VASTOR Film-coated tablet Ref.[115266] Active ingredients: Atorvastatin

Liver effects

VASTOR should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease.

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminases elevations are contraindications to the use of VASTOR (see section 4.3).

Persistent elevations (>3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurring on 2 or more occasions) in serum transaminases occurred in 0,7% of patients who received atorvastatin in clinical trials. It is recommended that liver function tests be performed before the initiation of treatment, following each dosage increase, and periodically thereafter. Liver enzyme changes mostly commence in the first 4 months of treatment with atorvastatin. Patients who develop increased transaminases levels should be monitored until the abnormalities resolve. Should an increase in ALT or AST of >3 times ULN persist, withdrawal of VASTOR is recommended (see section 4.3).

Skeletal muscle

Rhabdomyolysis with or without renal impairment has been reported with the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, such as VASTOR. A history of renal impairment, hypothyroidism, history of hereditary muscular disorders, history of muscular toxicity with another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or fibrate, alcohol abuse, age > 70 years, concomitant use of fibrates and situations where an increase in plasma levels may occur. These patients merit closer monitoring for skeletal muscle adverse effects.

Myalgia has been reported in patients treated with VASTOR (see section 4.8). Myopathy, defined as muscle aching or muscle weakness in conjunction with increases in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal, should be considered in any patient with diffuse myalgias, muscle tenderness or weakness, and/or marked elevation of CPK. Patients should be advised to report promptly any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. VASTOR therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected (see section 4.3).

Concomitant treatment with other medicines

The risk of myopathy during treatment with VASTOR is increased with concurrent administration of immunosuppressive medicines, including ciclosporin (which is contraindicated (see section 4.3)), fibric acid derivatives, nicotinic acid, azole antifungals or macrolides e.g. erythromycin or colchicine, the hepatitis C protease inhibitor telaprevir, boceprevir, combinations of HIV protease inhibitors, including saquinavir plus ritonavir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, tipranavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, and fosamprenavir plus ritonavir and cytochrome P450 inhibitors. Medical practitioners considering combined therapy with VASTOR and fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, a combination of saquinavir plus ritonavir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, or fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, immunosuppressive medicines, azole antifungals, or lipid-modifying doses of niacin should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks and should carefully monitor patients for any signs and symptoms of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly during the initial months of therapy and during any periods of upward dosage titration of either medicine. Muscle-related adverse events have been reported with concomitant VASTOR and fusidic acid.

Risk of rhabdomyolysis is increased when VASTOR is administered concomitantly with certain medicines that may increase the plasma concentration of atorvastatin such as potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 or transport proteins (e.g. ciclosporin (which is contraindicated (see section 4.3)), telithromycin, clarithromycin, delavirdine, stiripentol, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, letermovir and HIV protease inhibitors including ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, indinavir, darunavir, tipranavir/ritonavir, etc).

Muscle-related adverse events have been reported with concomitant use of VASTOR and fusidic acid.

VASTOR must not be co-administered with systemic formulations of fusidic acid or within 7 days of stopping fusidic acid treatment. In patients where the use of systemic fusidic acid is considered essential, VASTOR treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of fusidic acid treatment. There have been reports of rhabdomyolysis (including some fatalities) in patients receiving fusidic acid and VASTOR in combination (see section 4.5). The patient should be advised to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, pain or tenderness. VASTOR therapy may be re-introduced seven days after the last dose of fusidic acid.

VASTOR therapy should be withdrawn in any patient with an acute, serious condition suggestive of a myopathy or having a risk factor predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis, (e.g. severe acute infection, hypotension, major surgery, trauma, severe metabolic, endocrine and electrolyte disorders, and uncontrolled seizures). VASTOR should be used with caution in patients who have severe renal impairment.

Protease inhibitors

Co-administration of VASTOR and protease inhibitors was associated with increased plasma concentrations of VASTOR (see section 4.5).

Haemorrhagic stroke

Patients without cardiac heart failure (CHF) who had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) within the preceding months who were initiated on VASTOR 80 mg revealed a higher incidence of haemorrhagic stroke compared to placebo.

Endocrine function

Increases in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), fasting serum glucose levels and worsening of glycaemic control have been reported with the use of atorvastatin, such as VASTOR. VASTOR should therefore be used with care in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease has been reported with some statins such as VASTOR, especially with long term therapy (see section 4.8). Symptoms can include dyspnoea, non-productive cough and deterioration in general health (fatigue, weight loss and fever). If it is suspected a patient has developed interstitial lung disease, VASTOR therapy should be discontinued.

Myasthenia gravis and ocular myasthenia

There is a risk of myasthenia gravis and ocular myasthenia with the use of statin-containing medicines, such as VASTOR.

Lactose warning

VASTOR contains lactose which may have an effect on the glycaemic control of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Patients who are lactose intolerant or have rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp-lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take VASTOR.

Effect of co-administered medicines on VASTOR (see Table 1)

The risk of myopathy during treatment with VASTOR is increased with concomitant administration of immunosuppressive medicines (e.g. ciclosporin (which is contraindicated (see section 4.3)), fibric acid derivatives (e.g. gemfibrocil), macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin), azole antifungals (e.g. clotrimazole), or niacin (nicotinic acid) (see section 4.4).

Transporter inhibitors

Inhibitors of the OATP1B1 (e.g. ciclosporin (which is contraindicated (see section 4.3)) and letermovir) can increase the plasma concentration of atorvastatin as contained in VASTOR (see section 4.4) (see Table 1).

Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4

VASTOR is metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4. Concomitant administration of VASTOR with potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 (e.g. ciclosporin, telithromycin, clarithromycin, delavirdine, stiripentol, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, some antivirals used in the treatment of HCV (e.g. elbasvir/grazoprevir) and HIV protease inhibitors including ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, indinavir, darunavir, etc.) should be avoided if possible (see Table 1).

Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil and fluconazole) may lead to increased plasma concentrations of VASTOR.

Examples of cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors are:

Erythromycin:

In healthy subjects, plasma concentrations of VASTOR increased approximately 40% with concurrent administration of VASTOR and erythromycin (see section 4.4: Skeletal muscle).

Azole antifungals:

Co-administration of atorvastatin with azole antifungals increase the plasma concentration of atorvastatin and may increase the adverse effects of VASTOR (see section 4.4). For example, co-administration of atorvastatin (20 – 40 mg) and itraconazole (200 mg) was associated with an increase of atorvastatin AUC.

Protease inhibitors:

Co-administration of protease inhibitors and atorvastatin is associated with increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin as contained in VASTOR. This increase in systemic exposure to atorvastatin may lead to increased incidence of adverse effects (see section 4.4).

Combination of protease inhibitors:

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin as contained in VASTOR increased with concomitant administration of VASTOR with several combinations of HIV protease inhibitors, as well as with the hepatitis C protease inhibitor telaprevir (see Table 1).

Fucidic acid:

Severe muscle problems such as rhabdomyolysis have been reported with the concomitant use of fucidic acid and atorvastatin. Patients on fucidic acid and VASTOR should be closely monitored and temporary suspension of VASTOR may be appropriate (see section 4.4 sub- header ‘Skeletal muscle’).

Diltiazem HCl:

Co-administration of atorvastatin with diltiazem was associated with an increase in the AUC of 51% of atorvastatin, as contained in VASTOR. Therefore, the combination is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Grapefruit juice:

Co-administration of grapefruit juice and atorvastatin may increase the concentration of atorvastatin (contained in VASTOR) 2,5 – 3,3-fold. Therefore, the combination is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Cimetidine

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin and LDL-C reduction were not altered by concomitant administration of cimetidine.

Inducers of cytochrome P450

Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4 such as efavirenz and rifampicin can lead to variable reductions in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin as contained in VASTOR. Due to the dual mechanism of rifampicin, simultaneous co-administration of VASTOR with rifampicin is not recommended, as delayed administration of atorvastatin after administration of rifampicin has been associated with a significant reduction in atorvastatin plasma concentrations (see section 4.3).

Antacid

Concomitant administration of an oral antacid suspension containing magnesium and aluminium hydroxides with VASTOR decreased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin approximately 35%; however, LDL-C reduction was not altered.

Antipyrine

VASTOR does not affect the pharmacokinetics of antipyrine, therefore interactions with other medicines metabolised via the same cytochrome isozymes are not expected.

Ezetimibe

Muscle related events may be increased with concomitant use of ezetimibe and VASTOR.

Colestipol

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin decreased approximately 25% when colestipol and VASTOR were concurrently administered. LDL-C reduction was greater when VASTOR and colestipol were co-administered than when either medicine was given alone.

Cholestyramine

Data is not available.

Azithromycin

Co-administration of VASTOR (10 mg once daily) and azithromycin (500 mg once daily) did not alter the plasma concentrations of VASTOR.

Effect of VASTOR on co-administered medicines (Table 2)

Digoxin

Concomitant administration of multiple doses of VASTOR and digoxin increased steady-state plasma digoxin concentrations by approximately 20%. Patients taking digoxin should be monitored.

Oral contraceptives

Concomitant administration of VASTOR and an oral contraceptive increased AUC values of norethindrone and ethinyl oestradiol approximately 30% and 20%, respectively. These increases should be considered when selecting an oral contraceptive for a woman taking atorvastatin.

Warfarin

VASTOR had no clinically significant effect on prothrombin time when administered to patients who received combined VASTOR and warfarin therapy for two weeks. Patients receiving VASTOR should, however, be closely monitored when VASTOR is combined with warfarin therapy.

Colchicine

Myopathy has been reported with VASTOR co-administered with colchicine, and caution should be exercised when prescribing VASTOR with colchicine.

Other concomitant therapy

VASTOR was used concomitantly with antihypertensive medicines and oestrogen replacement therapy without evidence of clinically significant adverse interactions. Interaction studies with specific medicines have not been conducted.

Table 1. Effect of co-administered medicines on VASTOR:

^& Represents ratio of treatments (co-administered medicine plus atorvastatin versus atorvastatin alone).
^# See sections 4.4 and 4.5.
^** Ratio based on a single sample taken 8-16 h post dose.
OD = once daily; SD = single dose; BID = twice daily; TID = three times daily; QID = four times daily.

Table 2. Effect of VASTOR on co-administered medicines:

^& Represents ratio of treatments (co-administered medicine plus atorvastatin versus atorvastatin alone).
^* Co-administration of multiple doses of atorvastatin and phenazone showed little or no detectable effect in the clearance of phenazone.
OD = once daily; SD = single dose; BID = twice daily.

Women of childbearing potential

VASTOR is contraindicated in women of childbearing potential not using adequate contraceptive measures. An interval of one month should be allowed from stopping VASTOR treatment to conception in the event of planning a pregnancy.

Pregnancy

VASTOR is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

VASTOR is contraindicated in breastfeeding.

VASTOR may cause dizziness and confusion. Patients should be instructed that if they experience these symptoms, they should avoid potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving or operating machinery.

Side effects have been reported:

Tabulated list of adverse reactions:

Post-marketing reports

There have been reports of cognitive impairment (such as memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment and confusion) associated with atorvastatin use, such as VASTOR. These reported symptoms were generally not serious and reversible upon discontinuation with variable times to symptom onset (between a day to years) and symptom resolution with a median of 3 weeks.

The following adverse events have been reported with some statins such as VASTOR:

• Sexual dysfunction.
• Depression.
• Exceptional cases of interstitial lung disease, especially with long-term therapy (see section 4.4).
• Diabetes Mellitus.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicine is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicine. Healthcare providers are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions to SAHPRA via the “6.04 Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Form”, found online under SAHPRA’s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8

Not applicable.