WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Skeletal Muscle Effects
Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolys is with acute renal
failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported with HMG-CoAreductase
inhibitors, including rosuvastatin calcium. These risks can occur at any dos e
level, but are increased at the highest dose (40 mg).
Rosuvastatin calcium 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 rosuvastatin calcium may be increased with concurrent administration
of some other lipid-lowering therapies (fibrates or niacin), gemfibrozil,
cyclosporine, atazanzvir/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 rosuvastatin calcium with colchicine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Rosuvastatin calcium therapy should be discontinued if
markedly elevated creatine kinase levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or
suspected. Rosuvastatin calcium 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 rosuvastatin calcium.
Liver Enzyme Abnormalities
It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed
before the initiation of rosuvastatin calcium, 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 calcium. 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
calcium 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 calcium 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 rosuvastatin calcium, promptly interrupt
therapy. If an alternate etiology is not found, do not restart rosuvastatin
calcium.
Rosuvastatin calcium 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 rosuvastatin calcium [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Concomitant Coumarin Anticoagulants
Caution should be exercised when anticoagulants are given
in conjunction with rosuvastatin calcium because of its potentiation of the
effect of coumarin-type anticoagulants in prolonging the prothrombin time/INR.
In patients taking coumarin anticoagulants and rosuvastatin calcium
concomitantly, INR should be determined before starting rosuvastatin calcium
and frequently enough during early therapy to ensure that no significant
alteration of INR occurs [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Proteinuria And Hematuria
In the rosuvastatin calcium clinical trial program,
dipstick-positive proteinuria and microscopic hematuria were observed among
rosuvastatin calcium treated patients. These findings were more frequent in
patients taking rosuvastatin calcium 40 mg, when compared to lower doses of
rosuvastatin calcium 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 rosuvastatin calcium 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
calcium. Based on clinical trial data with rosuvastatin calcium, 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
calcium alone does not reduce basal plasma cortisol concentration or impair
adrenal reserve, caution should be exercised if rosuvastatin calcium is administered
concomitantly with drugs that may decrease the levels or activity of endogenous
steroid hormones such as ketoconazole, spironolactone, and cimetidine.
Risk Of Allergic Reactions Due To Tartrazine
Rosuvastatin calcium tablets, 5 mg contains FD&C
Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergictype reactions (including
bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence
of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is
low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient
labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Patients should be instructed not to take 2 doses of
rosuvastatin calcium tablets within 12 hours of each other.
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
rosuvastatin calcium.
Concomitant Use Of Antacids
When taking rosuvastatin calcium with an aluminum and
magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, the antacid should be taken at least 2
hours after rosuvastatin calcium 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
rosuvastatin calcium [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Use in Specific
Populations].
Liver Enzymes
It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed
before the initiation of rosuvastatin calcium and if signs or symptoms of liver
injury occur. All patients treated with rosuvastatin calcium should be advised
to promptly report any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including
fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice.
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
Rosuvastatin 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 rosuvastatin during pregnancy. Because HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis
of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, rosuvastatin
may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Rosuvastatin 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
Rosuvastatin 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
rosuvastatin.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Contraception
Rosuvastatin may cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations]. Advise females of
reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with
rosuvastatin.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric use information for patients 7 to 17 years
of age is approved for AstraZeneca's CRESTOR (rosuvas tatin 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 calcium, 3159 (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
rosuvastatin calcium 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/1.73m²) who are not receiving hemodialysis and dose
adjustment is required. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hepatic Impairment
Rosuvastatin calcium 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; rosuvastatin calcium 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. Rosuvastatin calcium dosage should be
adjusted in Asian patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].