WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Risk Of Hepatotoxicity
JUXTAPID can cause elevations in transaminases and
hepatic steatosis, as described below [see JUXTAPID REMS Program]. To
what extent JUXTAPID-associated hepatic steatosis promotes the elevations in
transaminases is unknown. Although cases of hepatic dysfunction (elevated
transaminases with increase in bilirubin or INR) or hepatic failure have not
been reported, there is concern that JUXTAPID could induce steatohepatitis,
which can progress to cirrhosis over several years. The clinical studies
supporting the safety and efficacy of JUXTAPID in HoFH would have been unlikely
to detect this adverse outcome given their size and duration [see Clinical
Studies].
Elevation Of Transaminases
Elevations in transaminases (alanine aminotransferase
[ALT] and/or aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) are associated with JUXTAPID. In
the clinical trial, 10 (34%) of the 29 patients with HoFH had at least one
elevation in ALT or AST ≥3x ULN, and 4 (14%) of the patients had at least
one elevation in ALT or AST ≥5x ULN. There were no concomitant or
subsequent clinically meaningful elevations in bilirubin, INR, or alkaline
phosphatase [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
During the 78-week HoFH clinical trial, no patients
discontinued prematurely because of elevated transaminases. Among the 19
patients who subsequently enrolled in the HoFH extension study, one
discontinued because of increased transaminases that persisted despite several
dose reductions, and one temporarily discontinued because of markedly elevated
transaminases (ALT 24x ULN, AST 13x ULN) that had several possible causes,
including a drug-drug interaction between JUXTAPID and the strong CYP3A4
inhibitor clarithromycin [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Monitoring Of Transaminases
Before initiating JUXTAPID and during treatment, monitor
transaminases as recommended in Table 3.
Table 3: Recommendations for Monitoring Transaminases
Time |
Recommendations |
Before initiating treatment |
- Measure ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin.
- If abnormal, consider initiating JUXTAPID only after an appropriate work-up and the baseline abnormalities have been explained or resolved.
- JUXTAPID is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment, or active liver disease, including unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
|
During the first year |
- Measure liver-related tests (ALT and AST, at a minimum) prior to each increase in dose or monthly, whichever occurs first.
|
After the first year |
- Measure liver-related tests (ALT and AST, at a minimum) at least every 3 months and before any increase in dose.
|
At any time during treatment |
- If transaminases are abnormal, reduce or withhold dosing of JUXTAPID and monitor as recommended [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
- Discontinue JUXTAPID for persistent or clinically significant elevations.
- If transaminase elevations are accompanied by clinical symptoms of liver injury (such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, lethargy, flu-like symptoms), increases in bilirubin >2x ULN, or active liver disease, discontinue treatment with JUXTAPID and identify the probable cause.
|
Hepatic Steatosis
JUXTAPID increases hepatic fat,
with or without concomitant increases in transaminases. Hepatic steatosis is a
risk factor for progressive liver disease, including steatohepatitis and
cirrhosis. The long-term consequences of hepatic steatosis associated with
JUXTAPID treatment are unknown. During the HoFH clinical trial, the median
absolute increase in hepatic fat was 6% after both 26 weeks and 78 weeks of
treatment, from 1% at baseline, measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy
(MRS) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Clinical data suggest that hepatic fat
accumulation is reversible after stopping treatment with JUXTAPID, but whether
histological sequelae remain is unknown, especially after long-term use;
protocol liver biopsies were not performed in the HoFH clinical trial.
Alcohol may increase levels of
hepatic fat and induce or exacerbate liver injury. It is recommended that
patients taking JUXTAPID should not consume more than one alcoholic drink per
day.
Caution should be exercised
when JUXTAPID is used with other medications known to have potential for
hepatotoxicity, such as isotretinoin, amiodarone, acetaminophen (>4 g/day
for ≥3 days/week), methotrexate, tetracyclines, and tamoxifen. The effect
of concomitant administration of JUXTAPID with other hepatotoxic medications is
unknown. More frequent monitoring of liver-related tests may be warranted.
JUXTAPID has not been studied
concomitantly with other LDL-lowering agents that can also increase hepatic
fat. Therefore, the combined use of such agents is not recommended.
JUXTAPID REMS Program
Because of the risk of
hepatotoxicity associated with JUXTAPID therapy, JUXTAPID is available through
a restricted program under the REMS. Under the JUXTAPID REMS, only certified
healthcare providers and pharmacies may prescribe and distribute JUXTAPID. Further
information is available at www.JUXTAPIDREMSProgram.com or by telephone at
1-85JUXTAPID (1-855-898-2743).
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
JUXTAPID may cause fetal harm
when administered to a pregnant woman based on findings of teratogenicity in
rats and ferrets [see Use In Specific Populations]. Females of
reproductive potential should have a negative pregnancy test before starting
JUXTAPID and should use effective contraception during therapy with JUXTAPID [see
Use In Specific Populations].
Oral contraceptives are weak CYP3A4 inhibitors [see DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Reduced Absorption Of Fat-Soluble Vitamins And Serum
Fatty Acids
Given its mechanism of action in the small intestine,
JUXTAPID may reduce the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. In the HoFH
clinical trial, patients were provided daily dietary supplements of vitamin E,
linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In this trial, the median levels of serum vitamin
E, ALA, linoleic acid, EPA, DHA, and arachidonic acid decreased from baseline
to Week 26 but remained above the lower limit of the reference range. Adverse
clinical consequences of these reductions were not observed with JUXTAPID
treatment of up to 78 weeks. Patients treated with JUXTAPID should take daily
supplements that contain 400 international units vitamin E and at least 200 mg
linoleic acid, 210 mg ALA, 110 mg EPA, and 80 mg DHA [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION]. Patients with chronic bowel or pancreatic diseases that
predispose to malabsorption may be at increased risk for deficiencies in these
nutrients with use of JUXTAPID.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported by 27
(93%) of 29 patients in the HoFH clinical trial. Diarrhea occurred in 79% of
patients, nausea in 65%, dyspepsia in 38%, and vomiting in 34%. Other reactions
reported by at least 20% of patients include abdominal pain, abdominal
discomfort, abdominal distension, constipation, and flatulence [see ADVERSE
REACTIONS].
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions of severe intensity
were reported by 6 (21%) of 29 patients in the HoFH clinical trial, with the
most common being diarrhea (4 patients, 14%); vomiting (3 patients, 10%); and
abdominal pain, distension, and/or discomfort (2 patients, 7%).
Gastrointestinal reactions contributed to the reasons for early discontinuation
from the trial for 4 (14%) patients.
There have been postmarketing reports of severe diarrhea
with the use of JUXTAPID, including patients being hospitalized because of
diarrhea-related complications such as volume depletion. Monitor patients who
are more susceptible to complications from diarrhea, such as older patients and
patients taking drugs that can lead to volume depletion or hypotension.
Instruct patients to stop JUXTAPID and contact their healthcare provider if
severe diarrhea occurs or if they experience symptoms of volume depletion such
as lightheadedness, decreased urine output, or tiredness. In such cases,
consider reducing the dose or suspending use of JUXTAPID.
Absorption of concomitant oral medications may be
affected in patients who develop diarrhea or vomiting.
To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events,
patients should adhere to a low-fat diet supplying <20% of energy from fat
and the dosage of JUXTAPID should be increased gradually [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION].
Concomitant Use Of CYP3A4 Inhibitors
CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the exposure of lomitapide,
with strong inhibitors increasing exposure approximately 27-fold. Concomitant
use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with JUXTAPID is contraindicated [see
DRUG INTERACTIONS]. In the JUXTAPID clinical trials, one patient with HoFH
developed markedly elevated transaminases (ALT 24x ULN, AST 13x ULN) within
days of initiating the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor clarithromycin. If treatment
with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is unavoidable, JUXTAPID should be
stopped during the course of treatment.
Grapefruit juice must be omitted from the diet while
being treated with JUXTAPID.
Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the exposure of
lomitapide approximately 2-fold; therefore, when JUXTAPID is administered with
weak CYP3A4 inhibitors, the dose of JUXTAPID should be decreased by half.
Careful titration may then be considered based on LDL-C response and
safety/tolerability to a maximum recommended dosage of 30 mg daily except when
coadministered with oral contraceptives, in which case the maximum recommended
lomitapide dosage is 40 mg daily [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG
INTERACTIONS].
Risk Of Myopathy With Concomitant Use Of Simvastatin Or Lovastatin
The risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, with
simvastatin and lovastatin monotherapy is dose related. Lomitapide
approximately doubles the exposure to simvastatin; therefore, it is recommended
to reduce the dose of simvastatin by 50% when initiating JUXTAPID [see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY]. While taking JUXTAPID, limit simvastatin dosage to 20 mg
daily (or 40 mg daily for patients who have previously tolerated simvastatin 80
mg daily for at least one year without evidence of muscle toxicity). Refer to
the simvastatin prescribing information for additional dosing recommendations.
Interaction between lovastatin and lomitapide has not
been studied. However, the metabolizing enzymes and transporters responsible
for the disposition of lovastatin and simvastatin are similar, suggesting that
JUXTAPID may increase the exposure of lovastatin; therefore, reducing the dose
of lovastatin should be considered when initiating JUXTAPID.
Risk Of Supratherapeutic Or Subtherapeutic
Anticoagulation With Warfarin
JUXTAPID increases the plasma concentrations of warfarin.
Increases in the dose of JUXTAPID may lead to supratherapeutic anticoagulation,
and decreases in the dose of JUXTAPID may lead to subtherapeutic
anticoagulation. Difficulty controlling INR contributed to early
discontinuation from the HoFH clinical trial for one of five patients taking
concomitant warfarin. Patients taking warfarin should undergo regular
monitoring of the INR, especially after any changes in JUXTAPID dosage. The
dose of warfarin should be adjusted as clinically indicated [see DRUG
INTERACTIONS].
Risk Of Malabsorption With Rare Hereditary Disorders Of Galactose
Intolerance
Patients with rare, hereditary problems of galactose
intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption
should avoid JUXTAPID as this may result in diarrhea and malabsorption.
Patient Counseling Information
See FDA-approved labeling
(Medication Guide)
Patients should be informed
that a registry for patients taking JUXTAPID has been established in order to
monitor and evaluate the long-term effects of JUXTAPID. Patients are encouraged
to participate in the registry and should be informed that their participation
is voluntary. For information regarding the registry program visit
www.JUXTAPID.com or call 1-877-902-4099.
Advise patients of the
following:
Risk Of Hepatotoxicity
[see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS]
- JUXTAPID can cause both elevations in transaminases and
hepatic steatosis. Discuss with the patient the importance of monitoring of
liver-related tests before taking JUXTAPID, prior to each dose escalation, and
periodically thereafter.
- Patients should be advised of the potential for increased
risk of liver injury if alcohol is consumed while taking JUXTAPID. It is
recommended that patients taking JUXTAPID limit consumption to not more than
one alcoholic drink per day.
- JUXTAPID is commonly associated with nausea, vomiting,
and abdominal pain. Advise patients to promptly report these symptoms if they
increase in severity, persist, or change in the character, as they might
reflect liver injury. Patients should also report any other symptoms of
possible liver injury, including fever, jaundice, lethargy, or flu-like
symptoms.
JUXTAPID REMS Program
[see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS]
- JUXTAPID is only available
through a restricted program called JUXTAPID REMS Program and therefore,
JUXTAPID is only available from certified pharmacies that are enrolled in the
program.
Females Of Reproductive Potential
[see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS]
- JUXTAPID is contraindicated in pregnancy.
- Advise females of reproductive potential that they should
have a negative pregnancy test before starting JUXTAPID and that they should
use effective contraception while taking JUXTAPID. If oral contraceptives are
initiated while taking JUXTAPID, the dose of JUXTAPID may require adjustment.
Hormone absorption from oral contraceptives may be incomplete if vomiting or
diarrhea occurs while taking JUXTAPID, warranting the use of additional
contraceptive methods.
- Nursing Mothers: A decision should be made whether to
discontinue nursing or discontinue JUXTAPID.
Dietary Supplements
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Discuss with the patient the importance of taking daily
supplements that contain 400 international units vitamin E and at least 200 mg
linoleic acid, 210 mg alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), 110 mg eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA), and 80 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Inform the patient that gastrointestinal adverse
reactions are common with JUXTAPID. These include, but are not limited to,
diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain/discomfort, flatulence, and
constipation. Strict adherence to a low-fat diet (<20% of total calories
from fat) may reduce these reactions.
- Instruct the patient to stop JUXTAPID and contact their
healthcare provider if severe diarrhea occurs or if they experience symptoms of
volume depletion such as lightheadedness, decreased urine output, or tiredness.
- Tell the patient that taking JUXTAPID with food may
adversely impact gastrointestinal tolerability; therefore, they should take
JUXTAPID at least 2 hours after the evening meal, swallowing each capsule
whole.
- Absorption of oral medications may be affected in
patients who develop diarrhea or vomiting. For example, hormone absorption from
oral contraceptives may be incomplete, warranting the use of additional
contraceptive methods. Patients who develop these symptoms should seek advice
from their healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG
INTERACTIONS]
- Tell the patient to omit grapefruit juice from his/her
diet while on JUXTAPID.
- Because multiple drug-drug interactions have been
described with JUXTAPID, advise the patient to tell their healthcare
provider(s) about all medications, nutritional supplements, and vitamins that
they are taking or may be taking while taking JUXTAPID.
Missed Doses
- If a dose of JUXTAPID is missed, the normal dose should
be taken at the usual time the next day. If dosing is interrupted for more than
a week, tell the patient to contact their healthcare provider before restarting
treatment.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis,
Impairment Of Fertility
In a 2-year dietary
carcinogenicity study in mice, lomitapide was administered at doses of 0.3,
1.5, 7.5, 15, or 45 mg/kg/day. There were statistically significant increases
in the incidences of liver adenomas and carcinomas in males at doses ≥1.5
mg/kg/day (≥2-times the MRHD at 60 mg based on AUC) and in females at
≥7.5 mg/kg/day (≥10-times the human exposure at 60 mg based on AUC).
Incidences of small intestinal carcinomas in males and combined adenomas and
carcinomas in females were significantly increased at doses ≥15 mg/kg/day
(≥23-times the human exposure at 60 mg based on AUC).
In a 2-year carcinogenicity
study in rats, lomitapide was administered by oral gavage for up to 99 weeks at
doses of 0.25, 1.7, or 7.5 mg/kg/day in males and 0.03, 0.35, or 2.0 mg/kg/day
in females. While the design of the study was suboptimal, there were no
statistically significant drug-related increases in tumor incidences at
exposures up to 6-times (males) and 8-times (females) higher than human
exposure at the MRHD based on AUC.
Lomitapide did not exhibit
genotoxic potential in a battery of studies, including the in vitro Bacterial
Reverse Mutation (Ames) assay, an in vitro cytogenetics assay using primary
human lymphocytes, and an oral micronucleus study in rats.
Lomitapide had no effect on
fertility in rats at doses up to 5 mg/kg/day at systemic exposures estimated to
be 4-times (females) and 5-times (males) higher than in humans at 60 mg based
on AUC.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category X [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors
pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to JUXTAPID during pregnancy. For
additional information visit www.JUXTAPID.com or call the Global Lomitapide
Pregnancy Exposure Registry (PER) at 1-877-902-4099. Healthcare professionals
are encouraged to call the PER at 1-877-902-4099 to enroll patients who become
pregnant during JUXTAPID treatment.
Risk Summary
JUXTAPID is contraindicated during pregnancy because
JUXTAPID may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Lomitapide
was teratogenic in rats and ferrets at exposures estimated to be less than
human therapeutic exposure at 60 mg (AUC = 67 ng*h/mL) when administered during
organogenesis. There was no evidence of teratogenicity in rabbits at 3 times
the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 60 mg based on body surface area.
Embryo-fetal lethality was observed in rabbits at 6-times the MRHD. 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 a fetus.
Animal Data
Oral gavage doses of 0.04, 0.4, or 4 mg/kg/day lomitapide
given to pregnant rats from gestation day 6 through organogenesis were
associated with fetal malformations at ≥2-times human exposure at the
MRHD (60 mg) based on plasma AUC comparisons. Fetal malformations included umbilical
hernia, gastroschisis, imperforate anus, alterations in heart shape and size,
limb malrotations, skeletal malformations of the tail, and delayed ossification
of cranial, vertebral and pelvic bones.
Oral gavage doses of 1.6, 4, 10, or 25 mg/kg/day lomitapide
given to pregnant ferrets from gestation day 12 through organogenesis were
associated with both maternal toxicity and fetal malformations at exposures
that ranged from less than the human exposure at the MRHD to 5times the human
exposure at the MRHD. Fetal malformations included umbilical hernia, medially
rotated or short limbs, absent or fused digits on paws, cleft palate, open eye
lids, low-set ears, and kinked tail.
Oral gavage doses of 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg/day lomitapide
given to pregnant rabbits from gestation day 6 through organogenesis were not
associated with adverse effects at systemic exposures up to 3-times the MRHD of
60 mg based on body surface area comparison. Treatment at doses of ≥20
mg/kg/day, ≥6-times the MRHD, resulted in embryo-fetal lethality.
Pregnant female rats given oral gavage doses of 0.1, 0.3,
or 1 mg/kg/day lomitapide from gestation day 7 through termination of nursing
on lactation day 20 were associated with malformations at systemic exposures
equivalent to human exposure at the MRHD of 60 mg based on AUC. Increased pup
mortality occurred at 4-times the MRHD.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether lomitapide is excreted in human
milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the
potential for tumorigenicity shown for lomitapide in a 2-year mouse study, a
decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug,
taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in
pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of JUXTAPID did not include sufficient
numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond
differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not
identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.
In general, dosing for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the
greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of
concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Females Of Reproductive Potential
JUXTAPID may cause fetal harm [see Use In Specific
Populations]. Females who become pregnant during JUXTAPID therapy should
stop JUXTAPID immediately and notify their healthcare provider.
Pregnancy Testing
Females of reproductive potential should have a negative
pregnancy test before starting JUXTAPID.
Contraception
Females of reproductive potential should use effective
contraception during JUXTAPID therapy. Oral contraceptives are weak CYP3A4
inhibitors [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Hormone absorption from oral contraceptives may be incomplete if vomiting or
diarrhea occurs while taking JUXTAPID, warranting the use of additional
contraceptive methods [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Renal Impairment
Patients with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis
should not exceed 40 mg daily since lomitapide exposure in these patients
increased approximately 50% compared with healthy volunteers. Effects of mild,
moderate, and severe renal impairment, including those with end-stage renal
disease not yet receiving dialysis, on lomitapide exposure have not been
studied. However, it is possible that patients with renal impairment who are
not yet receiving dialysis may experience increases in lomitapide exposure
exceeding 50% [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hepatic Impairment
Patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A)
should not exceed 40 mg daily since the lomitapide exposure in these patients
increased approximately 50% compared with healthy volunteers. JUXTAPID is
contraindicated in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) or severe (Child-Pugh
C) hepatic impairment since the lomitapide exposure in patients with moderate
hepatic impairment increased 164% compared with healthy volunteers [see
CONTRAINDICATIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].