WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Skeletal Muscle Effects
Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have
been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including rosuvastatin. These risks can occur
at any dose level, but are increased at the highest dose (40 mg).
EZALLOR should be prescribed with caution in patients with predisposing factors for myopathy (e.g.,
age ≥ 65 years, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment).
The risk of myopathy during treatment with EZALLOR may be increased with concurrent
administration of some other lipid-lowering therapies (fibrates or niacin), gemfibrozil, cyclosporine,
atazanavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, or simeprevir [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Cases of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors, including rosuvastatin, coadministered with colchicine, and caution should be
exercised when prescribing EZALLOR with colchicine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
EZALLOR therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated creatine kinase levels occur or
myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. EZALLOR therapy should also be temporarily withheld in any
patient with an acute, serious condition suggestive of myopathy or predisposing to the development of
renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis, hypotension, dehydration, major surgery,
trauma, severe metabolic, endocrine, and electrolyte disorders, or uncontrolled seizures).
There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune
myopathy, associated with statin use. IMNM is characterized by: proximal muscle weakness and
elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; muscle biopsy
showing necrotizing myopathy without significant inflammation; improvement with immunosuppressive
agents.
All patients should be advised to promptly report to their physician unexplained muscle pain, tenderness,
or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever or if muscle signs and symptoms persist
after discontinuing EZALLOR.
Liver Enzyme Abnormalities
It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed before the initiation of EZALLOR, and if signs
or symptoms of liver injury occur.
Increases in serum transaminases [AST (SGOT) or ALT (SGPT)] have been reported with HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors, including rosuvastatin. In most cases, the elevations were transient and resolved or
improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. There were two cases of jaundice,
for which a relationship to rosuvastatin therapy could not be determined, which resolved after
discontinuation of therapy. There were no cases of liver failure or irreversible liver disease in these
trials.
In a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled trials, increases in serum transaminases to > 3 times the upper
limit of normal occurred in 1.1% of patients taking rosuvastatin versus 0.5% of patients treated with
placebo.
There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking
statins, including rosuvastatin. If serious liver injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia
or jaundice occurs during treatment with EZALLOR, promptly interrupt therapy. If an alternate etiology
is not found, do not restart EZALLOR.
EZALLOR should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or
have a history of chronic liver disease [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Active liver disease, which
may include unexplained persistent transaminase elevations, is a contraindication to the use of
EZALLOR [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Concomitant Coumarin Anticoagulants
Caution should be exercised when anticoagulants are given in conjunction with EZALLOR because of
its potentiation of the effect of coumarin-type anticoagulants in prolonging the prothrombin time/INR. In
patients taking coumarin anticoagulants and EZALLOR concomitantly, INR should be determined
before starting EZALLOR and frequently enough during early therapy to ensure that no significant
alteration of INR occurs [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Proteinuria And Hematuria
In the rosuvastatin clinical trial program, dipstick-positive proteinuria and microscopic hematuria were
observed among rosuvastatin treated patients. These findings were more frequent in patients taking
rosuvastatin 40 mg, when compared to lower doses of rosuvastatin or comparator HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors, though it was generally transient and was not associated with worsening renal function.
Although the clinical significance of this finding is unknown, a dose reduction should be considered for
patients on EZALLOR therapy with unexplained persistent proteinuria and/or hematuria during routine
urinalysis testing.
Endocrine Effects
Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors, including rosuvastatin. Based on clinical trial data with rosuvastatin, in some instances these
increases may exceed the threshold for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Although clinical studies have shown that rosuvastatin alone does not reduce basal plasma cortisol
concentration or impair adrenal reserve, caution should be exercised if EZALLOR is administered
concomitantly with drugs that may decrease the levels or activity of endogenous steroid hormones such
as ketoconazole, spironolactone, and cimetidine.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for
Use).
Skeletal Muscle Effects
Patients should be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness,
particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after
discontinuing EZALLOR.
Concomitant Use Of Antacids
When taking EZALLOR with an aluminum and magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, the antacid
should be taken at least 2 hours after EZALLOR administration.
Embryofetal Toxicity
Advise females of reproductive potential of the risk to a fetus, to use effective contraception during
treatment, and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Lactation
Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with EZALLOR [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Liver Enzymes
It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed before the initiation of EZALLOR and if signs
or symptoms of liver injury occur. All patients treated with EZALLOR should be advised to promptly
report any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal
discomfort, dark urine or jaundice.
Administration Information
Inform patients
- EZALLOR can be administered as a single dose at any time of day, with or without food.
- Patients should be instructed not to take 2 doses of EZALLOR within 12 hours of each other.
- EZALLOR should not be crushed or chewed.
For Oral Administration Patients with Difficulty Swallowing Capsules
Instruct patients that the EZALLOR can be opened, the granules filled in the capsule carefully emptied
onto one teaspoon of applesauce. The granules with applesauce should be swallowed immediately,
without chewing. The mixture should not be stored for future use. If it is not used in its entirety, the
remaining mixture should be discarded immediately.
For Nasogastric Tube (≥16 French) Administration
Instruct patients that EZALLOR can be opened and the intact granules emptied into a 60 mL catheter
tipped syringe and add 40 mL of water. Replace the plunger and shake the syringe vigorously for 15
seconds. The granules in rosuvastatin may start dissolving which is acceptable. Attach the syringe to a
nasogastric tube (≥16-French) and deliver the contents of the syringe through the nasogastric tube into
the stomach. After administering the granules, the nasogastric tube should be flushed with 20 mL of
additional water. The mixture must be used immediately after preparation and not be stored for future
use. If it is not used in its entirety, the remaining mixture should be discarded immediately. Use with any
other liquids is not recommended.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
In a 104-week carcinogenicity study in rats at dose levels of 2, 20, 60, or 80 mg/kg/day by oral gavage,
the incidence of uterine stromal polyps was significantly increased in females at 80 mg/kg/day at
systemic exposure 20 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC. Increased incidence of
polyps was not seen at lower doses.
In a 107-week carcinogenicity study in mice given 10, 60 or 200 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, an increased
incidence of hepatocellular adenoma/carcinoma was observed at 200 mg/kg/day at systemic exposures
20 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC. An increased incidence of hepatocellular
tumors was not seen at lower doses.
Rosuvastatin was not mutagenic or clastogenic with or without metabolic activation in the Ames test
with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, the mouse lymphoma assay, and the chromosomal
aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung cells. Rosuvastatin was negative in the in vivo mouse
micronucleus test.
In rat fertility studies with oral gavage doses of 5, 15, 50 mg/kg/day, males were treated for 9 weeks
prior to and throughout mating and females were treated 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout mating
until gestation day 7. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 50 mg/kg/day (systemic exposures
up to 10 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC). In testicles of dogs treated with
rosuvastatin at 30 mg/kg/day for one month, spermatidic giant cells were seen. Spermatidic giant cells
were observed in monkeys after 6-month treatment at 30 mg/kg/day in addition to vacuolation of
seminiferous tubular epithelium. Exposures in the dog were 20 times and in the monkey 10 times the
human exposure at 40 mg/day based on body surface area. Similar findings have been seen with other
drugs in this class.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
EZALLOR is contraindicated for use in pregnant women since safety in pregnant women has not been
established and there is no apparent benefit to therapy with EZALLOR during pregnancy. Because
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other
biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, EZALLOR may cause fetal harm when
administered to pregnant women. EZALLOR should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is recognized
[see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Limited published data on the use of rosuvastatin are insufficient to
determine a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations or miscarriage. In animal
reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects with oral administration of
rosuvastatin during organogenesis at systemic exposures equivalent to a maximum recommended human
dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day in rats or rabbits (based on AUC and body surface area, respectively). In
rats and rabbits, decreased pup/fetal survival occurred at 12 times and equivalent, respectively, to the
MRHD of 40 mg/day [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is
unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and
miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Human Data
Limited published data on rosuvastatin have not shown an increased risk of major congenital
malformations or miscarriage. Rare reports of congenital anomalies have been received following
intrauterine exposure to other statins. In a review of approximately 100 prospectively followed
pregnancies in women exposed to simvastatin or lovastatin, the incidences of congenital anomalies,
spontaneous abortions, and fetal deaths/stillbirths did not exceed what would be expected in the general
population. The number of cases is adequate to exclude a ≥3 to 4-fold increase in congenital anomalies
over the background incidence. In 89% of the prospectively followed pregnancies, drug treatment was
initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy
was identified.
Animal Data
Rosuvastatin crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits and is found in fetal tissue and amniotic fluid at 3%
and 20%, respectively, of the maternal plasma concentration following a single 25 mg/kg oral gavage
dose on gestation day 16 in rats. A higher fetal tissue distribution (25% maternal plasma concentration)
was observed in rabbits after a single oral gavage dose of 1 mg/kg on gestation day 18.
Rosuvastatin administration did not indicate a teratogenic effect in rats at ≤25 mg/kg/day or in rabbits ≤3
mg/kg/day (doses equivalent to the MRHD of 40 mg/day based on AUC and body surface area,
respectively).
In female rats given 5, 15 and 50 mg/kg/day before mating and continuing through to gestation day 7
resulted in decreased fetal body weight (female pups) and delayed ossification at 50 mg/kg/day (10
times the human exposure at the MRHD dose of 40 mg/day based on AUC).
In pregnant rats given 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin from gestation day 7 through lactation day
21 (weaning), decreased pup survival occurred at 50 mg/kg/day (dose equivalent to 12 times the MRHD
of 40 mg/day based body surface area).
In pregnant rabbits given 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin from gestation day 6 to day 18,
decreased fetal viability and maternal mortality was observed at 3 mg/kg/day (dose equivalent to the
MRHD of 40 mg/day based on body surface area).
Lactation
Risk Summary
EZALLOR use is contraindicated during breastfeeding [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Limited data
indicate that rosuvastatin is present in human milk. There is no available information on the effects of
the drug on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. Because of the potential
for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended
during treatment with EZALLOR.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Contraception
EZALLOR may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during
treatment with EZALLOR.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric use information for patients 7 to 17 years of age is approved for AstraZeneca’s
CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) tablets. However, due to AstraZeneca’s marketing exclusivity
rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Geriatric Use
Of the 10,275 patients in clinical studies with rosuvastatin, 3,159 (31%) were 65 years and older, and
698 (6.8%) were 75 years and older. 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.
Elderly patients are at higher risk of myopathy and EZALLOR should be prescribed with caution in the
elderly [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Renal Impairment
Rosuvastatin exposure is not influenced by mild to moderate renal impairment (CLcr ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73
m2). Exposure to rosuvastatin is increased to a clinically significant extent in patients with severe renal
impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) who are not receiving hemodialysis and dose adjustment is
required [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hepatic Impairment
EZALLOR is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, which may include unexplained
persistent elevations of hepatic transaminase levels. Chronic alcohol liver disease is known to increase
rosuvastatin exposure; EZALLOR should be used with caution in these patients [see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Asian Patients
Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated an approximate 2-fold increase in median exposure to
rosuvastatin in Asian subjects when compared with Caucasian controls. EZALLOR dosage should be
adjusted in Asian patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].