.8% of placebo-treated women.
Venous Thromboembolism: The most serious adverse reaction related to EVISTA was VTE (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal vein thrombosis). During an average of study-drug exposure of 2.6 years, VTE occurred in about 1 out of 100 patients treated with EVISTA. Twenty-six EVISTA-treated women had a VTE compared to 11 placebo-treated women, the hazard ratio was 2.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.2, 4.5), and the highest VTE risk was during the initial months of treatment.
Common adverse reactions considered to be related to EVISTA therapy were hot flashes and leg cramps. Hot flashes occurred in about one in 10 patients on EVISTA and were most commonly reported during the first 6 months of treatment and were not different from placebo thereafter. Leg cramps occurred in about one in 14 patients on EVISTA.
The safety of raloxifene has been assessed primarily in 12 Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies with placebo, estrogen, and estrogen-progestin therapy control groups. The duration of treatment ranged from 2 to 30 months, and 2036 women were exposed to raloxifene HCl (371 patients received 10 to 50 mg/day, 828 received 60 mg/day, and 837 received from 120 to 600 mg/day).
Therapy was discontinued due to an adverse reaction in 11.4% of 581 EVISTA-treated women and 12.2% of 584 placebo-treated women. Discontinuation rates due to hot flashes did not differ significantly between EVISTA and placebo groups (1.7% and 2.2%, respectively).
Common adverse reactions considered to be drug-related were hot flashes and leg cramps. Hot flashes occurred in about one in four patients on EVISTA versus about one in six on placebo. The first occurrence of hot flashes was most commonly reported during the first 6 months of treatment.
Table 1 lists adverse reactions occurring in either the osteoporosis treatment or in five prevention placebo-controlled clinical trials at a frequency ≥ 2.0% in either group and in more EVISTA-treated women than in placebo-treated women. Adverse reactions are shown without attribution of causality. The majority of adverse reactions occurring during the studies were mild and generally did not require discontinuation of therapy.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in
Placebo-Controlled Osteoporosis Clinical Trials at a Frequency ≥ 2.0% and
in More EVISTA-Treated (60 mg Once Daily) Women than Placebo- Treated Womena
| Treatment | Prevention | |||
| EVISTA (N=2557) % |
Placebo (N=2576) % |
EVISTA (N=581) % |
Placebo (N=584) % |
|
| Body as a Whole | ||||
| Infection | A | A | 15.1 | 14.6 |
| Flu Syndrome | 13.5 | 11.4 | 14.6 | 13.5 |
| Headache | 9.2 | 8.5 | A | A |
| Leg Cramps | 7.0 | 3.7 | 5.9 | 1.9 |
| Chest Pain | A | A | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Fever | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
| Cardiovascular System | ||||
| Hot Flashes | 9.7 | 6.4 | 24.6 | 18.3 |
| Migraine | A | A | 2.4 | 2.1 |
| Syncope | 2.3 | 2.1 | B | B |
| Varicose Vein | 2.2 | 1.5 | A | A |
| Digestive System | ||||
| Nausea | 8.3 | 7.8 | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Diarrhea | 7.2 | 6.9 | A | A |
| Dyspepsia | A | A | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| Vomiting | 4.8 | 4.3 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| Flatulence | A | A | 3.1 | 2.4 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorder | A | A | 3.3 | 2.1 |
| Gastroenteritis | B | B | 2.6 | 2.1 |
| Metabolic and Nutritional | ||||
| Weight Gain | A | A | 8.8 | 6.8 |
| Peripheral Edema | 5.2 | 4.4 | 3.3 | 1.9 |
| Musculoskeletal System | ||||
| Arthralgia | 15.5 | 14.0 | 10.7 | 10.1 |
| Myalgia | A | A | 7.7 | 6.2 |
| Arthritis | A | A | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Tendon Disorder | 3.6 | 3.1 | A | A |
| Nervous System | ||||
| Depression | A | A | 6.4 | 6.0 |
| Insomnia | A | A | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| Vertigo | 4.1 | 3.7 | A | A |
| Neuralgia | 2.4 | 1.9 | B | B |
| Hypesthesia | 2.1 | 2.0 | B | B |
| Respiratory System | ||||
| Sinusitis | 7.9 | 7.5 | 10.3 | 6.5 |
| Rhinitis | 10.2 | 10.1 | A | A |
| Bronchitis | 9.5 | 8.6 | A | A |
| Pharyngitis | 5.3 | 5.1 | 7.6 | 7.2 |
| Cough Increased | 9.3 | 9.2 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Pneumonia | A | A | 2.6 | 1.5 |
| Laryngitis | B | B | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| Skin and Appendages | ||||
| Rash | A | A | 5.5 | 3.8 |
| Sweating | 2.5 | 2.0 | 3.1 | 1.7 |
| Special Senses | ||||
| Conjunctivitis | 2.2 | 1.7 | A | A |
| Urogenital System | ||||
| Vaginitis | A | A | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Urinary Tract Infection | A | A | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Cystitis | 4.6 | 4.5 | 3.3 | 3.1 |
| Leukorrhea | A | A | 3.3 | 1.7 |
| Uterine Disorderb, c | 3.3 | 2.3 | A | A |
| Endometrial Disorderb | B | B | 3.1 | 1.9 |
| Vaginal Hemorrhage | 2.5 | 2.4 | A | A |
| Urinary Tract Disorder | 2.5 | 2.1 | A | A |
| aA: Placebo incidence greater than or equal to
EVISTA incidence; B: Less than 2% incidence and more frequent with EVISTA. bIncludes only patients with an intact uterus: Prevention Trials: EVISTA, n=354 , Placebo, n=364 ; Treatment Trial: EVISTA, n=194 8, Placebo, n=1999. cActual terms most frequently referred to endometrial fluid. |
||||
EVISTA was compared with estrogen-progestin therapy in three clinical trials for prevention of osteoporosis. Table 2 shows adverse reactions occurring more frequently in one treatment group and at an incidence ≥ 2.0% in any group. Adverse reactions are shown without attribution of causality.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in the Clinical
Trials for Osteoporosis Prevention with EVISTA (60 mg Once Daily) and
Continuous Combined or Cyclic Estrogen Plus Progestin (Hormone Therapy) at an
Incidence ≥ 2.0% in any Treatment Groupa
| EVISTA (N=317) % |
Hormone Therapy-Continuous Combinedb (N=96) % |
Hormone Therapy-Cyclicc (N=219) % |
|
| Urogenital | |||
| Breast Pain | 4.4 | 37.5 | 29.7 |
| Vaginal Bleedingd | 6.2 | 64.2 | 88.5 |
| Digestive | |||
| Flatulence | 1.6 | 12.5 | 6.4 |
| Cardiovascular | |||
| Hot Flashes | 28.7 | 3.1 | 5.9 |
| Body as a Whole | |||
| Infection | 11.0 | 0 | 6.8 |
| Abdominal Pain | 6.6 | 10.4 | 18.7 |
| Chest Pain | 2.8 | 0 | 0.5 |
| aThese data are from both blinded and
open-label studies. bContinuous Combined Hormone Therapy = 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. cCyclic Hormone Therapy = 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens for 28 days with concomitant 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate or 0.15 mg norgestrel on Days 1 through 14 or 17 through 28. dIncludes only patients with an intact uterus: EVISTA, n=290; Hormone Therapy-Continuous Combined, n=67; Hormone Therapy-Cyclic, n=217. |
|||
Across all placebo-controlled trials, EVISTA was indistinguishable from placebo with regard to frequency and severity of breast pain and tenderness. EVISTA was associated with less breast pain and tenderness than reported by women receiving estrogens with or without added progestin.
EVISTA-treated and placebo-treated groups had similar incidences of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.
The safety of EVISTA (60 mg once daily) was assessed in a placebo-controlled multinational trial of 10,101 postmenopausal women (age range 55-92) with documented coronary heart disease (CHD) or multiple CHD risk factors. Median study drug exposure was 5.1 years for both treatment groups [see Clinical Studies]. Therapy was discontinued due to an adverse reaction in 25% of 5044 EVISTA-treated women and 24% of 5057 placebo-treated women. The incidence per year of all-cause mortality was similar between the raloxifene (2.07%) and placebo (2.25%) groups.
Adverse reactions reported more frequently in EVISTA-treated women than in placebo-treated women included peripheral edema (14.1% raloxifene versus 11.7% placebo), muscle spasms/leg cramps (12.1% raloxifene versus 8.3% placebo), hot flashes (7.8% raloxifene versus 4.7% placebo), venous thromboembolic events (2.0% raloxifene versus 1.4% placebo), and cholelithiasis (3.3% raloxifene versus 2.6% placebo) [see Clinical Studies].
The safety of EVISTA 60 mg/day versus tamoxifen 20 mg/day over 5 years was assessed in 19,747 postmenopausal women (age range 35-83 years) in a randomized, double-blind trial. As of 31 December 2005, the median follow-up was 4.3 years. The safety profile of raloxifene was similar to that in the placebo-controlled raloxifene trials [see Clinical Studies].
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Adverse reactions reported very rarely since market introduction include retinal vein occlusion, stroke, and death associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Concomitant administration of cholestyramine with EVISTA is not recommended. Although not specifically studied, it is anticipated that other anion exchange resins would have a similar effect. EVISTA should not be co-administered with other anion exchange resins [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
If EVISTA is given concomitantly with warfarin or other warfarin derivatives, prothrombin time should be monitored more closely when starting or stopping therapy with EVISTA [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
EVISTA should be used with caution with certain other highly protein-bound drugs such as diazepam, diazoxide, and lidocaine. Although not examined, EVISTA might affect the protein binding of other drugs. Raloxifene is more than 95% bound to plasma proteins [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
The safety of concomitant use of EVISTA with systemic estrogens has not been established and its use is not recommended.
EVISTA can be concomitantly administered with ampicillin, amoxicillin, antacids, corticosteroids, and digoxin [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
The concomitant use of EVISTA and lipid-lowering agents has not been studied.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
In clinical trials, EVISTA-treated women had an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). Other venous thromboembolic events also could occur. A less serious event, superficial thrombophlebitis, also has been reported more frequently with EVISTA than with placebo. The greatest risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurs during the first 4 months of treatment, and the magnitude of risk appears to be similar to the reported risk associated with use of hormone therapy. Because immobilization increases the risk for venous thromboembolic events independent of therapy, EVISTA should be discontinued at least 72 hours prior to and during prolonged immobilization (e.g., post-surgical recovery, prolonged bed rest), and EVISTA therapy should be resumed only after the patient is fully ambulatory. In addition, women taking EVISTA should be advised to move about periodically during prolonged travel. The risk-benefit balance should be considered in women at risk of thromboembolic disease for other reasons, such as congestive heart failure, superficial thrombophlebitis, and active malignancy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In a clinical trial of postmenopausal women with documented coronary heart disease or at increased risk for coronary events, an increased risk of death due to stroke was observed after treatment with EVISTA. During an average follow-up of 5.6 years, 59 (1.2%) EVISTA-treated women died due to a stroke compared to 39 (0.8%) placebo-treated women (22 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years; hazard ratio 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.24; p=0.0499). There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups in the incidence of stroke (249 in EVISTA [4.9%] versus 224 placebo [4.4%]). EVISTA had no significant effect on all-cause mortality. The risk-benefit balance should be considered in women at risk for stroke, such as prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), atrial fibrillation, hypertension, or cigarette smoking [see Clinical Studies].
EVISTA should not be used for the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In a clinical trial of postmenopausal women with documented coronary heart disease or at increased risk for coronary events, no cardiovascular benefit was demonstrated after treatment with raloxifene for 5 years [see Clinical Studies].
There is no indication for premenopausal use of EVISTA. Safety of EVISTA in premenopausal women has not been established and its use is not recommended.
EVISTA should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients with hepatic impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
The safety of concomitant use of EVISTA with systemic estrogens has not been established and its use is not recommended.
Limited clinical data suggest that some women with a history of marked hypertriglyceridemia ( > 5.6 mmol/L or > 500 mg/dL) in response to treatment with oral estrogen or estrogen plus progestin may develop increased levels of triglycerides when treated with EVISTA. Women with this medical history should have serum triglycerides monitored when taking EVISTA.
EVISTA should be used with caution in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment. Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
EVISTA has not been adequately studied in women with a prior history of breast cancer.
There is no indication for the use of EVISTA in men. EVISTA has not been adequately studied in men and its use is not recommended.
Any unexplained uterine bleeding should be investigated as clinically indicated. EVISTA-treated and placebo-treated groups had similar incidences of endometrial proliferation [see Clinical Studies].
Any unexplained breast abnormality occurring during EVISTA therapy should be investigated. EVISTA does not eliminate the risk of breast cancer [see Clinical Studies].
See FDA-approved Medication Guide.
Physicians should instruct their patients to read the Medication Guide before starting therapy with EVISTA and to reread it each time the prescription is renewed.
For osteoporosis treatment or prevention, patients should be instructed to take supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D if intake is inadequate. Patients at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency (e.g., over the age of 70 years, nursing home bound, chronically ill, or with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes) should be instructed to take additional vitamin D if needed. Weight-bearing exercises should be considered along with the modification of certain behavioral factors, such as cigarette smoking and/or excessive alcohol consumption, if these factors exist.
EVISTA should be discontinued at least 72 hours prior to and during prolonged immobilization (e.g., post-surgical recovery, prolonged bed rest), and patients should be advised to avoid prolonged restrictions of movement during travel because of the increased risk of venous thromboembolic events [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
EVISTA may increase the incidence of hot flashes and is not effective in reducing hot flashes or flushes associated with estrogen deficiency. In some asymptomatic patients, hot flashes may occur upon beginning EVISTA therapy.
Use of EVISTA is associated with the reduction of the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. EVISTA has not been shown to reduce the risk of noninvasive breast cancer. When considering treatment, physicians need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of EVISTA treatment with the patient.
EVISTA is not indicated for the treatment of invasive breast cancer or reduction of the risk of recurrence.
Patients should have breast exams and mammograms before starting EVISTA and should continue regular breast exams and mammograms in keeping with good medical practice after beginning treatment with EVISTA.
In a 21-month carcinogenicity study in mice, there was an increased incidence of ovarian tumors in female animals given 9 to 242 mg/kg, which included benign and malignant tumors of granulosa/theca cell origin and benign tumors of epithelial cell origin. Systemic exposure (AUC) of raloxifene in this group was 0.3 to 34 times that in postmenopausal women administered a 60 mg dose. There was also an increased incidence of testicular interstitial cell tumors and prostatic adenomas and adenocarcinomas in male mice given 41 or 210 mg/kg (4.7 or 24 times the AUC in humans) and prostatic leiomyoblastoma in male mice given 210 mg/kg.
In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats, an increased incidence in ovarian tumors of granulosa/theca cell origin was observed in female rats given 279 mg/kg (approximately 400 times the AUC in humans). The female rodents in these studies were treated during their reproductive lives when their ovaries were functional and responsive to hormonal stimulation.
Raloxifene HCl was not genotoxic in any of the following test systems: the Ames test for bacterial mutagenesis with and without metabolic activation, the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in rat hepatocytes, the mouse lymphoma assay for mammalian cell mutation, the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the in vivo sister chromatid exchange assay in Chinese hamsters, and the in vivo micronucleus test in mice.
When male and female rats were given daily doses ≥ 5 mg/kg ( ≥ 0.8 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²) prior to and during mating, no pregnancies occurred. In male rats, daily doses up to 100 mg/kg (16 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²) for at least 2 weeks did not affect sperm production or quality or reproductive performance. In female rats, at doses of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day (0.02 to 1.6 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²), raloxifene disrupted estrous cycles and inhibited ovulation. These effects of raloxifene were reversible. In another study in rats in which raloxifene was given during the preimplantation period at doses ≥ 0.1 mg/kg ( ≥ 0.02 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²), raloxifene delayed and disrupted embryo implantation, resulting in prolonged gestation and reduced litter size. The reproductive and developmental effects observed in animals are consistent with the estrogen receptor activity of raloxifene.
Pregnancy Category X. EVISTA should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
EVISTA should not be used by lactating women [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when raloxifene is administered to a nursing woman.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Of the total number of patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies of EVISTA, 61% were 65 and over, while 15.5% were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Based on clinical trials, there is no need for dose adjustment for geriatric patients [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
EVISTA should be used with caution in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
EVISTA should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In an 8-week study of 63 postmenopausal women, a dose of raloxifene hydrochloride (HCl) 600 mg/day was safely tolerated. In clinical trials, no raloxifene overdose has been reported.
In postmarketing spontaneous reports, raloxifene overdose has been reported very rarely (less than 1 out of 10,000 [ < 0.01%] patients treated). The highest overdose has been approximately 1.5 grams. No fatalities associated with raloxifene overdose have been reported. Adverse reactions were reported in approximately half of the adults who took ≥ 180 mg raloxifene HCl and included leg cramps and dizziness.
Two 18-month-old children each ingested raloxifene HCl 180 mg. In these two children, symptoms reported included ataxia, dizziness, vomiting, rash, diarrhea, tremor, and flushing, as well as elevation in alkaline phosphatase.
There is no specific antidote for raloxifene.
No mortality was seen after a single oral dose in rats or mice at 5000 mg/kg (810 times the human dose for rats and 405 times the human dose for mice based on surface area, mg/m²) or in monkeys at 1000 mg/kg (80 times the AUC in humans).
EVISTA is contraindicated in women with active or past history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal vein thrombosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
EVISTA is contraindicated in pregnancy, in women who may become pregnant, and in nursing mothers [see Use in Specific Populations]. EVISTA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
In rabbit studies, abortion and a low rate of fetal heart anomalies (ventricular septal defects) occurred in rabbits at doses ≥ 0.1 mg/kg ( ≥ 0.04 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²), and hydrocephaly was observed in fetuses at doses ≥ 10 mg/kg ( ≥ 4 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²). In rat studies, retardation of fetal development and developmental abnormalities (wavy ribs, kidney cavitation) occurred at doses ≥ 1 mg/kg ( ≥ 0.2 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²). Treatment of rats at doses of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg (0.02 to 1.6 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²) during gestation and lactation produced effects that included delayed and disrupted parturition; decreased neonatal survival and altered physical development; sex- and age-specific reductions in growth and changes in pituitary hormone content; and decreased lymphoid compartment size in offspring. At 10 mg/kg, raloxifene disrupted parturition, which resulted in maternal and progeny death and morbidity. Effects in adult offspring (4 months of age) included uterine hypoplasia and reduced fertility; however, no ovarian or vaginal pathology was observed.
Raloxifene is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, commonly referred to as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). The biological actions of raloxifene are largely mediated through binding to estrogen receptors. This binding results in activation of estrogenic pathways in some tissues (agonism) and blockade of estrogenic pathways in others (antagonism). The agonistic or antagonistic action of raloxifene depends on the extent of recruitment of coactivators and corepressors to estrogen receptor (ER) target gene promoters.
Raloxifene appears to act as an estrogen agonist in bone. It decreases bone resorption and bone turnover, increases bone mineral density (BMD) and decreases fracture incidence. Preclinical data demonstrate that raloxifene is an estrogen antagonist in uterine and breast tissues. These results are consistent with findings in clinical trials, which suggest that EVISTA lacks estrogen-like effects on the uterus and breast tissue.
Decreases in estrogen levels after oophorectomy or menopause lead to increases in bone resorption and accelerated bone loss. Bone is initially lost rapidly because the compensatory increase in bone formation is inadequate to offset resorptive losses. In addition to loss of estrogen, this imbalance between resorption and formation may be due to age-related impairment of osteoblasts or their precursors. In some women, these changes will eventually lead to decreased bone mass, osteoporosis, and increased risk for fractures, particularly of the spine, hip, and wrist. Vertebral fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women.
In both the osteoporosis treatment and prevention trials, EVISTA therapy resulted in consistent, statistically significant suppression of bone resorption and bone formation, as reflected by changes in serum and urine markers of bone turnover (e.g., bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and collagen breakdown products). The suppression of bone turnover markers was evident by 3 months and persisted throughout the 36-month and 24-month observation periods.
In a 31-week, open-label, radiocalcium kinetics study, 33 early postmenopausal women were randomized to treatment with once-daily EVISTA 60 mg, cyclic estrogen/progestin (0.625 mg conjugated estrogens daily with 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate daily for the first 2 weeks of each month [hormone therapy]), or no treatment. Treatment with either EVISTA or hormone therapy was associated with reduced bone resorption and a positive shift in calcium balance (-82 mg Ca/day and +60 mg Ca/day, respectively, for EVISTA and -162 mg Ca/day and +91 mg Ca/day, respectively, for hormone therapy).
There were small decreases in serum total calcium, inorganic phosphate, total protein, and albumin, which were generally of lesser magnitude than decreases observed during estrogen or hormone therapy. Platelet count was also decreased slightly and was not different from estrogen therapy.
The disposition of raloxifene has been evaluated in more than 3000 postmenopausal women in selected raloxifene osteoporosis treatment and prevention clinical trials, using a population approach. Pharmacokinetic data also were obtained in conventional pharmacology studies in 292 postmenopausal women. Raloxifene exhibits high within-subject variability (approximately 30% coefficient of variation) of most pharmacokinetic parameters. Table 3 summarizes the pharmacokinetic parameters of raloxifene.
Raloxifene is absorbed rapidly after oral administration. Approximately 60% of an oral dose is absorbed, but presystemic glucuronide conjugation is extensive. Absolute bioavailability of raloxifene is 2%. The time to reach average maximum plasma concentration and bioavailability are functions of systemic interconversion and enterohepatic cycling of raloxifene and its glucuronide metabolites.
Administration of raloxifene HCl with a standardized, high-fat meal increases the absorption of raloxifene (Cmax 28% and AUC 16%), but does not lead to clinically meaningful changes in systemic exposure. EVISTA can be administered without regard to meals.
Following oral administration of single doses ranging from 30 to 150 mg of raloxifene HCl, the apparent volume of distribution is 2348 L/kg and is not dose dependent.
Raloxifene and the monoglucuronide conjugates are highly (95%) bound to plasma proteins. Raloxifene binds to both albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein, but not to sex-steroid binding globulin.
Biotransformation and disposition of raloxifene in humans have been determined following oral administration of 14C-labeled raloxifene. Raloxifene undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism to the glucuronide conjugates: raloxifene-4'-glucuronide, raloxifene-6-glucuronide, and raloxifene-6, 4'-diglucuronide. No other metabolites have been detected, providing strong evidence that raloxifene is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 pathways. Unconjugated raloxifene comprises less than 1% of the total radiolabeled material in plasma. The terminal log-linear portions of the plasma concentration curves for raloxifene and the glucuronides are generally parallel. This is consistent with interconversion of raloxifene and the glucuronide metabolites.
Following intravenous administration, raloxifene is cleared at a rate approximating hepatic blood flow. Apparent oral clearance is 44.1 L/kg•hr. Raloxifene and its glucuronide conjugates are interconverted by reversible systemic metabolism and enterohepatic cycling, thereby prolonging its plasma elimination half-life to 27.7 hours after oral dosing.
Results from single oral doses of raloxifene predict multiple-dose pharmacokinetics. Following chronic dosing, clearance ranges from 40 to 60 L/kg•hr. Increasing doses of raloxifene HCl (ranging from 30 to 150 mg) result in slightly less than a proportional increase in the area under the plasma time concentration curve (AUC).
Raloxifene is primarily excreted in feces, and less than 0.2% is excreted unchanged in urine. Less than 6% of the raloxifene dose is eliminated in urine as glucuronide conjugates.
Table 3: Summary of Raloxifene Pharmacokinetic
Parameters in the Healthy Postmenopausal Woman
| Cmaxa,b (ng/mL)/ (mg/kg) |
t½ (hr)a | AUC0-∞a,b (ng•hr/mL)/ (mg/kg) | CL/Fa (L/kg•hr) | V/Fa (L/kg) | |
| Single Dose | |||||
| Mean | 0.50 | 27.7 | 27.2 | 44.1 | 2348 |
| CVa (%) | 52 | 10.7 to 273c | 44 | 46 | 52 |
| Multiple Dose | |||||
| Mean | 1.36 | 32.5 | 24.2 | 47.4 | 2853 |
| CVa (%) | 37 | 15.8 to 86.6c | 36 | 41 | 56 |
| aAbbreviations: Cmax = maximum plasma
concentration, t½ = half-life, AUC = area under the curve, CL = clearance, V
= volume of distribution, F = bioavailability, CV = coefficient of variation. bData normalized for dose in mg and body weight in kg. cRange of observed half-life. |
|||||
Pediatric - The pharmacokinetics of raloxifene has not been evaluated in a pediatric population [see Use in Specific Populations].
Geriatric - No differences in raloxifene pharmacokinetics were detected with regard to age (range 42 to 84 years) [see Use in Specific Populations].
Gender - Total extent of exposure and oral clearance, normalized for lean body weight, are not significantly different between age-matched female and male volunteers.
Race - Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have been studied in 1712 women, including 97.5% White, 1.0% Asian, 0.7% Hispanic, and 0.5% Black in the osteoporosis treatment trial and in 1053 women, including 93.5% White, 4.3% Hispanic, 1.2% Asian, and 0.5% Black in the osteoporosis prevention trials. There were no discernible differences in raloxifene plasma concentrations among these groups; however, the influence of race cannot be conclusively determined.
Renal Impairment - In the osteoporosis treatment and prevention trials, raloxifene concentrations in women with mild renal impairment are similar to women with normal creatinine clearance. When a single dose of 120 mg raloxifene HCl was administered to 10 renally impaired males [7 moderate impairment (CrCl = 31-50 mL/min); 3 severe impairment (CrCl ≤ 30 mL/min)] and to 10 healthy males (CrCl > 80 mL/min), plasma raloxifene concentrations were 122% (AUC0-∞) higher in renally impaired patients than those of healthy volunteers. Raloxifene should be used with caution in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use in Specific Populations].
Hepatic Impairment - The disposition of raloxifene was compared in 9 patients with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ranging from 0.6 to 2 mg/dL) to 8 subjects with normal hepatic function following a single dose of 60 mg raloxifene HCl. Apparent clearance of raloxifene was reduced 56% and the half-life of raloxifene was not altered in patients with mild hepatic impairment. Plasma raloxifene concentrations were approximately 150% higher than those in healthy volunteers and correlated with total bilirubin concentrations. The pharmacokinetics of raloxifene has not been studied in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Raloxifene should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use in Specific Populations].
Cholestyramine - Cholestyramine, an anion exchange resin, causes a 60% reduction in the absorption and enterohepatic cycling of raloxifene after a single dose. Although not specifically studied, it is anticipated that other anion exchange resins would have a similar effect [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Warfarin - In vitro, raloxifene did not interact with the binding of warfarin. The concomitant administration of EVISTA and warfarin, a coumarin derivative, has been assessed in a single-dose study. In this study, raloxifene had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin. However, a 10% decrease in prothrombin time was observed in the single-dose study. In the osteoporosis treatment trial, there were no clinically relevant effects of warfarin co-administration on plasma concentrations of raloxifene [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Other Highly Protein-Bound Drugs - In the osteoporosis treatment trial, there were no clinically relevant effects of co-administration of other highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., gemfibrozil) on plasma concentrations of raloxifene. In vitro, raloxifene did not interact with the binding of phenytoin, tamoxifen, or warfarin (see above) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Ampicillin and Amoxicillin - Peak concentrations of raloxifene and the overall extent of absorption are reduced 28% and 14%, respectively, with co-administration of ampicillin. These reductions are consistent with decreased enterohepatic cycling associated with antibiotic reduction of enteric bacteria. However, the systemic exposure and the elimination rate of raloxifene were not affected. In the osteoporosis treatment trial, co-administration of amoxicillin had no discernible differences in plasma raloxifene concentrations [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Antacids - Concomitant administration of calcium carbonate or aluminum and magnesium hydroxidecontaining antacids does not affect the systemic exposure of raloxifene [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Corticosteroids - The chronic administration of raloxifene in postmenopausal women has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone given as a single oral dose [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Digoxin - Raloxifene has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Cyclosporine - Concomitant administration of EVISTA with cyclosporine has not been studied.
Lipid-Lowering Agents - Concomitant administration of EVISTA with lipid-lowering agents has not been studied.
The skeletal effects of raloxifene treatment were assessed in ovariectomized rats and monkeys. In rats, raloxifene prevented increased bone resorption and bone loss after ovariectomy. There were positive effects of raloxifene on bone strength, but the effects varied with time. Cynomolgus monkeys were treated with raloxifene or conjugated estrogens for 2 years. In terms of bone cycles, this is equivalent to approximately 6 years in humans. Raloxifene and estrogen suppressed bone turnover and increased BMD in the lumbar spine and in the central cancellous bone of the proximal tibia. In this animal model, there was a positive correlation between vertebral compressive breaking force and BMD of the lumbar spine.
Histologic examination of bone from rats and monkeys treated with raloxifene showed no evidence of woven bone, marrow fibrosis, or mineralization defects.
These results are consistent with data from human studies of radiocalcium kinetics and markers of bone metabolism, and are consistent with the action of EVISTA as a skeletal antiresorptive agent.
The effects of EVISTA on fracture incidence and BMD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were examined at 3 years in a large randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational osteoporosis treatment trial (MORE). All vertebral fractures were diagnosed radiographically; some of these fractures also were associated with symptoms (i.e., clinical fractures). The study population consisted of 7705 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis as defined by: a) low BMD (vertebral or hip BMD at least 2.5 standard deviations below the mean value for healthy young women) without baseline vertebral fractures or b) one or more baseline vertebral fractures. Women enrolled in this study had a median age of 67 years (range 31 to 80) and a median time since menopause of 19 years.
EVISTA, 60 mg administered once daily, increased spine and hip BMD by 2 to 3%. EVISTA decreased the incidence of the first vertebral fracture from 4.3% for placebo to 1.9% for EVISTA (relative risk reduction = 55%) and subsequent vertebral fractures from 20.2% for placebo to 14.1% for EVISTA (relative risk reduction = 30%) (see Table 4). All women in the study received calcium (500 mg/day) and vitamin D (400 to 600 IU/day). EVISTA reduced the incidence of vertebral fractures whether or not patients had a vertebral fracture upon study entry. The decrease in incidence of vertebral fracture was greater than could be accounted for by increase in BMD alone.
Table 4: Effect of EVISTA on Risk of Vertebral
Fractures
| Number of Patients | Absolute Risk Reduction (ARR) |
Relative Risk Reduction (95% CI) |
||
| EVISTA | Placebo | |||
| Fractures diagnosed radiographically | ||||
| Patients with no baseline fracturea | n=1401 | n=1457 | ||
| Number (%) of patients with ≥ 1 new vertebral fracture | 27 (1.9%) |
62 (4.3%) |
2.4% | 55% (29%, 71%) |
| Patients with ≥ 1 baseline fracture2 | n=858 | n=835 | ||
| Number (%) of patients with ≥ 1 new vertebral fracture | 121 (14.1%) |
169 (20.2%) |
6.1% | 30% (14%, 44%) |
| Symptomatic vertebral fractures | ||||
| All randomized patients | n=2557 | n=2576 | ||
| Number (%) of patients with ≥ 1 new clinical (painful) vertebral fracture |
47 (1.8%) |
81 (3.1%) |
1.3% | 41% (17%, 59%) |
| a Includes all patients with baseline and at least one follow-up radiograph. | ||||
The mean percentage change in BMD from baseline for EVISTA was statistically significantly greater than for placebo at each skeletal site (see Table 5).
Table 5: EVISTA- (60 mg Once Daily) Related Increases
in BMD for the Osteoporosis Treatment Study Expressed as Mean Percentage
Increase vs. Placebob,c
| Site | Time | ||
| 12 Months % | 24 Months % | 36 Months % | |
| Lumbar Spine | 2.0 | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Femoral Neck | 1.3 | 1.9 | 2.1 |
| Ultradistal Radius | NDd | 2.2 | NDd |
| Distal Radius | NDd | 0.9 | NDd |
| Total Body | NDd | 1.1 | NDd |
| aNote: all BMD increases were significant
(p < 0.001). bIntent-to-treat analysis; last observation carried forward. cAll patients received calcium and vitamin D. dND = not done (total body and radius BMD were measured only at 24 months). |
|||
Discontinuation from the study was required when excessive bone loss or multiple incident vertebral fractures occurred. Such discontinuation was statistically significantly more frequent in the placebo group (3.7%) than in the EVISTA group (1.1%).
Bone biopsies for qualitative and quantitative histomorphometry were obtained at baseline and after 2 years of treatment. There were 56 paired biopsies evaluable for all indices. In EVISTA-treated patients, there were statistically significant decreases in bone formation rate per tissue volume, consistent with a reduction in bone turnover. Normal bone quality was maintained; specifically, there was no evidence of osteomalacia, marrow fibrosis, cellular toxicity, or woven bone after 2 years of treatment.
Endometrial thickness was evaluated annually in a subset of the study population (1781 patients) for 3 years. Placebo-treated women had a 0.27 mm mean decrease from baseline in endometrial thickness over 3 years, whereas the EVISTA-treated women had a 0.06 mm mean increase. Patients in the osteoporosis treatment study were not screened at baseline or excluded for pre-existing endometrial or uterine disease. This study was not specifically designed to detect endometrial polyps. Over the 36 months of the study, clinically or histologically benign endometrial polyps were reported in 17 of 1999 placebo-treated women, 37 of 1948 EVISTA-treated women, and in 31 of 2010 women treated with raloxifene HCl 120 mg/day. There was no difference between EVISTA- and placebo-treated women in the incidences of endometrial carcinoma, vaginal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.
The effects of EVISTA on BMD in postmenopausal women were examined in three randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind osteoporosis prevention trials: (1) a North American trial enrolled 544 women; (2) a European trial, 601 women; and (3) an international trial, 619 women who had undergone hysterectomy. In these trials, all women received calcium supplementation (400 to 600 mg/day). Women enrolled in these trials had a median age of 54 years and a median time since menopause of 5 years (less than 1 year up to 15 years postmenopause). The majority of the women were White (93.5%). Women were included if they had spine BMD between 2.5 standard deviations below and 2 standard deviations above the mean value for healthy young women. The mean T scores (number of standard deviations above or below the mean in healthy young women) for the three trials ranged from -1.01 to -0.74 for spine BMD and included women both with normal and low BMD. EVISTA, 60 mg administered once daily, produced increases in bone mass versus calcium supplementation alone, as reflected by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometric (DXA) measurements of hip, spine, and total body BMD.
Compared with placebo, the increases in BMD for each of the three studies were statistically significant at 12 months and were maintained at 24 months (see Table 6). The placebo groups lost approximately 1% of BMD over 24 months.
Table 6: EVISTA- (60 mg Once Daily) Related Increases
in BMD for the Three Osteoporosis Prevention Studies Expressed as Mean
Percentage Increase vs. Placebob at 24 Monthsc
| Site | Study | ||
| NAd% | EUd% | INTd, e% | |
| Total Hip | 2.0 | 2.4 | 1.3 |
| Femoral Neck | 2.1 | 2.5 | 1.6 |
| Trochanter | 2.2 | 2.7 | 1.3 |
| Intertrochanter | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.3 |
| Lumbar Spine | 2.0 | 2.4 | 1.8 |
| aNote: all BMD increases were significant
(p ≤ 0.001). bAll patients received calcium. cIntent-to-treat analysis; last observation carried forward. dAbbreviations: NA = North American, EU = European, INT = International. e All women in the study had previously undergone hysterectomy. |
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EVISTA also increased BMD compared with placebo in the total body by 1.3% to 2.0% and in Ward's Triangle (hip) by 3.1% to 4.0%. The effects of EVISTA on forearm BMD were inconsistent between studies. In Study EU, EVISTA prevented bone loss at the ultradistal radius, whereas in Study NA, it did not (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Total hip bone mineral density mean
percentage change from baseline
 |
In placebo-controlled osteoporosis prevention trials, endometrial thickness was evaluated every 6 months (for 24 months) by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVU). A total of 2978 TVU measurements were collected from 831 women in all dose groups. Placebo-treated women had a 0.04 mm mean increase from baseline in endometrial thickness over 2 years, whereas the EVISTA-treated women had a 0.09 mm mean increase. Endometrial thickness measurements in raloxifene-treated women were indistinguishable from placebo. There were no differences between the raloxifene and placebo groups with respect to the incidence of reported vaginal bleeding.
The effect of EVISTA on the incidence of breast cancer was assessed as a secondary safety endpoint in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational osteoporosis treatment trial in postmenopausal women [see Clinical Studies]. After 4 years, EVISTA, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of all breast cancers by 62%, compared with placebo (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22-0.67). EVISTA reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 71%, compared with placebo (ARR 3.1 per 1000 women-years); this was primarily due to an 80% reduction in the incidence of ERpositive invasive breast cancer in the EVISTA group compared with placebo. Table 7 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.
The effect of EVISTA on the incidence of invasive breast cancer was evaluated for 4 additional years in a follow-up study conducted in a subset of postmenopausal women originally enrolled in the MORE osteoporosis treatment trial. Women were not re-randomized; the treatment assignment from the osteoporosis treatment trial was carried forward to this study. EVISTA, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 56%, compared with placebo (ARR 3.0 per 1000 women-years); this was primarily due to a 63% reduction in the incidence of ER-positive invasive breast cancer in the EVISTA group compared with placebo. There was no reduction in the incidence of ER-negative breast cancer. In the osteoporosis treatment trial and the follow-up study, there was no difference in incidence of noninvasive breast cancer between the EVISTA and placebo groups. Table 7 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.
In a subset of postmenopausal women followed for up to 8 years from randomization in MORE to the end of CORE, EVISTA, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 60% in women assigned EVISTA (N=1355) compared with placebo (N=1286) (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21, 0.77; ARR 1.95 per 1000 women-years); this was primarily due to a 65% reduction in the incidence of ER-positive invasive breast cancer in the EVISTA group compared with placebo.
Table 7: EVISTA (60 mg Once Daily) vs. Placebo on
Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
| Outcomes | MORE 4 years | core3 4 years | ||||||||
| Placebo (N=2576) |
EVISTA (N=2557) |
HR (95% CI)b |
Placebo (N=1286) |
EVISTA (N=2725) |
HR (95% CI)b |
|||||
| n | IRb | n | IRb | n | IRb | n | IRb | |||
| Invasivec breast cancer | 38 | 4.36 | 11 | 1.26 | 0.29 (0.15, 0.56)d |
20 | 5.41 | 19 | 2.43 | 0.44 (0.24, 0.83)d |
| ERb,c positive | 29 | 3.33 | 6 | 0.69 | 0.20 (0.08, 0.49) |
15 | 4.05 | 12 | 1.54 | 0.37 (0.17, 0.79) |
| ERb, c negative | 4 | 0.46 | 5 | 0.57 | 1.23 (0.33, 4.60) |
3 | 0.81 | 6 | 0.77 | 0.95 (0.24, 3.79) |
| ERb, c unknown | 5 | 0.57 | 0 | 0.00 | N/Ab | 2 | 0.54 | 1 | 0.13 | N/Ab |
| Noninvasivec, e breast cancer | 5 | 0.57 | 3 | 0.34 | 0.59 (0.14, 2.47) |
2 | 0.54 | 5 | 0.64 | 1.18 (0.23, 6.07) |
| Clinical vertebral fractures | 107 | 12.27 | 62 | 7.08 | 0.57 (0.42, 0.78) |
N/Ab | N/Ab | N/Ab | N/Ab | N/Ab |
| Death | 36 | 4.13 | 23 | 2.63 | 0.63 (0.38, 1.07) |
29 | 7.76 | 47 | 5.99 | 0.77 (0.49, 1.23) |
| Death due to stroke | 6 | 0.69 | 3 | 0.34 | 0.49 (0.12, 1.98) |
1 | 0.27 | 6 | 0.76 | 2.87 (0.35, 23.80) |
| Stroke | 56 | 6.42 | 43 | 4.91 | 0.76 (0.51, 1.14) |
14 | 3.75 | 49 | 6.24 | 1.67 (0.92, 3.03) |
| Deep vein thrombosis | 8 | 0.92 | 20 | 2.28 | 2.50 (1.10, 5.68) |
4 | 1.07 | 17 | 2.17 | 2.03 (0.68, 6.03) |
| Pulmonary embolism | 4 | 0.46 | 11 | 1.26 | 2.76 (0.88, 8.67) |
0 | 0.00 | 9 | 1.15 | N/Ab |
| Endometrial and uterine cancerf | 5 | 0.74 | 5 | 0.74 | 1.01 (0.29, 3.49) |
3 | 1.02 | 4 | 0.65 | 0.64 (0.14, 2.85) |
| Ovarian cancer | 6 | 0.69 | 3 | 0.34 | 0.49 (0.12, 1.95) |
2 | 0.54 | 2 | 0.25 | 0.47 (0.07, 3.36) |
| Hot flashes | 151 | 17.31 | 237 | 27.06 | 1.61 (1.31, 1.97) |
11 | 2.94 | 26 | 3.31 | 1.12 (0.55, 2.27) |
| Peripheral edema | 134 | 15.36 | 164 | 18.73 | 1.23 (0.98, 1.54) |
30 | 8.03 | 61 | 7.77 | 0.96 (0.62, 1.49) |
| Cholelithiasis | 45 | 5.16 | 53 | 6.05 | 1.18 (0.79, 1.75) |
12 | 3.21 | 35 | 4.46 | 1.39 (0.72, 2.67) |
| aCORE was a follow-up study conducted in a
subset of 4 011 postmenopausal women who originally enrolled in MORE. Women
were not re-randomized; the treatment assignment from MORE was carried forward
to this study. At CORE enrollment, the EVISTA group included 2725 total
patients with 1355 patients who were originally assigned to raloxifene HCl 60
mg once daily and 1370 patients who were originally assigned to raloxifene HCl
120 mg at MORE randomization. bAbbreviations: CI = confidence interval; ER = estrogen receptor; HR = hazard ratio; IR = annual incidence rate per 1000 women; N/A = not applicable. cIncluded 1274 patients in placebo and 2716 patients in EVISTA who were not diagnosed with breast cancer prior to CORE enrollment. dp < 0.05, obtained from the log-rank test, and not adjusted for multiple comparisons in MORE. eAll cases were ductal carcinoma in situ. fOnly patients with an intact uterus were included (MORE: placebo = 1999, EVISTA = 1950; CORE: placebo = 1008, EVISTA = 2138). |
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The effect of EVISTA on the incidence of invasive breast cancer was assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational study in 10,101 postmenopausal women at increased risk of coronary events. Women in this study had a median age of 67.6 years (range 55-92) and were followed for a median of 5.6 years (range 0.01-7.1). Eighty-four percent were White, 9.8% of women reported a first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer, and 41.4% of the women had a 5-year predicted risk of invasive breast cancer ≥ 1.66%, based on the modified Gail model.
EVISTA, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 44% compared with placebo [absolute risk reduction (ARR) 1.2 per 1000 women-years]; this was primarily due to a 55% reduction in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive invasive breast cancer in the EVISTA group compared with placebo (ARR 1.2 per 1000 women-years). There was no reduction in ER-negative invasive breast cancer. Table 8 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.
Table 8: EVISTA (60 mg Once Daily) vs. Placebo on
Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women at Increased Risk for Major Coronary Events
| Outcomes | Placeboa (N=5057) |
EVISTAa (N=5044) |
HR
(95% CI)b |
||
| n | IRb | n | IRb | ||
| Invasive breast cancer | 70 | 2.66 | 40 | 1.50 | 0.56 (0.38, 0.83)c |
| ERb positive | 55 | 2.09 | 25 | 0.94 | 0.45 (0.28, 0.72) |
| ERb negative | 9 | 0.34 | 13 | 0.49 | 1.44 (0.61, 3.36) |
| ERb unknown | 6 | 0.23 | 2 | 0.07 | 0.33 (0.07, 1.63) |
| Noninvasived breast cancer | 5 | 0.19 | 11 | 0.41 | 2.17 (0.75, 6.24) |
| Clinical vertebral fractures | 97 | 3.70 | 64 | 2.40 | 0.65 (0.47, 0.89) |
| Death | 595 | 22.45 | 554 | 20.68 | 0.92 (0.82, 1.03) |
| Death due to stroke | 39 | 1.47 | 59 | 2.20 | 1.49 (1.00, 2.24) |
| Stroke | 224 | 8.60 | 249 | 9.46 | 1.10 (0.92, 1.32) |
| Deep vein thrombosis | 47 | 1.78 | 65 | 2.44 | 1.37 (0.94, 1.99) |
| Pulmonary embolism | 24 | 0.91 | 36 | 1.35 | 1.49 (0.89, 2.49) |
| Endometrial and uterine cancere | 17 | 0.83 | 21 | 1.01 | 1.21 (0.64 - 2.30) |
| Ovarian cancerf | 10 | 0.41 | 17 | 0.70 | 1.69 (0.78, 3.70) |
| Hot flashes | 241 | 9.09 | 397 | 14.82 | 1.68 (1.43, 1.97) |
| Peripheral edema | 583 | 22.00 | 706 | 26.36 | 1.22 (1.09, 1.36) |
| Cholelithiasisg | 131 | 6.20 | 168 | 7.83 | 1.26 (1.01, 1.59) |
| aNote: There were a total of 76 breast cancer
cases in the placebo group and 52 in the EVISTA group. For two cases, one in
each treatment group, invasive status was unknown. bAbbreviations: CI = confidence interval; ER = estrogen receptor; HR = hazard ratio; IR = annual incidence rate per 1000 women. cp < 0.05, obtained from the log-rank test, after adjusting for the co-primary endpoint of major coronary events. dAll cases were ductal carcinoma in situ. eOnly patients with an intact uterus were included(placebo = 3882, EVISTA = 3900). fOnly patients with at least one ovary were included (placebo = 4 606, EVISTA = 4 559). gOnly patients with an intact gallbladder at baseline were included placebo = 4 111, EVISTA = 4 14 4 ). |
|||||
The effect of EVISTA in reducing the incidence of invasive breast cancer was consistent among women above or below age 65 or with a 5-year predicted invasive breast cancer risk, based on the modified Gail model, < 1.66%, or ≥ 1.66%.
The effects of EVISTA 60 mg/day versus tamoxifen 20 mg/day over 5 years on reducing the incidence of invasive breast cancer were assessed in 19,747 postmenopausal women in a randomized, doubleblind trial conducted in North America by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project and sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Women in this study had a mean age of 58.5 years (range 35- 83), a mean 5-year predicted invasive breast cancer risk of 4.03% (range 1.66-23.61%), and 9.1% had a history of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). More than 93% of participants were White. As of 31 December 2005, the median time of follow-up was 4.3 years (range 0.07-6.50 years).
EVISTA was not superior to tamoxifen in reducing the incidence of invasive breast cancer. The observed incidence rates of invasive breast cancer were EVISTA 4.4 and tamoxifen 4.3 per 1000 women per year. The results from a noninferiority analysis are consistent with EVISTA potentially losing up to 35% of the tamoxifen effect on reduction of invasive breast cancer. The effect of each treatment on invasive breast cancer was consistent when women were compared by baseline age, history of LCIS, history of atypical hyperplasia, 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer by the modified Gail model, or the number of relatives with a history of breast cancer. Fewer noninvasive breast cancers occurred in the tamoxifen group compared to the EVISTA group. Table 9 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.
Table 9: EVISTA (60 mg Once Daily) vs . Tamoxifen (20
mg Once Daily) on Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women at Increased Risk for Invasive
Breast Cancer
| Outcomes | EVISTA
(N=9751) |
Tamoxifen
(N=9736) |
RR (95% CI)a |
||
| n | IRa | n | IRa | ||
| Invasive breast cancer | 173 | 4.40 | 168 | 4.30 | 1.02 (0.82, 1.27) |
| ERa positive | 115 | 2.93 | 120 | 3.07 | 0.95 (0.73, 1.24) |
| ERa negative | 52 | 1.32 | 46 | 1.18 | 1.12 (0.74, 1.71) |
| ERa unknown | 6 | 0.15 | 2 | 0.05 | 2.98 (0.53, 30.21) |
| Noninvasive breast cancerb | 83 | 2.12 | 60 | 1.54 | 1.38 (0.98, 1.95) |
| DCISa | 47 | 1.20 | 32 | 0.82 | 1.46 (0.91, 2.37) |
| LCISa | 29 | 0.74 | 23 | 0.59 | 1.26 (0.70, 2.27) |
| Uterine cancerc | 23 | 1.21 | 37 | 1.99 | 0.61 (0.34, 1.05) |
| Endometrial hyperplasiac | 17 | 0.90 | 100 | 5.42 | 0.17 (0.09, 0.28) |
| Hysterectomyc | 92 | 4.84 | 246 | 13.25 | 0.37 (0.28, 0.47) |
| Ovarian cancerd | 18 | 0.66 | 14 | 0.52 | 1.27 (0.60, 2.76) |
| Ischemic heart diseasee | 138 | 3.50 | 125 | 3.19 | 1.10 (0.86, 1.41) |
| Stroke | 54 | 1.36 | 56 | 1.42 | 0.96 (0.65, 1.42) |
| Deep vein thrombosis | 67 | 1.69 | 92 | 2.35 | 0.72 (0.52, 1.00) |
| Pulmonary embolism | 38 | 0.96 | 58 | 1.47 | 0.65 (0.42, 1.00) |
| Clinical vertebral fractures | 58 | 1.46 | 58 | 1.47 | 0.99 (0.68, 1.46) |
| Cataractsf | 343 | 10.34 | 435 | 13.19 | 0.78 (0.68, 0.91) |
| Cataract surgeryf | 240 | 7.17 | 295 | 8.85 | 0.81 (0.68, 0.96) |
| Death | 104 | 2.62 | 109 | 2.76 | 0.95 (0.72, 1.25) |
| Edemag | 741 | 18.66 | 664 | 16.83 | 1.11 (1.00, 1.23) |
| Hot flashes | 6748 | 169.91 | 7170 | 181.71 | 0.94 (0.90, 0.97) |
| aAbbreviations: CI = confidence interval; DCIS
= ductal carcinoma in situ; ER = estrogen receptor; IR = annual incidence rate
per 1000 women; LCIS = lobular carcinoma in situ; RR = risk ratio for women in
the EVISTA group compared with those in the tamoxifen group. bOf the 60 noninvasive breast cases in the tamoxifen group, 5 were mixed types. Of the 83 noninvasive breast cancers in the raloxifene group, 7 were mixed types. cOnly patients with an intact uterus at baseline were included (tamoxifen = 4 739, EVISTA = 4 715). dOnly patients with at least one intact ovary at baseline were included (tamoxifen = 6813, EVISTA = 6787). eDefined as myocardial infarction, severe angina, or acute ischemic syndromes. fOnly patients who were free of cataracts at baseline were included (tamoxifen = 834 2, EVISTA = 8333). gPeripheral edema events are included in the term edema. |
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In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational clinical trial (RUTH) of 10,101 postmenopausal women with documented coronary heart disease or at increased risk for coronary events, no cardiovascular benefit was demonstrated after treatment with EVISTA 60 mg once daily for a median follow-up of 5.6 years. No significant increase or decrease was observed for coronary events (death from coronary causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome). An increased risk of death due to stroke after treatment with EVISTA was observed: 59 (1.2%) EVISTA-treated women died due to a stroke compared to 39 (0.8%) placebo-treated women (2.2 versus 1.5 per 1000 women-years; hazard ratio 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.24; p=0.0499). The incidence of stroke did not differ significantly between treatment groups (249 with EVISTA [4.9%] versus 224 with placebo [4.4%]; hazard ratio 1.10; 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.32; p=0.30; 9.5 versus 8.6 per 1000 women-years) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
EVISTA®
(E-VISS-tah)
(raloxifene hydrochloride tablets ) Tablets for Oral Use
Read the Medication Guide that comes with EVISTA before you start taking it and each time you refill your prescription. The information may have changed. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. Talk with your doctor about EVISTA when you start taking it and at regular checkups.
What is the most important information I should know about EVISTA?
Serious and life-threatening side effects can occur while taking EVISTA. These include blood clots and dying from stroke:
1. Before starting EVISTA, tell your doctor if you have had blood clots in your legs, lungs, or eyes, a stroke, mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack), or have an irregular heartbeat.
2. Stop taking EVISTA and call your doctor if you have:
3. Being still for a long time (such as sitting still during a long car or airplane trip or being in bed after surgery) can increase your risk of blood clots. (See “What should I avoid if I am taking EVISTA?”)
What is EVISTA?
EVISTA is a type of prescription medicine called a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). EVISTA is for women after menopause, and has more than one use:
You and your doctor should talk about whether the possible benefit of EVISTA in lowering your chance of getting invasive breast cancer is greater than its possible risks.
EVISTA is not for use in premenopausal women (women who have not passed menopause).
Who should not take EVISTA?
Do not take EVISTA if you:
What should I tell my doctor before taking EVISTA?
EVISTA may not be right for you. Before taking EVISTA, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine. Especially tell your doctor if you take*:
EVISTA should not be taken with cholestyramine or estrogens.
How should I take EVISTA?
What should I avoid while taking EVISTA?
What are the possible side effects of EVISTA?
Serious and life-threatening side effects can occur while taking EVISTA. These include blood clots and dying from stroke:
See “What is the most important information I should know about EVISTA?”
The most common side effects of EVISTA are hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs, flu syndrome, joint pain, and sweating. Hot flashes are more common during the first 6 months after starting treatment.
These are not all the side effects of EVISTA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What else should I know about EVISTA?
How should I store EVISTA?
General Information about the safe and effective us e of EVISTA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use EVISTA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give your EVISTA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide is a summary of the most important information about EVISTA. If you would like more information about EVISTA, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about EVISTA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800- 545-5979 (toll-free).
What are the ingredients in EVISTA?
Active Ingredient: raloxifene hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients : anhydrous lactose, carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
