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VYTORIN contains ezetimibe, a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol and related phytosterol absorption, and simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
The chemical name of ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)-hydroxypropyl]- 4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone. The empirical formula is C24H21F2NO3 and its molecular weight is 409.4.
Ezetimibe is a white, crystalline powder that is free to very soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetone and practically insoluble in water. Its structural formula is:
 |
Simvastatin, an inactive lactone, is hydrolyzed to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid form, which is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. Simvastatin is butanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-,1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydro- 3,7-dimethyl-8-[2-(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl ester, [1S- [1α,3α,7β,8β(2S*,4S*),-8aβ]]. The empirical formula of simvastatin is C25H38O5 and its molecular weight is 418.57.
Simvastatin is a white to off-white, nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water and freely soluble in chloroform, methanol and ethanol. Its structural formula is:
 |
VYTORIN is available for oral use as tablets containing 10 mg of ezetimibe, and 10 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/10), 20 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/20), 40 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/40), or 80 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/80). Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: butylated hydroxyanisole NF, citric acid monohydrate USP, croscarmellose sodium NF, hypromellose USP, lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, microcrystalline cellulose NF, and propyl gallate NF.
VYTORIN® is a combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe indicated:
Simvastatin, when used as a component of VYTORIN, is indicated to reduce the risk of total mortality by reducing risk of coronary heart disease death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke, and the need for coronary and non-coronary revascularization procedures in adults with established coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and/or diabetes, who are at high risk of coronary heart disease events.
The recommended dosage range of VYTORIN 10/10 mg to 10/40 mg once a day.
The recommended dosage range of VYTORIN 10/10 mg to 10/40 mg once a day.
Renal impairment is a risk factor for statin-associated myopathy. Doses of VYTORIN exceeding 10/20 mg should be used with caution and close monitoring in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
There are no dosage adjustment recommendations for patients with mild renal impairment.
Concomitant use of VYTORIN with the following drugs requires dosage modification of VYTORIN [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Reduce the dosage of VYTORIN by 50%. Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg once daily (or 10/40 mg once daily for patients who have previously taken VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily chronically while taking lomitapide) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/10 mg once daily.
Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg once daily.
In patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer VYTORIN at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant.
VYTORIN tablets are supplied as follows:
| Strength | How Supplied | NDC | Tablet Description |
| 10/10 mg | unit of use bottles of 30 | 78206-174-01 | white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “311” on one side |
| unit of use bottles of 90 | 78206-174-02 | ||
| 10/20 mg | unit of use bottles of 30 | 78206-175-01 | white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “312” on one side |
| unit of use bottles of 90 | 78206-175-02 | ||
| 10/40 mg | unit of use bottles of 30 | 78206-176-01 | white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “313” on one side |
| unit of use bottles of 90 | 78206-176-02 | ||
| 10/80 mg | unit of use bottles of 30 | 78206-177-01 | white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “315” on one side |
| unit of use bottles of 90 | 78206-177-02 |
Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Keep container tightly closed.
Distributed by: Organon LLC, a subsidiary of Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA. Revised: Mar 2024
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
Because clinical trials 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.
In the VYTORIN (ezetimibe and simvastatin) placebo-controlled clinical trials database of 1420 patients (age range 20-83 years, 52% female, 87% White, 3% Black or African American, 3% Asians, 5% other races identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) with a median treatment duration of 27 weeks, 5% of patients on VYTORIN and 2.2% of patients on placebo discontinued due to adverse reactions.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo) in controlled clinical trials were: headache (5.8%), increased ALT (3.7%), myalgia (3.6%), upper respiratory tract infection (3.6%), and diarrhea (2.8%). The most common adverse reactions in the group treated with VYTORIN that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo were: increased
ALT (0.9%), myalgia (0.6%), increased AST (0.4%), and back pain (0.4%).
VYTORIN has been evaluated for safety in more than 10,189 patients in clinical trials.
Table 1 summarizes the frequency of clinical adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with VYTORIN (n=1420) and at an incidence greater than placebo from four placebo-controlled trials.
Table 1*: Adverse Reactions Reported ≥2% of Patients Treated with VYTORIN at an Incidence Greater than Placebo Regardless of Causality
| % Placebo N = 371 |
% Ezetimibe 10 mg N = 302 |
% Simvastatin N = 1234 |
% VYTORIN† N = 1420 |
|
| Headache | 5.4 | 6.0 | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 2.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.6 |
| Myalgia | 2.4 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 3.6 |
| Diarrhea | 2.2 | 5.0 | 3.7 | 2.8 |
| Pain in extremity | 1.3 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 2.3 |
| Influenza | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.9 | 2.3 |
| *Includes two placebo-controlled combination studies in which the active ingredients equivalent to VYTORIN were coadministered and two placebo-controlled studies in which VYTORIN was administered. †Alldoses. |
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In SHARP, 9270 patients were allocated to VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily (n=4650) or placebo (n=4620) for a median follow-up period of 4.9 years. The proportion of patients who permanently discontinued trial treatment as a result of either an adverse event or abnormal safety blood result was 10.4% vs. 9.8% among patients allocated to VYTORIN and placebo, respectively. Comparing those allocated to VYTORIN vs. placebo, the incidence of myopathy (defined as unexplained muscle weakness or pain with a serum CK >10 times ULN) was 0.2% vs. 0.1% and the incidence of rhabdomyolysis (defined as myopathy with a CK >40 times ULN) was 0.09% vs. 0.02%, respectively. Consecutive elevations of transaminases (>3 X ULN) occurred in 0.7% vs. 0.6%, respectively. Patients were asked about the occurrence of unexplained muscle pain or weakness at each trial visit: 21.5% vs. 20.9% patients ever reported muscle symptoms in the VYTORIN and placebo groups, respectively. Cancer was diagnosed during the trial in 9.4% vs. 9.5% of patients assigned to VYTORIN and placebo, respectively.
Other adverse reactions reported with ezetimibe in placebo-controlled studies, regardless of causality assessment: Musculoskeletal system disorders: arthralgia; Infections and infestations: sinusitis; Body as a whole – general disorders: fatigue.
In a clinical outcome trial in which 12,064 adult patients with a history of myocardial infarction were treated with simvastatin (mean follow-up 6.7 years), the incidence of myopathy (defined as unexplained muscle weakness or pain with a serum creatine kinase [CK] >10 times (1200U/L) upper limit of normal [ULN]) in patients taking simvastatin 20 mg and 80 mg daily was approximately 0.02% and 0.9% respectively. The incidence of rhabdomyolysis (defined as myopathy with a CK >40 times ULN) in patients taking simvastatin 20 mg and 80 mg daily was approximately 0% and 0.4%. The incidence of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, was highest during the first year and then notably decreased during the subsequent years of treatment. In this trial, patients were carefully monitored and some interacting medicinal products were excluded. Other adverse reactions reported with simvastatin in placebo-controlled clinical trials: atrial fibrillation; vertigo; abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis; eczema, rash; diabetes mellitus; bronchitis, sinusitis, urinary tract infections; asthenia, edema/swelling; and insomnia.
Marked persistent increases of hepatic serum transaminases have been noted [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Elevated alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase have been reported. About 5% of patients taking simvastatin had elevations of CK levels of 3 or more times the normal value on one or more occasions. This was attributable to the noncardiac fraction of CK [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of VYTORIN. 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.
Body as Whole: fever, chills, malaise, asthenia
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, positive ANA, ESR increase, eosinophilia
Gastrointestinal Disorders: pancreatitis, nausea, vomiting
Hepatobiliary Disorders: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, elevations in liver transaminases including elevations more than 5 X ULN, hepatitis/jaundice, fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure
Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity syndrome including: anaphylaxis, angioedema, lupus erythematous-like syndrome, dermatomyositis, vasculitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: muscle cramps, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, myalgia, arthralgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, arthritis, elevated creatine phosphokinase
Nervous System Disorders: dizziness, depression, paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy, rare reports of cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) associated with statin use. Cognitive impairment was generally nonserious, and reversible upon statin discontinuation, with variable times to symptom onset (1 day to years) and symptom resolution (median of 3 weeks). There have been rare reports of new-onset or exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, including ocular myasthenia, and reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: rash, pruritus, alopecia, a variety of skin changes (e.g., nodules, discoloration, dryness of skin/mucous membranes, changes to hair/nails), purpura, lichen planus, urticaria, photosensitivity, flushing, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Respiratory and Thoracic: interstitial lung disease, dyspnea
Reproductive System Disorders: erectile dysfunction
VYTORIN is a substrate of CYP3A4 and of the transport protein OATP1B1. VYTORIN plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 and OATP1B1.
Table 2 includes a list of drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomitantly with VYTORIN and instructions for preventing or managing them [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Table 2: Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with VYTORIN
| Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors | |
| Clinical Impact: | Simvastatin is a substrate of CYP3A4. Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with VYTORIN increases simvastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, particularly with higher VYTORIN dosages. |
| Intervention: | Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with VYTORIN is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. If treatment with a CYP3A4 inhibitor is unavoidable, suspend VYTORIN during the course of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor treatment. |
| Examples: | Select azole anti-fungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole), select macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin and clarithromycin, telithromycin), select HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, and darunavir/ritonavir), select HCV protease inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir), cobicistat-containing products, and nefazodone. |
| Cyclosporine, Danazol, or Gemfibrozil | |
| Clinical Impact: | The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol, or gemfibrozil with VYTORIN. Gemfibrozil may cause myopathy when given alone. |
| Intervention: | Concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol, or gemfibrozil with VYTORIN is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Ranolazine, or Calcium Channel Blockers | |
| Clinical Impact: | The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant use of amiodarone, dronedarone, ranolazine, or calcium channel blockers with VYTORIN. |
| Intervention: | For patients taking verapamil, diltiazem, or dronedarone, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/10 mg daily. For patients taking amiodarone, amlodipine, or ranolazine, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. |
| Lomitapide | |
| Clinical Impact: | Simvastatin exposure is approximately doubled with concomitant use of lomitapide and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased. |
| Intervention: | Reduce the dose of VYTORIN by 50% if initiating lomitapide. Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily (or VYTORIN 10/40 mg daily for patients who have previously taken VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily chronically) while taking lomitapide [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. |
| Daptomycin | |
| Clinical Impact: | Cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported with simvastatin administered with daptomycin. Both VYTORIN and daptomycin can cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when given alone and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be increased by coadministration. |
| Intervention: | If treatment with daptomycin is required, consider temporarily suspending VYTORIN during the course of daptomycin treatment. |
| Niacin | |
| Clinical Impact: | Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been observed with concomitant use of lipid modifying dosages of niacin-containing products (>1 gram/day niacin) with VYTORIN. The risk of myopathy is greater in Chinese patients. In a clinical trial (median follow-up 3.9 years) of patients at high risk of CVD and with well-controlled LDL-C levels on simvastatin 40 mg/day with or without ezetimibe 10 mg/day, there was no incremental benefit on cardiovascular outcomes with the addition of lipid-modifying doses of niacin |
| Intervention: | Concomitant use of VYTORIN with lipid-modifying dosages of niacin is not recommended in Chinese patients [see Use In Specific Populations]. For non-Chinese patients, consider if the benefit of using lipid-modifying doses of niacin concomitantly with VYTORIN outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy, particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. |
| Fibrates (other than Gemfibrozil) | |
| Clinical Impact: | Fibrates may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of fibrates with VYTORIN. |
| Intervention: | Consider if the benefit of using fibrates concomitantly with VYTORIN outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy, particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. |
| Colchicine | |
| Clinical Impact: | Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of colchicine with VYTORIN. |
| Intervention: | Consider if the benefit of using colchicine concomitantly with VYTORIN outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy, particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. |
| Grapefruit Juice | |
| Clinical Impact: | Grapefruit juice can raise the plasma levels of simvastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. |
| Intervention: | Avoid grapefruit juice when taking VYTORIN. |
Table 3 presents drug interactions that may decrease the efficacy of VYTORIN and instructions for preventing or managing them.
Table 3: Drug Interactions that Decrease the Efficacy of VYTORIN
| Bile Acid Sequestrants | |
| Clinical Impact: | Concomitant cholestyramine administration decreased the mean exposure of total ezetimibe approximately 55%. The incremental LDL-C reduction due to adding VYTORIN to cholestyramine may be reduced by this interaction [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. |
| Intervention: | In patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer VYTORIN at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after cholestyramine [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. |
Table 4 presents VYTORIN’s effect on other drugs and instructions for preventing or managing them.
Table 4: VYTORIN Effects on Other Drugs
| Coumarin Anticoagulants | |
| Clinical Impact: | VYTORIN may potentiate the effect of coumarin anticoagulants and increase the INR. The concomitant use of simvastatin (20 to 40 mg) and coumarin anticoagulants increased the INR from a baseline of 1.7 to 1.8 in healthy subjects and from 2.6 to 3.4 in patients with hyperlipidemia. There are postmarketing reports of clinically evident bleeding and/or increased INR in patients taking concomitant statins (with or without ezetimibe) and coumarin anticoagulants. |
| Intervention: | In patients taking coumarin anticoagulants, obtain an INR before starting VYTORIN and frequently enough after initiation, dose titration, or discontinuation to ensure that no significant alteration in INR occurs. Once the INR is stable, monitor INR at regularly recommended intervals. |
| Digoxin | |
| Clinical Impact: | Concomitant use of digoxin with VYTORIN may result in elevated plasma digoxin concentrations [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. |
| Intervention: | Monitor digoxin levels in patients taking digoxin when VYTORIN is initiated. |
| Fenofibrates | |
| Clinical Impact: | Both ezetimibe and fenofibrates may increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to cholelithiasis. |
| Intervention: | If cholelithiasis is suspected in a patient receiving VYTORIN and a fenofibrate, gallbladder studies are indicated and alternative lipid-lowering therapy should be considered [see the product labeling for fenofibrate and fenofibric acid]. |
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
VYTORIN may cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with statins, including VYTORIN.
In clinical trials of 24,747 simvastatin-treated patients with a median follow-up of 4 years, the incidence of myopathy, defined as unexplained muscle weakness, pain, or tenderness accompanied by creatinine kinase (CK) increases greater than ten times the upper limit of normal (10 X ULN), were approximately 0.03%, 0.08%, and 0.61% in patients treated with simvastatin 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg daily, respectively. In another clinical trial of 12,064 simvastatin-treated patients (with a history of myocardial infarction) with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years, the incidences of myopathy in patients taking simvastatin 20 mg and 80 mg daily were approximately 0.02% and 0.9%, respectively. The incidences of rhabdomyolysis (defined as myopathy with a CK >40 X ULN) in patients taking simvastatin 20 mg and 80 mg daily were approximately 0% and 0.4%, respectively [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In the Trial of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP), 9270 patients with chronic kidney disease were allocated to receive VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily (n=4650) or placebo (n=4620). During a median follow-up period of 4.9 years, the incidence of myopathy (defined as unexplained muscle weakness or pain with a serum creatine kinase [CK] >10 times upper limit of normal [ULN]) was 0.2% for VYTORIN and 0.1% for placebo: the incidence of rhabdomyolysis (defined as myopathy with a CK > 40 times ULN) was 0.09% for VYTORIN and 0.02% for placebo.
In postmarketing experience with ezetimibe, cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported. Most patients who developed rhabdomyolysis were taking a statin prior to initiating ezetimibe. However, rhabdomyolysis has been reported with ezetimibe monotherapy and with the addition of ezetimibe to agents known to be associated with increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, such as fibric acid derivatives. VYTORIN and a fenofibrate, if taking concomitantly, should both be immediately discontinued if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.
Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs (including other lipid-lowering therapies), and higher VYTORIN dosage; Chinese patients on VYTORIN may be at higher risk for myopathy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS, and Use In Specific Populations]. The risk of myopathy is increased by elevated plasma levels of simvastatin and simvastatin acid. The risk is also greater in patients taking VYTORIN 80 mg daily compared with patients taking lower VYTORIN dosages and compared with patients using other statins with similar or greater LDL-C-lowering efficacy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
The concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with VYTORIN is contraindicated. If short-term treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is required, temporarily suspend VYTORIN during the duration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor treatment. The concomitant use of VYTORIN with gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, or danazol is also contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
VYTORIN dosage modifications are recommended for patients taking lomitapide, verapamil, diltiazem, dronedarone, amiodarone, amlodipine or ranolazine [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. VYTORIN use should be temporarily suspended in patients taking daptomycin. Lipid modifying doses (≥1 gram/day) of niacin, fibrates, colchicine, and grapefruit juice may also increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Use the 80 mg daily dosage of VYTORIN only in patients who have been taking simvastatin 80 mg daily chronically without evidence of muscle toxicity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. If patients treated with VYTORIN 80 mg are prescribed an interacting drug that increases the risk for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, switch to an alternate statin [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Discontinue VYTORIN if markedly elevated CK levels occur or if myopathy is either diagnosed or suspected. Muscle symptoms and CK increases may resolve if VYTORIN is discontinued. Temporarily discontinue VYTORIN in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis, e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy.
Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the VYTORIN dosage and advise patients receiving VYTORIN 80 mg of the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.
There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use, including reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered. IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy without significant inflammation; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. Additional neuromuscular and serologic testing may be necessary. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents may be required. Discontinue VYTORIN if IMNM is suspected.
Increases in serum transaminases have been reported with use of VYTORIN [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. In most cases, these changes appeared soon after initiation, were transient, were not accompanied by symptoms, and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. Marked persistent increases of hepatic transaminases have also occurred with VYTORIN. There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including VYTORIN.
In three placebo-controlled, 12-week trials, the incidence of consecutive elevations (≥3 X ULN) in serum transaminases was 1.7% overall for patients treated with VYTORIN and appeared to be dose-related with an incidence of 2.6% for patients treated with VYTORIN 10/80. In controlled long-term (48-week) extensions, which included both newly-treated and previously-treated patients, the incidence of consecutive elevations (≥3 X ULN) in serum transaminases was 1.8% overall and 3.6% for patients treated with VYTORIN 10/80. These elevations in transaminases were generally asymptomatic, not associated with cholestasis, and returned to baseline after discontinuation of therapy or with continued treatment.
In SHARP, 9270 patients with chronic kidney disease were allocated to receive VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily (n=4650), or placebo (n=4620). During a median follow-up period of 4.9 years, the incidence of consecutive elevations of transaminases (>3 X ULN) was 0.7% for VYTORIN and 0.6% for placebo.
Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatic injury.
Consider liver enzyme testing before VYTORIN initiation and when clinically indicated thereafter. VYTORIN is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue VYTORIN.
Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with statins, including VYTORIN. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Advise patients that VYTORIN may cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients taking the 80 mg daily dose of simvastatin that they are at an increased risk. Inform patients that the risk is also increased when taking certain types of medication or consuming grapefruit juice and they should discuss all medication, both prescription and over the counter, with their healthcare provider. Instruct patients to inform other healthcare providers prescribing a new medication or increasing the dose of an existing medication that they are taking VYTORIN. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Inform patients that VYTORIN may cause liver enzyme elevations and possibly liver failure. Advise patients to promptly report fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels may occur with VYTORIN. Encourage patients to optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise pregnant patients and patients who can become pregnant of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy to discuss if VYTORIN should be discontinued [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with VYTORIN [see Use In Specific Populations].
Instruct patients to take VYTORIN only as prescribed. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. Advise patients not to double their next dose.
No animal carcinogenicity or fertility studies have been conducted with the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin. The combination of ezetimibe with simvastatin did not show evidence of mutagenicity in vitro in a microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with or without metabolic activation. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed in vitro in a chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with ezetimibe and simvastatin with or without metabolic activation. There was no evidence of genotoxicity at doses up to 600 mg/kg with the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin (1:1) in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity trial with ezetimibe was conducted in rats at doses up to 1500 mg/kg/day (males) and 500 mg/kg/day (females) (~20 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe). A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity trial with ezetimibe was also conducted in mice at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (>150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe). There were no statistically significant increases in tumor incidences in drug-treated rats or mice.
No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in vitro in a microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with or without metabolic activation. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed in vitro in a chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with or without metabolic activation. In addition, there was no evidence of genotoxicity in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
In oral (gavage) fertility studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats, there was no evidence of reproductive toxicity at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day in male or female rats (~7 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe).
In a 72-week carcinogenicity trial, mice were administered daily doses of simvastatin of 25, 100, and 400 mg/kg body weight, which resulted in mean plasma drug levels approximately 1, 4, and 8 times higher than the mean human plasma drug level, respectively, (as total inhibitory activity based on AUC) after an 80-mg oral dose. Liver carcinomas were significantly increased in high-dose females and mid-and high-dose males with a maximum incidence of 90% in males. The incidence of adenomas of the liver was significantly increased in mid-and high-dose females. Drug treatment also significantly increased the incidence of lung adenomas in mid-and high-dose males and females. Adenomas of the Harderian gland (a gland of the eye of rodents) were significantly higher in high-dose mice than in controls. No evidence of a tumorigenic effect was observed at 25 mg/kg/day.
In a separate 92-week carcinogenicity trial in mice at doses up to 25 mg/kg/day, no evidence of a tumorigenic effect was observed (mean plasma drug levels were 1 times higher than humans given 80 mg simvastatin as measured by AUC).
In a two-year trial in rats at 25 mg/kg/day, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of thyroid follicular adenomas in female rats exposed to approximately 11 times higher levels of simvastatin than in humans given 80 mg simvastatin (as measured by AUC).
A second two-year rat carcinogenicity trial with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day produced hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas (in female rats at both doses and in males at 100 mg/kg/day). Thyroid follicular cell adenomas were increased in males and females at both doses; thyroid follicular cell carcinomas were increased in females at 100 mg/kg/day. The increased incidence of thyroid neoplasms appears to be consistent with findings from other statins. These treatment levels represented plasma drug levels (AUC) of approximately 7 and 15 times (males) and 22 and 25 times (females) the mean human plasma drug exposure after an 80-mg daily dose.
No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in a microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test with or without rat or mouse liver metabolic activation. In addition, no evidence of damage to genetic material was noted in an in vitro alkaline elution assay using rat hepatocytes, a V-79 mammalian cell forward mutation trial, an in vitro chromosome aberration trial in CHO cells, or an in vivo chromosomal aberration assay in mouse bone marrow.
There was decreased fertility in male rats treated with simvastatin for 34 weeks at 25 mg/kg body weight (4 times the maximum human exposure level, based on AUC, in patients receiving 80 mg/day); however, this effect was not observed during a subsequent fertility trial in which simvastatin was administered at this same dose level to male rats for 11 weeks (the entire cycle of spermatogenesis including epididymal maturation). No microscopic changes were observed in the testes of rats from either trial. At 180 mg/kg/day (which produces exposure levels 22 times higher than those in humans taking 80 mg/day based on surface area, mg/m²), seminiferous tubule degeneration (necrosis and loss of spermatogenic epithelium) was observed. In dogs, there was drug-related testicular atrophy, decreased spermatogenesis, spermatocytic degeneration and giant cell formation at 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the human exposure, based on AUC, at 80 mg/day). The clinical significance of these findings is unclear.
Discontinue VYTORIN when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient.
VYTORIN decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, VYTORIN may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hyperlipidemia for most patients.
Available data from case series and prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies over decades of use with statins in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations. Published data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies with VYTORIN use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine if there is a drug-associated risk of miscarriage (see Data).
In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats or rabbits orally administered simvastatin during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in 2.5 and 2 times, respectively, the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dosage of 80 mg/day, based on body surface area (mg/m²). In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits orally administered ezetimibe during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in up to 10 and 150 times, respectively, the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC (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.
Human Data
Ezetimibe
There are insufficient data on ezetimibe use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
Simvastatin
A Medicaid cohort linkage trial of 1152 statin-exposed pregnant women compared to 886,996 controls did not find a significant teratogenic effect from maternal use of statins in the first trimester of pregnancy, after adjusting for potential confounders – including maternal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol and tobacco use – using propensity score-based methods. The relative risk of congenital malformations between the group with statin use and the group with no statin use in the first trimester was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.37) after controlling for confounders, particularly pre-existing diabetes mellitus. There were also no statistically significant increases in any of the organ-specific malformations assessed after accounting for confounders. In the majority of pregnancies, statin treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified. Trial limitations include reliance on physician coding to define the presence of a malformation, lack of control for certain confounders such as body mass index, use of prescription dispensing as verification for the use of a statin, and lack of information on non-live births.
Animal Data
Ezetimibe
In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats (gestation days 6-15) and rabbits (gestation days 7-19), there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryolethality at any dose tested (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/day) at exposure equivalent to 10 to 150 times the clinical exposure, based on AUC, in rats and rabbits. In rats, increased incidences of common fetal skeletal findings (extra pair of thoracic ribs, unossified cervical vertebral centra, shortened ribs) were observed at 1000 mg/kg/day (~10 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe). In rabbits treated with ezetimibe, an increased incidence of extra thoracic ribs was observed at 1000 mg/kg/day (150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe).
The animal-to-human exposure multiple for total ezetimibe at the no-observed effect level was 6 times for rat and 134 times for rabbit. Fetal exposure to ezetimibe (conjugated and unconjugated) was confirmed in subsequent placental transfer studies conducted using a maternal dose of 1000 mg/kg/day. The fetal maternal plasma exposure ratio (total ezetimibe) was 1.5 for rats on gestation day 20 and 0.03 for rabbits on gestation day 22.
The effect of ezetimibe on prenatal and postnatal development and maternal function was evaluated in pregnant rats at doses of 100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg/day (gestation day 6 through lactation day 21). No maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes were observed up to and including the highest dose tested (17 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe).
Multiple-dose studies of ezetimibe given in combination with statins in rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in higher ezetimibe and statin exposures. Reproductive findings occurred at lower doses in combination therapy compared to monotherapy.
Simvastatin
Simvastatin was given to pregnant rats at doses of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg/day (0.6 times, 1.3 times, and 2.5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended dosage of 80 mg/day when normalized to body surface area) from gestation days 6-17 and to pregnant rabbits from gestation days 6-18 at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day (0.5 times, 1 times, and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended dosage of 80 mg/day when normalized to body surface area). For both species, there was no evidence of maternal toxicity, or embryolethality. In rats, mean fetal body weights in the 25 mg/kg/day group were decreased 5.4%. Similar fetal body weight effects were not observed in rabbits.
Simvastatin doses of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg/day (0.6 times, 1.3 times, and 2.5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended dosage of 80 mg/day when normalized to body surface area) were given to pregnant rats from gestation day 15 to lactation day 21. Slight decreases in maternal body weight gain and pup postnatal day 0 weight were observed in the 25 mg/kg/day dose group. Mean body weight gain of pups during lactation was slightly decreased at doses ≥12.5 mg/kg/day. Post weaning weight, behavior, reproductive performance and fertility of the offspring were not affected at any dose tested.
Placental transfer of simvastatin was not evaluated in rats or rabbits. However, it has been shown that other drugs in this class cross the placenta.
There is no information about the presence of ezetimibe or simvastatin in human breast milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant or the effect of the drug on milk production. However, it has been shown that other statins pass into human milk. Statins, including VYTORIN, decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol and may cause harm to the breast fed infant.
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, based on the mechanism of action, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with VYTORIN [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Animal Data
Ezetimibe was present in the milk of lactating rats. The pup to maternal plasma ratio for total ezetimibe was 0.5 on lactation day 12.
The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe in combination with a statin as an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with HeFH. Use of VYTORIN for this indication is based on a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 248 pediatric patients (142 males and 106 postmenarchal females) 10 years of age and older with HeFH [see Clinical Studies]. In this limited controlled trial, there was no significant effect on growth or sexual maturation in the adolescent males or females, or on menstrual cycle length in females.
The safety and effectiveness of VYTORIN have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 10 years of age with HeFH, or in pediatric patients with other types of hyperlipidemia.
Advanced age (≥65 years) is a risk factor for VYTORIN-associated myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, recognizing the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy and the higher risk of myopathy. Monitor geriatric patients receiving VYTORIN for the increased risk of myopathy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Of the 10,189 patients who received VYTORIN in clinical studies, 3242 (32%) were 65 and older (this included 844 (8%) who were 75 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.
Renal impairment is a risk factor for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Monitor all patients with renal impairment for development of myopathy. Doses of VYTORIN exceeding 10/20 mg should be used with caution and close monitoring in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In the SHARP trial of 9270 patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (6247 non-dialysis patients with median serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL and median estimated glomerular filtration rate 25.6 mL/min/1.73 m², and 3023 dialysis patients), the incidence of serious adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation of trial treatment, or adverse events of special interest (musculoskeletal adverse events, liver enzyme abnormalities, incident cancer) was similar between patients ever assigned to VYTORIN 10/20 mg (n=4650) or placebo (n=4620) during a median follow-up of 4.9 years.
VYTORIN is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis. [See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
In a clinical trial in which patients at high risk of CVD were treated with simvastatin 40 mg/day (median follow-up 3.9 years), the incidence of myopathy was approximately 0.05% for non-Chinese patients  (n=7367) compared with 0.24% for Chinese patients (n=5468). In this trial the incidence of myopathy for Chinese patients on simvastatin 40 mg/day or ezetimibe and simvastatin 10/40 mg/day coadministered with extended-release niacin 2 g/day was 1.24%.
Chinese patients may be at higher risk for myopathy, monitor these patients appropriately. Coadministration of VYTORIN with lipid-modifying doses of niacin-containing products (≥1 g/day niacin) is not recommended in Chinese patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
No specific antidotes for VYTORIN are known. In the event of an overdose with VYTORIN, consider contacting the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for overdosage management recommendations.
VYTORIN is contraindicated in the following conditions:
Plasma cholesterol is derived from intestinal absorption and endogenous synthesis. VYTORIN contains ezetimibe and simvastatin, two lipid-lowering compounds with complementary mechanisms of action.
Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols.
Ezetimibe localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. This causes a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in clearance of cholesterol from the blood.
Simvastatin is a prodrug and is hydrolyzed to its active β-hydroxyacid form, simvastatin acid, after administration. Simvastatin acid and its metabolites are inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol.
VYTORIN reduces total cholesterol (total-C), LDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in patients with hyperlipidemia.
In a 2-week clinical trial in 18 hypercholesterolemic patients, ezetimibe inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption by 54%, compared with placebo. Ezetimibe had no clinically meaningful effect on the plasma concentrations of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E and did not impair adrenocortical steroid hormone production.
Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by simvastatin acid accelerates the expression of LDL-receptors, followed by the uptake of LDL-C from blood to the liver, leading to a decrease in plasma LDL-C and total cholesterol. Sustained inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver also decreases levels of very-low density lipoproteins. The maximum LDL-C reduction of ZOCOR is usually achieved by 4 weeks and is maintained after that.
The results of a bioequivalence trial in healthy subjects demonstrated that the VYTORIN (ezetimibe and simvastatin) 10 mg/10 mg to 10 mg/80 mg combination tablets are bioequivalent to coadministration of corresponding doses of ezetimibe (ZETIA®) and simvastatin (ZOCOR®) as individual tablets.
Ezetimibe
After oral administration, ezetimibe is absorbed and extensively conjugated to a pharmacologically active phenolic glucuronide (ezetimibe-glucuronide). Mean maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) occur within 1 to 2 hours for ezetimibe-glucuronide and 4 to 12 hours for ezetimibe. The absolute bioavailability of ezetimibe cannot be determined as the compound is virtually insoluble in aqueous media suitable for injection.
Simvastatin
The availability of the β-hydroxyacid to the systemic circulation following an oral dose of simvastatin was found to be less than 5% of the dose, consistent with extensive hepatic first-pass extraction.
Ezetimibe
Concomitant food administration (high-fat or non-fat meals) had no effect on the extent of absorption of ezetimibe when administered as 10-mg tablets. The Cmax value of ezetimibe was increased by 38% with consumption of high-fat meals.
Simvastatin
Relative to the fasting state, the plasma profiles of both active and total inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase were not affected when simvastatin was administered immediately before an American Heart Association recommended low-fat meal.
Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are highly bound (>90%) to human plasma proteins.
Simvastatin
Both simvastatin and its β-hydroxyacid metabolite are highly bound (approximately 95%) to human plasma proteins. When radiolabeled simvastatin was administered to rats, simvastatin-derived radioactivity crossed the blood-brain barrier.
Metabolism
Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe is primarily metabolized in the small intestine and liver via glucuronide conjugation with subsequent biliary and renal excretion. Minimal oxidative metabolism has been observed in all species evaluated.
In humans, ezetimibe is rapidly metabolized to ezetimibe-glucuronide. Ezetimibe and ezetimibeÂglucuronide are the major drug-derived compounds detected in plasma, constituting approximately 10 to 20% and 80 to 90% of the total drug in plasma, respectively. Both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are eliminated from plasma with a half-life of approximately 22 hours for both ezetimibe and ezetimibeÂglucuronide. Plasma concentration-time profiles exhibit multiple peaks, suggesting enterohepatic recycling.
Simvastatin
Simvastatin is a lactone that is readily hydrolyzed in vivo to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid, a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase is a basis for an assay in pharmacokinetic studies of the β-hydroxyacid metabolites (active inhibitors) and, following base hydrolysis, active plus latent inhibitors (total inhibitors) in plasma following administration of simvastatin. The major active metabolites of simvastatin present in human plasma are the β-hydroxyacid of simvastatin and its 6'Âhydroxy, 6'-hydroxymethyl, and 6'-exomethylene derivatives.
Excretion
Ezetimibe
Following oral administration of 14C-ezetimibe (20 mg) to human subjects, total ezetimibe (ezetimibe + ezetimibe-glucuronide) accounted for approximately 93% of the total radioactivity in plasma. After 48 hours, there were no detectable levels of radioactivity in the plasma.
Approximately 78% and 11% of the administered radioactivity were recovered in the feces and urine, respectively, over a 10-day collection period. Ezetimibe was the major component in feces and accounted for 69% of the administered dose, while ezetimibe-glucuronide was the major component in urine and accounted for 9% of the administered dose.
Simvastatin
Following an oral dose of 14C-labeled simvastatin in man, 13% of the dose was excreted in urine and 60% in feces. Plasma concentrations of total radioactivity (simvastatin plus 14C-metabolites) peaked at 4 hours and declined rapidly to about 10% of peak by 12 hours postdose.
Ezetimibe
In a multiple-dose trial with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were about 2-fold higher in older (≥65 years) healthy subjects compared to younger subjects.
Simvastatin
In a trial including 16 geriatric patients between 70 and 78 years of age who received simvastatin 40 mg/day, the mean plasma level of total inhibitors activity was increased approximately 45% compared with 18 patients between 18-30 years of age. [See Use In Specific Populations]
Ezetimibe
In a multiple-dose trial with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were slightly higher (<20%) in females than in males.
Ezetimibe
Based on a meta-analysis of multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies, there were no pharmacokinetic differences between Black or African American and White subjects. Studies in Asian subjects indicated that the pharmacokinetics of ezetimibe was similar to those seen in White subjects.
Ezetimibe
After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe, the mean exposure (based on area under the curve [AUC]) to total ezetimibe was increased approximately 1.7-fold in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6), compared to healthy subjects. The mean AUC values for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe increased approximately 3-to 4-fold and 5-to 6-fold, respectively, in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9) or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 10 to 15). In a 14-day, multiple-dose trial (10 mg daily) in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the mean AUC for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe increased approximately 4-fold compared to healthy subjects.
Ezetimibe
After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe in patients with severe renal disease (n=8; mean CrCl ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m²), the mean AUC for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe increased approximately 1.5-fold, compared to healthy subjects (n=9).
Simvastatin
Pharmacokinetic studies with another statin having a similar principal route of elimination to that of simvastatin have suggested that for a given dose level higher systemic exposure may be achieved in patients with severe renal impairment (as measured by creatinine clearance).
[See also DRUG INTERACTIONS]
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction was seen when ezetimibe was coadministered with simvastatin. No specific pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies with VYTORIN have been conducted other than the following trial with NIASPAN (Niacin extended-release tablets).
Niacin: The effect of VYTORIN (10/20 mg daily for 7 days) on the pharmacokinetics of NIASPAN extended-release tablets (1000 mg for 2 days and 2000 mg for 5 days following a low-fat breakfast) was studied in healthy subjects. The mean Cmax and AUC of niacin increased 9% and 22%, respectively. The mean Cmax and AUC of nicotinuric acid increased 10% and 19%, respectively (N=13). In the same trial, the effect of NIASPAN on the pharmacokinetics of VYTORIN was evaluated (N=15). While concomitant NIASPAN decreased the mean Cmax of total ezetimibe (1%), and simvastatin (2%), it increased the mean Cmax of simvastatin acid (18%). In addition, concomitant NIASPAN increased the mean AUC of total ezetimibe (26%), simvastatin (20%), and simvastatin acid (35%).
Cases of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis have been observed with simvastatin coadministered with lipid-modifying doses (≥1 g/day niacin) of niacin-containing products. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]
Cytochrome P450: Ezetimibe had no significant effect on a series of probe drugs (caffeine, dextromethorphan, tolbutamide, and IV midazolam) known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 (1A2, 2D6, 2C8/9 and 3A4) in a “cocktail” trial of twelve healthy adult males. This indicates that ezetimibe is neither an inhibitor nor an inducer of these cytochrome P450 isozymes, and it is unlikely that ezetimibe will affect the metabolism of drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes.
In a trial of 12 healthy volunteers, simvastatin at the 80-mg dose had no effect on the metabolism of the probe cytochrome P450 isoform 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates midazolam and erythromycin. This indicates that simvastatin is not an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and, therefore, is not expected to affect the plasma levels of other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Simvastatin acid is a substrate of the transport protein OATP1B1. Concomitant administration of medicinal products that are inhibitors of the transport protein OATP1B1 may lead to increased plasma concentrations of simvastatin acid and an increased risk of myopathy. For example, cyclosporine has been shown to increase the AUC of statins; although the mechanism is not fully understood, the increase in AUC for simvastatin acid is presumably due, in part, to inhibition of CYP3A4 and/or OATP1B1 [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Simvastatin is a substrate for CYP3A4. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 can raise the plasma levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity and increase the risk of myopathy. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]
Table 5 displays the effect of coadministered drugs on total ezetimibe.
Table 5: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Total Ezetimibe
| Coadministered Drug and Dosing Regimen | Total Ezetimibe* | |
| Change in AUC | Change in Cmax | |
| Cyclosporine-stable dose required (75-150 mg BID)†,‡ | ↑240% | ↑290% |
| Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days‡ | ↑48% | ↑64% |
| Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days‡ | ↑64% | ↑91% |
| Cholestyramine, 4 g BID, 14 days‡ | ↓55% | ↓4% |
| Aluminum & magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, single dose§ | ↓4% | ↓30% |
| Cimetidine, 400 mg BID, 7 days | ↑6% | ↑22% |
| Glipizide, 10 mg, single dose | ↑4% | ↓8% |
| Statins | ||
| Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days | ↑9% | ↑3% |
| Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days | ↑7% | ↑23% |
| Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days | ↓2% | ↑12% |
| Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days | ↑13% | ↑18% |
| Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days | ↓19% | ↑7% |
| * Based on 10 mg-dose of ezetimibe. † Post-renal transplant patients with mild impaired or normal renal function. In a different trial, a renal transplant patient with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m²) who was receiving multiple medications, including cyclosporine, demonstrated a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe compared to healthy subjects. ‡ See 7. DRUG INTERACTIONS. § Supralox, 20 mL. |
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Table 6 displays the effects of ezetimibe coadministration on systemic exposure to other drugs.
Table 6: Effect of Ezetimibe Coadministration on Systemic Exposure to Other Drugs
| Coadministered Drug and its Dosage Regimen | Ezetimibe Dosage Regimen | Change in AUC of Coadministered Drug | Change in Cmi„ of Coadministered Drug |
| Warfarin, 25 mg single dose on Day 7 | 10 mg QD, 11 days | ↓2% (R-warfarin) ↓4% (S-warfarin) | ↓3% (R-warfarin) ↑1% (S-warfarin) |
| Digoxin, 0.5 mg single dose | 10 mg QD, 8 days | ↑2% | ↓7% |
| Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days* | 10 mg QD, 7 days | ↓1% | ↓11% |
| Ethinyl estradiol & Levonorgestrel, QD, 21 days | 10 mg QD, Days 8-14 of 21 day oral contraceptive cycle | Ethinyl estradiol 0% Levonorgestrel 0% | Ethinyl estradiol ↓9% Levonorgestrel ↓5% |
| Glipizide, 10 mg on Days 1 and 9 | 10 mg QD, Days 2-9 | ↓3% | ↓5% |
| Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days* | 10 mg QD, 14 days | ↑11% | ↑7% |
| Cyclosporine, 100 mg single dose Day 7* | 20 mg QD, 8 days | ↑15% | ↑10% |
| Statins | |||
| Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days | 10 mg QD, 7 days | ↑19% | ↑3% |
| Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days | 10 mg QD, 14 days | ↓20% | ↓24% |
| Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days | 10 mg QD, 14 days | ↓4% | ↑7% |
| Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days | 10 mg QD, 14 days | ↑19% | ↑17% |
| Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days | 10 mg QD, 14 days | ↓39% | ↓27% |
| * See 7. DRUG INTERACTIONS. | |||
Table 7 displays the effects of coadminstration drugs or grapefruit juice on simvastatin systemic exposure [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Table 7: Effect of Coadministered Drugs or Grapefruit Juice on Simvastatin Systemic Exposure
| Coadministered Drug or Grapefruit Juice | Dosing of Coadministered Drug or Grapefruit Juice | Dosing of Simvastatin | Geometric Mean Ratio (Ratio* with / without coadministered drug) No Effect = 1.00 | |||
| AUC | Cmax | |||||
| Telithromycin† | 200 mg QD for 4 days | 80 mg | simvastatin acid‡ | 12 | 15 | |
| simvastatin | 8.9 | 5.3 | ||||
| Nelfinavir† | 1250 mg BID for 14 days | 20 mg QD for 28 days | simvastatin acid‡ | |||
| simvastatin | 6 | 6.2 | ||||
| Itraconazole† | 200 mg QD for 4 days | 80 mg | simvastatin acid‡ | 13.1 | ||
| simvastatin | 13.1 | |||||
| Posaconazole | 100 mg (oral suspension) QD for 13 days | 40 mg | simvastatin acid‡ | 7.3 | 9.2 | |
| simvastatin | 10.3 | 9.4 | ||||
| 200 mg (oral suspension) QD for 13 days | 40 mg | simvastatin acid‡ | 8.5 | 9.5 | ||
| simvastatin | 10.6 | 11.4 | ||||
| Gemfibrozil | 600 mg BID for 3 days | 40 mg | simvastatin acid‡ | 2.85 | 2.18 | |
| simvastatin | 1.35 | 0.91 | ||||
| Grapefruit Juice§ (high dose) | 200 mL of doublestrength TID¶ | 60 mg single dose | simvastatin acid | 7 | ||
| simvastatin | 16 | |||||
| Grapefruit Juice§ (low dose) | 8 oz (about 237 mL) of single-strength# | 20 mg single dose | simvastatin acid | 1.3 | ||
| simvastatin | 1.9 | |||||
| Verapamil SR | 240 mg QD Days 1-7 then 240 mg BID on Days 8-10 | 80 mg on Day 10 | simvastatin acid | 2.3 | 2.4 | |
| simvastatin | 2.5 | 2.1 | ||||
| Diltiazem | 120 mg BID for 10 days | 80 mg on Day 10 | simvastatin acid | 2.69 | 2.69 | |
| simvastatin | 3.10 | 2.88 | ||||
| Diltiazem | 120 mg BID for 14 days | 20 mg on Day 14 | simvastatin | 4.6 | 3.6 | |
| Dronedarone | 400 mg BID for 14 days | 40 mg QD for 14 days | simvastatin acid | 1.96 | 2.14 | |
| simvastatin | 3.90 | 3.75 | ||||
| Amiodarone | 400 mg QD for 3 days | 40 mg on Day 3 | simvastatin acid | 1.75 | 1.72 | |
| simvastatin | 1.76 | 1.79 | ||||
| Amlodipine | 10 mg QD for 10 days | 80 mg on Day 10 | simvastatin acid | 1.58 | 1.56 | |
| simvastatin | 1.77 | 1.47 | ||||
| Ranolazine SR | 1000 mg BID for 7 days | 80 mg on Day 1 and Days 6-9 | simvastatin acid | 2.26 | 2.28 | |
| simvastatin | 1.86 | 1.75 | ||||
| Lomitapide | 60 mg QD for 7 days | 40 mg single dose | simvastatin acid | 1.7 | 1.6 | |
| simvastatin | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Lomitapide | 10 mg QD for 7 days | 20 mg single dose | simvastatin acid | 1.4 | 1.4 | |
| simvastatin | 1.6 | 1.7 | ||||
| Fenofibrate | 160 mg QD for 14 days | 80 mg QD on Days 8-14 | simvastatin acid | 0.64 | 0.89 | |
| simvastatin | 0.89 | 0.83 | ||||
| Propranolol | 80 mg single dose | 80 mg single dose | total inhibitor | 0.79 | ↓ from 33.6 to 21.1 ngeq/mL | |
| active inhibitor | 0.79 | ↓from 7.0 to 4.7 ngeq/mL | ||||
| * Results based on a chemical assay except results with propranolol as indicated. † Results could be representative of the following CYP3A4 inhibitors: ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, and nefazodone. ‡ Simvastatin acid refers to the β-hydroxyacid of simvastatin. § The effect of amounts of grapefruit juice between those used in these two studies on simvastatin pharmacokinetics has not been studied. ¶ Double-strength: one can of frozen concentrate diluted with one can of water. Grapefruit juice was administered TID for 2 days, and 200 mL together with single dose simvastatin and 30 and 90 minutes following single dose simvastatin on Day 3. # Single-strength: one can of frozen concentrate diluted with 3 cans of water. Grapefruit juice was administered with breakfast for 3 days, and simvastatin was administered in the evening on Day 3. |
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VYTORIN reduces LDL-C in adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia. Maximal to near maximal response is generally achieved within 2 weeks and maintained during chronic therapy.
VYTORIN is effective in males and females with primary hyperlipidemia. There were insufficient numbers of patients who self-identified as Black or African American, Asian, or other races to determine if these patients responded differently than White patients.
Five multicenter, double-blind trials conducted with either VYTORIN or coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin equivalent to VYTORIN in patients with primary hyperlipidemia are reported: two were comparisons with simvastatin, two were comparisons with atorvastatin, and one was a comparison with rosuvastatin.
In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week trial, 1528 patients with primary hyperlipidemia were randomized to one of ten treatment groups: placebo, ezetimibe (10 mg), simvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg), or VYTORIN (10/10, 10/20, 10/40, or 10/80).
When patients receiving VYTORIN were compared to those receiving all doses of simvastatin, VYTORIN significantly lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, TG, and non-HDL-C. The effects of VYTORIN on HDL-C were similar to the effects seen with simvastatin. Further analysis showed VYTORIN significantly increased HDL-C compared with placebo. (See Table 8.) The lipid response to VYTORIN was similar in patients with TG levels greater than or less than 200 mg/dL.
Table 8: Response to VYTORIN in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia(Mean* % Change from Untreated Baseline†)
| Treatment (Daily Dose) | N | Total-C | LDL-C | Apo B | HDL-C | TG* | Non-HDL- C |
| Pooled data (All VYTORIN doses)‡ | 609 | -38 | -53 | -42 | +7 | -24 | -49 |
| Pooled data (All simvastatin doses)‡ | 622 | -28 | -39 | -32 | +7 | -21 | -36 |
| Ezetimibe 10 mg | 149 | -13 | -19 | -15 | +5 | -11 | -18 |
| Placebo | 148 | -1 | -2 | 0 | 0 | -2 | -2 |
| VYTORIN by dose | |||||||
| 10/10 | 152 | -31 | -45 | -35 | +8 | -23 | -41 |
| 10/20 | 156 | -36 | -52 | -41 | +10 | -24 | -47 |
| 10/40 | 147 | -39 | -55 | -44 | +6 | -23 | -51 |
| 10/80 | 154 | -43 | -60 | -49 | +6 | -31 | -56 |
| Simvastatin by dose | |||||||
| 10 mg | 158 | -23 | -33 | -26 | +5 | -17 | -30 |
| 20 mg | 150 | -24 | -34 | -28 | +7 | -18 | -32 |
| 40 mg | 156 | -29 | -41 | -33 | +8 | -21 | -38 |
| 80 mg | 158 | -35 | -49 | -39 | +7 | -27 | -45 |
| * For triglycerides, median % change from baseline. † Baseline -on no lipid-lowering drug. ‡ VYTORIN doses pooled (10/10-10/80) significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, TG, and non-HDL-C compared to simvastatin and significantly increased HDL-C compared to placebo. |
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In a multicenter, double-blind, controlled, 23-week trial, 710 patients with known CHD or CHD risk equivalents, as defined by the NCEP ATP III guidelines, and an LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL were randomized to one of four treatment groups: coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin equivalent to VYTORIN (10/10, 10/20, and 10/40) or simvastatin 20 mg. Patients not reaching an LDL-C <100 mg/dL had their simvastatin dose titrated at 6-week intervals to a maximal dose of 80 mg. At Week 5, the LDL-C reductions with VYTORIN 10/10, 10/20, or 10/40 were significantly larger than with simvastatin 20 mg (see Table 9).
Table 9: Response to VYTORIN after 5 Weeks in Patients with CHD or CHD Risk Equivalents and an LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL
| Simvastatin 20 mg | VYTORIN 10/10 | VYTORIN 10/20 | VYTORIN 10/40 | |
| N | 253 | 251 | 109 | 97 |
| Mean baseline LDL-C | 174 | 165 | 167 | 171 |
| Percent change LDL-C | -38 | -47 | -53 | -59 |
In a multicenter, double-blind, 6-week trial, 1902 patients with primary hyperlipidemia were randomized to one of eight treatment groups: VYTORIN (10/10, 10/20, 10/40, or 10/80) or atorvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg).
Across the dosage range, when patients receiving VYTORIN were compared to those receiving milligram-equivalent statin doses of atorvastatin, VYTORIN lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C significantly more than atorvastatin. Only the 10/40 mg and 10/80 mg VYTORIN doses increased HDL-C significantly more than the corresponding milligram-equivalent statin dose of atorvastatin. The effects of VYTORIN on TG were similar to the effects seen with atorvastatin. (See Table 10.)
Table 10: Response to VYTORIN and Atorvastatin in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia(Mean* % Change from Untreated Baseline†)
| Treatment (Daily Dose) | N | Total-C‡ | LDL-C‡ | Apo B‡ | HDL-C | TG* | Non-HDL- C‡ |
| VYTORIN by dose | |||||||
| 10/10 | 230 | -34§ | -47§ | -37§ | +8 | -26 | -43§ |
| 10/20 | 233 | -37§ | -51 § | -40§ | +7 | -25 | -46§ |
| 10/40 | 236 | -41 § | -57§ | -46§ | +9§ | -27 | -52§ |
| 10/80 | 224 | -43§ | -59§ | -48§ | +8§ | -31 | -54§ |
| Atorvastatin by dose | |||||||
| 10 mg | 235 | -27 | -36 | -31 | +7 | -21 | -34 |
| 20 mg | 230 | -32 | -44 | -37 | +5 | -25 | -41 |
| 40 mg | 232 | -36 | -48 | -40 | +4 | -24 | -45 |
| 80 mg | 230 | -40 | -53 | -44 | +1 | -32 | -50 |
| * For triglycerides, median % change from baseline. † Baseline -on no lipid-lowering drug. ‡ VYTORIN doses pooled (10/10-10/80) provided significantly greater reductions in total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to atorvastatin doses pooled (10-80). § p<0.05 for difference with atorvastatin at equal mg doses of the simvastatin component. |
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In a multicenter, double-blind, 24-week, forced-titration trial, 788 patients with primary hyperlipidemia were randomized to receive coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin equivalent to VYTORIN (10/10 and 10/20) or atorvastatin 10 mg. For all three treatment groups, the dose of the statin was titrated at 6-week intervals to 80 mg. At each pre-specified dose comparison, VYTORIN lowered LDL-C to a greater degree than atorvastatin (see Table 11).
Table 11: Response to VYTORIN and Atorvastatin in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean* % Change from Untreated Baseline†)
| Treatment | N | Total-C | LDL-C | Apo B | HDL-C | TG* | Non-HDL- C |
| Week 6 | |||||||
| Atorvastatin 10 mg‡ | 262 | -28 | -37 | -32 | +5 | -23 | -35 |
| VYTORIN 10/10§ | 263 | -34¶ | -46¶ | -38¶ | +8¶ | -26 | -43¶ |
| VYTORIN 10/20# | 263 | -36¶ | -50¶ | -41¶ | +10¶ | -25 | -46¶ |
| Week 12 | |||||||
| Atorvastatin 20 mg | 246 | -33 | -44 | -38 | +7 | -28 | -42 |
| VYTORIN 10/20 | 250 | -37¶ | -50¶ | -41¶ | +9 | -28 | -46¶ |
| VYTORIN 10/40 | 252 | -39¶ | -54¶ | -45¶ | +12¶ | -31 | -50¶ |
| Week 18 | |||||||
| Atorvastatin 40 mg | 237 | -37 | -49 | -42 | +8 | -31 | -47 |
| VYTORIN 10/40Þ | 482 | -40¶ | -56¶ | -45¶ | +11¶ | -32 | -52¶ |
| Week 24 | |||||||
| Atorvastatin 80 mg | 228 | -40 | -53 | -45 | +6 | -35 | -50 |
| VYTORIN 10/80Þ | 459 | -43¶ | -59¶ | -49¶ | +12¶ | -35 | -55¶ |
| * For triglycerides, median % change from baseline. † Baseline -on no lipid-lowering drug. ‡ Atorvastatin: 10 mg start dose titrated to 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg through Weeks 6, 12, 18, and 24. § VYTORIN: 10/10 start dose titrated to 10/20, 10/40, and 10/80 through Weeks 6, 12, 18, and 24. ¶p≤0.05 for difference with atorvastatin in the specified week. # VYTORIN: 10/20 start dose titrated to 10/40, 10/40, and 10/80 through Weeks 6, 12, 18, and 24. Þ Data pooled for common doses of VYTORIN at Weeks 18 and 24. |
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In a multicenter, double-blind, 6-week trial, 2959 patients with primary hyperlipidemia, were randomized to one of six treatment groups: VYTORIN (10/20, 10/40, or 10/80) or rosuvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg).
The effects of VYTORIN and rosuvastatin on total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, TG, non-HDL-C and HDL-C are shown in Table 12.
Table 12: Response to VYTORIN and Rosuvastatin in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean* % Change from Untreated Baseline†)
| Treatment (Daily Dose) | N | Total-C‡ | LDL-C‡ | Apo B‡ | HDL-C | TG* | Non-HDL-C‡ |
| VYTORIN by dose | |||||||
| 10/20 | 476 | -37§ | -52§ | -42§ | +7 | -23§ | -47§ |
| 10/40 | 477 | -39¶ | -5¶ | -44¶ | +8 | -27 | -50¶ |
| 10/80 | 474 | -44# | -61# | -50# | +8 | -30# | -56# |
| Rosuvastatin by dose | |||||||
| 10 mg | 475 | -32 | -46 | -37 | +7 | -20 | -42 |
| 20 mg | 478 | -37 | -52 | -43 | +8 | -26 | -48 |
| 40 mg | 475 | -41 | -57 | -47 | +8 | -28 | -52 |
| * For triglycerides, median % change from baseline. † Baseline -on no lipid-lowering drug. ‡ VYTORIN doses pooled (10/20-10/80) provided significantly greater reductions in total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to rosuvastatin doses pooled (10-40 mg). § p<0.05 vs. rosuvastatin 10 mg. ¶ p<0.05 vs. rosuvastatin 20 mg. # p<0.05 vs. rosuvastatin 40 mg. |
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In a multicenter, double-blind, 24-week trial, 214 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone or pioglitazone) for a minimum of 3 months and simvastatin 20 mg for a minimum of 6 weeks were randomized to receive either simvastatin 40 mg or the coadministered active ingredients equivalent to VYTORIN 10/20. The median LDL-C and HbA1c levels at baseline were 89 mg/dL and 7.1%, respectively.
VYTORIN 10/20 was significantly more effective than doubling the dose of simvastatin to 40 mg. The median percent changes from baseline for VYTORIN vs. simvastatin were: LDL-C -25% and -5%; total-C -16% and -5%; Apo B -19% and -5%; and non-HDL-C -23% and -5%. Results for HDL-C and TG between the two treatment groups were not significantly different.
Ezetimibe
In two multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week trials in 1719 patients with primary hyperlipidemia, ezetimibe significantly lowered total-C (-13%), LDL-C (-19%), Apo B (-14%), and TG (-8%), and increased HDL-C (+3%) compared to placebo. Reduction in LDL-C was consistent across age, sex, and baseline LDL-C.
Simvastatin
In two large, placebo-controlled clinical trials, the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Trial (N=4,444 patients) and the Heart Protection Trial (N=20,536 patients), the effects of treatment with simvastatin were assessed in patients at high risk of coronary events because of existing coronary heart disease, diabetes, peripheral vessel disease, history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease. Simvastatin was proven to reduce: the risk of total mortality by reducing CHD deaths; the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke; and the need for coronary and non-coronary revascularization procedures.
No incremental benefit of VYTORIN on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality over and above that demonstrated for simvastatin has been established.
The effects of ezetimibe coadministered with simvastatin (n=126) compared to simvastatin monotherapy (n=122) have been evaluated in males and females with HeFH. In a multicenter, double-blind, controlled trial followed by an open-label phase, 142 males and 106 postmenarchal females, 10 to 17 years of age (mean age 14.2 years, 43% females, 82% White, 4% Asian, 2% Black or African American, 13% multi-racial; 14% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) with HeFH were randomized to receive either ezetimibe coadministered with simvastatin or simvastatin monotherapy. Inclusion in the trial required 1) a baseline LDL-C level between 160 and 400 mg/dL and 2) a medical history and clinical presentation consistent with HeFH. The mean baseline LDL-C value was 225 mg/dL (range: 161 to 351 mg/dL) in the ezetimibe coadministered with simvastatin group compared to 219 mg/dL (range: 149 to 336 mg/dL) in the simvastatin monotherapy group. The patients received coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) or simvastatin monotherapy (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) for 6 weeks, coadministered ezetimibe and 40-mg simvastatin or 40-mg simvastatin monotherapy for the next 27 weeks, and open-label coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) for 20 weeks thereafter.
The results of the trial at Week 6 are summarized in Table 13. Results at Week 33 were consistent with those at Week 6.
Table 13: Mean Percent Difference at Week 6 Between the Pooled ZETIA Coadministered with Simvastatin Group and the Pooled Simvastatin Monotherapy Group in Adolescent Patients with HeFH
| Total-C | LDL-C | Apo B | Non-HDL-C | |
| Mean percent difference between treatment groups | -12% | -15% | -12% | -14% |
| 95% Confidence Interval | (-15%,-9%) | (-18%,-12%) | (-15%,-9%) | (-17%,-11%) |
A double-blind, randomized, 12-week trial was performed in patients with a clinical and/or genotypic diagnosis of HoFH. Data were analyzed from a subgroup of patients (n=14) receiving simvastatin 40 mg at baseline. Increasing the dose of simvastatin from 40 to 80 mg (n=5) produced a reduction of LDL-C of 13% from baseline on simvastatin 40 mg. Coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin equivalent to VYTORIN (10/40 and 10/80 pooled, n=9), produced a reduction of LDL-C of 23% from baseline on simvastatin 40 mg. In those patients coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin equivalent to VYTORIN (10/80, n=5), a reduction of LDL-C of 29% from baseline on simvastatin 40 mg was produced.
The Trial of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP) was a multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that investigated the effect of VYTORIN on the time to a first major vascular event (MVE) among 9438 patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (approximately one-third on dialysis at baseline) who did not have a history of myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization. An MVE was defined as nonfatal MI, cardiac death, stroke, or any revascularization procedure. Patients were allocated to treatment using a method that took into account the distribution of 8 important baseline characteristics of patients already enrolled and minimized the imbalance of those characteristics across the groups.
For the first year, 9438 patients were allocated 4:4:1, to VYTORIN 10/20, placebo, or simvastatin 20 mg daily, respectively. The 1-year simvastatin arm enabled the comparison of VYTORIN to simvastatin with regard to safety and effect on lipid levels. At 1 year the simvastatin-only arm was re-allocated 1:1 to VYTORIN 10/20 or placebo. A total of 9270 patients were ever allocated to VYTORIN 10/20 (n=4650) or placebo (n=4620) during the trial. The median follow-up duration was 4.9 years. Patients had a mean age of 61 years; 63% were male, 72% were White, and 23% were diabetic; and, for those not on dialysis at baseline, the median serum creatinine was 2.5 mg/dL and the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 25.6 mL/min/1.73 m², with 94% of patients having an eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73m². Eligibility did not depend on lipid levels. Mean LDL-C at baseline was 108 mg/dL. At 1 year, the mean LDL-C was 26% lower in the simvastatin arm and 38% lower in the VYTORIN arm relative to placebo. At the midpoint of the trial (2.5 years), the mean LDL-C was 32% lower for VYTORIN relative to placebo. Patients no longer taking trial medication were included in all lipid measurements.
In the primary intent-to-treat analysis, 639 (15.2%) of 4193 patients initially allocated to VYTORIN and 749 (17.9%) of 4191 patients initially allocated to placebo experienced an MVE. This corresponded to a relative risk reduction of 16% (p=0.001) (see Figure 1). Similarly, 526 (11.3%) of 4650 patients ever allocated to VYTORIN and 619 (13.4%) of 4620 patients ever allocated to placebo experienced a major atherosclerotic event (MAE; a subset of the MVE composite that excluded non-coronary cardiac deaths and hemorrhagic stroke), corresponding to a relative risk reduction of 17% (p=0.002). The trial demonstrated that treatment with VYTORIN 10/20 mg versus placebo reduced the risk for MVE and MAE in this CKD population. The trial design precluded drawing conclusions regarding the independent contribution of either ezetimibe or simvastatin to the observed effect.
The treatment effect of VYTORIN on MVE was attenuated among patients on dialysis at baseline compared with those not on dialysis at baseline. Among 3023 patients on dialysis at baseline, VYTORIN reduced the risk of MVE by 6% (RR 0.94: 95% CI 0.80-1.09) compared with 22% (RR 0.78: 95% CI 0.69-0.89) among 6247 patients not on dialysis at baseline (interaction P=0.08).
Figure 1: Effect of VYTORIN on the Primary Endpoint of Risk of Major Vascular Events
 |
The individual components of MVE in all patients ever allocated to VYTORIN or placebo are presented in Table 14.
Table 14: Number of First Events for Each Component of the Major Vascular Event Composite Endpoint in SHARP*
| Outcome | VYTORIN 10/20 (N=4650) |
Placebo (N=4620) |
Risk Ratio (95% CI) | P-value |
| Major Vascular Events | 701 (15.1%) |
814 (17.6%) |
0.85 (0.77-0.94) |
0.001 |
| Nonfatal MI | 134 (2.9%) |
159 (3.4%) |
0.84 (0.66-1.05) |
0.12 |
| Cardiac Death | 253 (5.4%) |
272 (5.9%) |
0.93 (0.78-1.10) |
0.38 |
| Any Stroke | 171 (3.7%) |
210 (4.5%) |
0.81 (0.66-0.99) |
0.038 |
| Non-hemorrhagic Stroke | 131 (2.8%) |
174 (3.8%) |
0.75 (0.60-0.94) |
0.011 |
| Hemorrhagic Stroke | 45 (1.0%) |
37 (0.8%) |
1.21 (0.78-1.86) |
0.40 |
| Any Revascularization | 284 (6.1%) |
352 (7.6%) |
0.79 (0.68-0.93) |
0.004 |
| *Intention-to-treat analysis on all SHARP patients ever allocated to VYTORIN or placebo. | ||||
Among patients not on dialysis at baseline, VYTORIN did not reduce the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease compared with placebo (RR 0.97: 95% CI 0.89-1.05).
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centered trial [the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Trial (Trial 4S)], the effect of therapy with simvastatin on total mortality was assessed in 4,444 adult patients with CHD (history of angina and/or a previous myocardial infarction) and baseline total cholesterol (total-C) between 212 and 309 mg/dL who were on a lipid-lowering diet. In Trial 4S, patients were treated with standard care, including lipid-lowering diet, and randomized to either simvastatin 20-40 mg/day (n=2,221) or placebo (n=2,223) for a median duration of 5.4 years.
The Heart Protection Trial (Trial HPS) was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-centered trial with a mean duration of 5 years conducted in 10,269 patients on simvastatin 40 mg and 10,267 on placebo. Patients had a mean age of 64 years (range 40-80 years old), 97% were White, and were at high risk of developing a major coronary event because of existing CHD (65%), diabetes (Type 2, 26%; Type 1, 3%), history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease (16%), peripheral vascular disease (33%), or they were males ≥65 years with hypertension in (6%). At baseline:
Patients were randomized to simvastatin or placebo using a covariate adaptive method which considered the distribution of 10 important baseline characteristics of patients already enrolled.
The Trial HPS results showed that simvastatin 40 mg/day significantly reduced: total and CHD mortality; and non-fatal MI, stroke, and revascularization procedures (coronary and non-coronary) (see Table 15).
Table 15: CHD Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Adult Patients with High Risk of Developinga Major Coronary Event in Trial HPS
| Endpoint | Simvastatin (N=10,269) n (%)* |
Placebo (N=10,267) n (%)* |
Risk Reduction (%) (95% CI) | p-Value |
| Primary | ||||
| Mortality | 1,328 (12.9%) |
1,507 (14.7%) |
13% (6-19%) |
p=0.0003 |
| CHD mortality | 587 (5.7%) |
707 (6.9%) |
18% (8-26%) |
p=0.0005 |
| Secondary | ||||
| Non-fatal | 357 (3.5%) |
574 (5.6%) |
38% (3046%) |
p<0.0001 |
| MI Stroke | 444 (4.3%) |
585 (5.7%) |
25% (1534%) |
p<0.0001 |
| Tertiary | ||||
| Coronary revascularization | 513 (5%) |
725 (7.1%) |
30% (2238%) |
p<0.0001 |
| Peripheral and other non-coronary revascularization | 450 (4.4%) |
532 (5.2%) |
16% (5-26%) |
p=0.006 |
| * n = number of patients with indicated event | ||||
Two composite endpoints were defined to have enough events to assess relative risk reductions across a range of baseline characteristics:
Simvastatin use led to significant relative risk reductions for both composite endpoints (27% for MCE and 24% for MVE, p<0.0001) and for all components of the composite endpoints. The risk reductions produced by simvastatin in both MCE and MVE were evident and consistent regardless of cardiovascular disease related medical history at trial entry (i.e., CHD alone; or peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes or treated hypertension, with or without CHD), gender, age, baseline levels of LDL-C, baseline concomitant cardiovascular medications (i.e., aspirin, beta blockers, or calcium channel blockers), smoking status, or obesity. Patients with diabetes showed risk reductions for MCE and MVE due to simvastatin treatment regardless of baseline HbA1c levels or obesity.
VYTORIN®
[VI-tor-in]
(ezetimibe and simvastatin) tablets, for oral use
Read this Information carefully before you start taking VYTORIN® and each time you get a VYTORIN. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about VYTORIN, ask your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider can determine if VYTORIN is right for you.
What is VYTORIN?
VYTORIN is a prescription medicine that contains the cholesterol lowering medicines, simvastatin and ezetimibe:
The safety and effectiveness of VYTORIN has not been established in children younger than 10 years of age with inherited heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or other types of hyperlipidemia.
Do not take VYTORIN if you:
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is listed above.
Before you take VYTORIN, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking any new medicines.
Tell your healthcare provider who prescribes VYTORIN if another healthcare provider increases the dose of another medicine you are taking.
VYTORIN may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VYTORIN works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:
Taking VYTORIN with certain substances can also increase the risk of muscle problems. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines if you are not sure. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take VYTORIN?
If you take too much VYTORIN, call your healthcare provider or Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
What are the possible side effects of VYTORIN?
VYTORIN may cause serious side effects including:
Your chances of getting muscle problems are higher if you:
The most common side effects of VYTORIN include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYTORIN.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA1088.
How should I store VYTORIN?
Keep VYTORIN and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about safe and effective use of VYTORIN.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use VYTORIN for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give VYTORIN to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about VYTORIN that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in VYTORIN?
Active Ingredients: ezetimibe and simvastatin.
Inactive Ingredients: butylated hydroxyanisole, citric acid monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and propyl gallate.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
