Fluvastatin Sodium

Generic Name: fluvastatin sodium

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Fluvastatin Sodium

11 DESCRIPTION Fluvastatin sodium inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Fluvastatin sodium is [R*,S*-(E)]-(±)-7-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indol-2-yl]- 3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic acid, monosodium salt.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Fluvastatin sodium inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Fluvastatin sodium is [R*,S*-(E)]-(±)-7-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indol-2-yl]- 3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic acid, monosodium salt.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are indicated: To reduce the risk of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in adults with clinically evident coronary heart disease. As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who require 80 mg of fluvastatin daily.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets can be taken with or without food and may be taken at any time of the day. (2.1) Do not break, crush or chew fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets prior to administration. (2.1) Adults : The recommended starting dose is 80 mg (administered as one 80 mg fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablet once daily). (2.2) Children : The recommended dose is 80 mg once daily in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older who require 80 mg of fluvastatin. Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are not recommended for dosage initiation in pediatric patients because the recommended starting dosage cannot be achieved with the available strength of 80 mg.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Most frequent adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 2.5% of subjects treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and more than placebo are: influenza-like symptoms, sinusitis, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, bronchitis, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lannett Company, Inc. at 1-844-834-0530 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Gemfibrozil : Avoid use with fluvastatin. (7.1) Cyclosporine and Fluconazole : Avoid use with fluvastatin. (7.1) Fibrates, Lipid-modifying doses (≥ 1 g/day) of Niacin, and Colchicine : Consider if the benefit of concomitant use with fluvastatin 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. (7.1) Warfarin : Obtain an International Normalized Ratio (INR) before starting and frequently enough after initiation or discontinuation to ensure that no significant alteration in INR occurs. Once the INR is stable, monitor INR at regular intervals.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, and concomitant use with certain other drugs. Discontinue fluvastatin if markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels occur, or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue fluvastatin in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing fluvastatin dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Hypersensitivity to fluvastatin or any of the excipients in fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue fluvastatin when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. Fluvastatin decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, fluvastatin may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] . In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets supplied as: Strength How supplied NDC Tablet description 80 mg of fluvastatin bottles of 30 0527-2580-32 Yellow, round, slightly biconvex film-coated tablets, imprinted with “BS08” and “80” on one side, plain on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fluvastatin Sodium used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are indicated: To reduce the risk of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in adults with clinically evident coronary heart disease. As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. As an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who require 80 mg of fluvastatin daily.

What are the side effects of Fluvastatin Sodium?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Most frequent adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 2.5% of subjects treated with fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets and more than placebo are: influenza-like symptoms, sinusitis, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, bronchitis, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lannett Company, Inc. at 1-844-834-0530 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Fluvastatin Sodium during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue fluvastatin when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. Fluvastatin decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, fluvastatin may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] . In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy.

What are the important warnings for Fluvastatin Sodium?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, and concomitant use with certain other drugs. Discontinue fluvastatin if markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels occur, or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue fluvastatin in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing fluvastatin dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Hypersensitivity to fluvastatin or any of the excipients in fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.