Consumer medicine information

Torvastat

Atorvastatin

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Torvastat

Active ingredient

Atorvastatin

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Torvastat.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some of the more common questions about TORVASTAT.

It does not contain all of the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking TORVASTAT against the benefits he/she expects it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again.

What TORVASTAT is used for

TORVASTAT is used to lower high cholesterol levels.

TORVASTAT can be used to help reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke in people who have high blood pressure and coronary heart disease (CHD) or who are at risk of CHD. Some examples of risk factors for CHD are diabetes, a history of stroke, or small blood vessel disease.

What is cholesterol?

Everyone has cholesterol in their blood. It is a type of blood fat needed by the body for many things, such as building the cell lining, making bile acids (which help to digest food) and some hormones. However, too much cholesterol can be a problem.

Cholesterol is present in many foods and is also made in your body by the liver. If your body makes too much cholesterol or you have too much cholesterol in your diet, then your level becomes too high.

High cholesterol is more likely to occur with certain diseases or if you have a family history of high cholesterol.

There are different types of cholesterol. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol that can block your blood vessels. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol that is thought to remove the bad cholesterol from the blood vessels.

When you have high levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood, it may begin to “stick” to the inside of your blood vessels instead of being carried to the parts of the body where it is needed. Over time, this can form hard areas, also called plaque, on the walls of your blood vessels, making it more difficult for the blood to flow. Sometimes the plaque can detach from the vessel wall and float in the bloodstream where it may reach a smaller vessel and completely block it.

This blocking of your blood vessels can lead to several types of blood vessel disease, heart attack, angina and stroke.

There is another type of blood fat called triglyceride, which is a source of energy. However, high levels of triglyceride can be associated with a low level of “good” cholesterol and may increase your risk of heart disease.

In some patients, TORVASTAT is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides together.

In most people, there are no symptoms of abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Your doctor can measure your levels with a simple blood test.

How TORVASTAT works

TORVASTAT belongs to a group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. TORVASTAT reduces the “bad” cholesterol and can raise the “good” cholesterol. TORVASTAT also helps to protect you from a heart attack or stroke.

This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why TORVASTAT has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed TORVASTAT for another reason.

TORVASTAT is not addictive.

Before you takeTORVASTAT

When you must not take it

Do not take TORVASTAT if you have an allergy to atorvastatin or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin

Do not take this medicine if you have active liver disease.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Women of child-bearing age who are taking this medicine should use a proven method of birth control to avoid pregnancy. The medicine may affect your unborn developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.

Do not take the medicine if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. The medicine may pass into breast milk and affect your baby.

Do not take TORVASTAT if you are taking the antibiotic fusidic acid which is used to treat infections.

Do not take if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Do not take this medicine if the expiry date (EXP) on the pack has passed. If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work or it may make you unwell.

If you are not sure whether to start taking TORVASTAT, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

Your doctor will ask you to have your liver function tested before you start to take TORVASTAT.

Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions including:

  • liver problems
  • kidney problems
  • muscle pain, tenderness or weakness from other medicines used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides.
  • have had a type of stroke called a haemorrhagic stroke or a type of stroke called a lacunar stroke.
    This medicine may increase the risk of you having another haemorrhagic stroke.
  • breathing problems
  • have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tellthem before you take any TORVASTAT.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacists if you are taking any other medicines or remedies, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with TORVASTAT. These include:

  • digoxin, a medicine used to treat some heart problems
  • the antibiotics erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin or fusidic acid
  • phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy (seizures)
  • oral contraceptives
  • other medicines to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides
  • cyclosporin, a medicine used to suppress the immune system
  • some medicines used to treat some fungal infections such as itraconazole or ketoconazole
  • efavirenz and protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection and/or Hepatitis C
  • diltiazem, a medicine used to treat angina
  • antacids, medicines to treat reflux or ulcers
  • spironolactone, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of swelling
  • Vitamin B3
  • colchicine, a medicine used to treat a disease with painful, swollen joints caused by uric acid crystals.

These medicines may be affected by TORVASTAT, or may affect how well it works. Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or to avoid while taking TORVASTAT.

Your doctor and pharmacists have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking TORVASTAT.

How to take TORVASTAT

How much to take

Take TORVASTAT only when prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose of TORVASTAT is between 10-80 mg taken once a day.

Swallow TORVASTAT with a glass of water or other liquid.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. These directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the instructions ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

When to take it

TORVASTAT can be taken at any time of the day with or without food. You should take your dose of TORVASTAT at about the same time each day. Taking the tablet(s) at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take the tablet(s).

How long to take it

TORVASTAT helps to lower your levels of cholesterol, but it does not cure your condition. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed by your doctor. You may have to take cholesterol-lowering medicine for the rest of your life. If you stop taking TORVASTAT, your cholesterol levels may rise again.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablet(s) as you would normally.

If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you have trouble remembering to take your tablets, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone the Australian Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much TORVASTAT. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

While you are using TORVASTAT

Do not use TORVASTAT to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Things to be careful of

Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol. Drinking large quantities of alcohol may increase the chance of TORVASTAT causing liver problems.

Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice contains one or more components that alter the metabolism of some medicines, including TORVASTAT.

Drinking very large quantities (over 1.2 litres) of grapefruit juice each day increases your chance of TORVASTAT causing side effects.

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how TORVASTAT affects you. TORVASTAT generally does not cause any problems with your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, as with many other medicines, TORVASTAT may cause dizziness in some people.

If you feel dizzy, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Things you must do

Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked when your doctor says, to make sure that TORVASTAT is working.

If you become pregnant while you are taking TORVASTAT, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking TORVASTAT if you are about to start on any new medicine.

Things you must not do

Do not give TORVASTAT to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking TORVASTAT.

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • muscle and joint pain, muscle weakness
  • constipation, diarrhoea
  • stomach or belly pain, nausea
  • headache
  • heartburn, indigestion or wind
  • urine infection
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • nose bleeds
  • rash

These are the more common side effects, and are usually mild and short-lived.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

  • yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark coloured urine
  • feeling weak and tired, excessively thirsty and passing more urine
  • problems with breathing, including shortness of breath, persistent cough and fever

These are serious side effects that may require medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department of your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

  • symptoms of allergy such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, throat or neck which may cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing
  • unexpected muscle pain, tenderness or weakness not caused by exercise
  • sudden severe headache which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of sensation, tingling in any part of the body or ringing in the ears
  • severe blisters and bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose or genitals
  • chest pain.

These may be very serious side effects requiring urgent medical attention.

Serious side effects are rare.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Do not be alarmed by the list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After using TORVASTAT

Storage

Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may not keep well.

Keep TORVASTAT in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Do not store TORVASTAT or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave your tablets in the car or on windowsills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep your tablets where young children cannot reach them. A locked cupboard at least one and a half metres off the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop taking TORVASTAT, or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets that are left over.

Product description

What it looks like

10 mg: white oval biconvex tablet with “10” on one side and “A” on reverse.

20 mg: white oval biconvex tablet with “20” on one side and “A” on reverse.

40 mg: white oval biconvex tablet with “40” on one side and “A” on reverse.

TORVASTAT is available in blister and bottle* packs of 30 tablets.

Ingredients

The active ingredient of TORVASTAT is Atorvastatin calcium. The inactive ingredients are:

  • mannitol
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • crospovidone
  • sodium carbonate anhydrous
  • povidone
  • methionine
  • magnesium stearate
  • talc -purified
  • Opadry 03F28446 White

Manufacturer

Sponsor

Spirit Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
117 Harrington Street
The Rocks
Sydney NSW 2000

TORVASTAT is supplied inAustralia by:

Aspen Pharma Pty Ltd
34-36 Chandos St
St Leonards NSW 2065

Australian registration numbers:

TORVASTAT 10 mg blister pack -
AUST R 194111
TORVASTAT 20 mg blister pack -
AUST R 194113
TORVASTAT 40 mg blister pack -
AUST R 194115
TORVASTAT 10 mg bottle pack* -
AUST R 194112
TORVASTAT 20 mg bottle pack* -
AUST R 194114
TORVASTAT 40 mg bottle pack* –
AUST R 194116

* Not currently marketed in
Australia

Date of information

19 November 2012

® Registered Trade Mark

Published by MIMS November 2017

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Torvastat

Active ingredient

Atorvastatin

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Atorvastatin calcium.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Torvastat tablets contain atorvastatin calcium equivalent to 10, 20, and 40 mg atorvastatin. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, sodium carbonate anhydrous, povidone, methionine, magnesium stearate, talc and Opadry 03F28446 White (ARTG 107577).

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Torvastat is available in three strengths:

10 mg.

White oval biconvex tablet with "10" on one side and "A" on reverse.

20 mg.

White oval biconvex tablet with "20" on one side and "A" on reverse.

40 mg.

White oval biconvex tablet with "40" on one side and "A" on reverse.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Torvastat is indicated as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolaemia.
Prior to initiating therapy with atorvastatin, secondary causes of hypercholesterolaemia (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinaemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, and alcoholism) should be identified and treated.
Torvastat is indicated in hypertensive patients with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) which may include diabetes, history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease or existing asymptomatic CHD (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials, Prevention of cardiovascular disease) to reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke.
These effects do not replace the need to independently control known causes of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Torvastat can be administered within the dosage range of 10-80 mg/day as a single daily dose. Torvastat can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. Therapy should be individualised according to the target lipid levels, the recommended goal of therapy, and the patient's response. After initiation and/or upon titration of atorvastatin, lipid levels should be re-analysed within 4 weeks and dosage adjusted according to the patient's response.

Primary hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia.

The majority of patients are controlled with 10 mg atorvastatin once a day. A therapeutic response is evident within two weeks, and the maximum response is usually achieved within four weeks. The response is maintained during chronic therapy.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Adults.

In the compassionate-use study of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, most patients responded to 80 mg of atorvastatin with a greater than 15% reduction in LDL-C (18%-42%).

Children.

Treatment experience in a paediatric population (with doses of atorvastatin up to 80 mg/day) is limited.

Dosage in patients with renal impairment.

Renal disease has no influence on the plasma concentrations or on the LDL-C reduction of atorvastatin; thus, no adjustment of the dose is required (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Dosage in patients with hepatic impairment.

Hepatic insufficiency.

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin are markedly increased in patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease (Childs-Pugh B). The benefits of therapy should be weighed against the risks when atorvastatin is to be given to patients with hepatic insufficiency (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties; Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Use in combination with other medicinal compounds.

In cases where co-administration of atorvastatin with cyclosporin, telaprevir, or the combination of tipranavir/ritonavir is necessary, the dose of atorvastatin should not exceed 10 mg. Caution should be used when co-prescribing atorvastatin with medical compound that result in an increase in systemic concentrations of atorvastatin and appropriate clinical assessment is recommended to ensure that the lowest dose necessary of atorvastatin is employed (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
In patients taking hepatitis C antiviral agents elbasvir/grazoprevir concomitantly with atorvastatin, the dose of atorvastatin should not exceed 20 mg/day (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Pregnancy and lactation (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation). Women of childbearing potential, unless on an effective contraceptive and highly unlikely to conceive.
Concomitant use with fusidic acid (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Concomitant use with the hepatitis C antivirals glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Liver dysfunction.

As with other lipid-lowering agents of the same class, moderate (> 3 x upper limit of normal [ULN]) elevations of serum transaminases have been reported following therapy with atorvastatin.
Persistent increases in serum transaminases > 3 x ULN occurred in 0.7% of patients who received atorvastatin in clinical trials. The incidence of these abnormalities was 0.2, 0.2, 0.6, and 2.3% for 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg respectively. Increases were generally not associated with jaundice or other clinical signs or symptoms. When the dosage of atorvastatin was reduced, or drug treatment interrupted or discontinued, transaminase levels returned to pre-treatment levels. Most patients continued treatment on a reduced dose of atorvastatin without sequelae.
Liver function tests should be performed before the initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter. Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be monitored until the abnormalities resolve. Should an increase in ALT or AST of > 3 x ULN persist, reduction of dose or withdrawal of atorvastatin is recommended.
Atorvastatin 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 transaminase elevations are contraindications to the use of atorvastatin (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Skeletal muscle.

Uncomplicated myalgia has been reported in atorvastatin-treated patients (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Myopathy, defined as muscle aching or muscle weakness in conjunction with increases in creatine kinase (CK) values > 10 x ULN, should be considered in any patient with diffuse myalgias, muscle tenderness or weakness and/or marked elevation of CK. Patients should be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. Atorvastatin therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.
The risk of myopathy during treatment with other drugs in this class is increased with concurrent administration of cyclosporin, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, niacin, azole antifungals, colchicine, hepatitis C protease inhibitors (e.g. telaprevir, boceprevir, elbasvir/grazoprevir) or the combination of tipranavir/ritonavir. Physicians considering combined therapy with atorvastatin and fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, immunosuppressive drugs, azole antifungals, or lipid-lowering 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 drug. Therefore, lower starting and maintenance doses of atorvastatin should also be considered when taken concomitantly with the aforementioned drugs.
Atorvastatin must not be co-administered with fusidic acid. There have been reports of rhabdomyolysis (including some fatalities) in patients receiving this combination. In patients where the use of systemic fusidic acid is considered essential, statin treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of fusidic acid treatment. The patient should be advised to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, pain or tenderness. Atorvastatin therapy may be re-introduced seven days after the last dose of fusidic acid.
Periodic creatine kinase (CK) determinations may be considered in such situations, although there is no assurance that such monitoring will prevent the occurrence of severe myopathy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
As with other drugs in this class, rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure has been reported. A history of renal impairment may be a risk factor for the development of rhabdomyolysis. Such patient merit closer monitoring for skeletal muscle effects. Atorvastatin therapy should be temporarily withheld or discontinued 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).

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy.

There have been very rare reports of an immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) during or after treatment with some statins. IMNM is clinically characterized by persistent proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment.

Haemorrhagic stroke.

A post-hoc analysis of a clinical study (SPARCL) in patients without known coronary heart disease who had a recent stroke or TIA, showed a higher incidence of haemorrhagic stroke in patients on atorvastatin 80 mg (55/2365, 2.3%) compared to placebo (33/2366, 1.4%), (p=0.02). Throughout the study, all cause mortality was numerically higher in the atorvastatin arm than the placebo arm. At study end all cause mortality was 9.1% on atorvastatin vs. 8.9% on placebo.
The increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke was observed in patients who entered the study with prior haemorrhagic stroke (15.6% for atorvastatin vs. 4.2% for placebo, HR 4.06; 95% CI 0.84-19.57) or prior lacunar infarct (2.8% for atorvastatin vs. 0.6% for placebo, HR 4.99; 95%CI 1.71-14.61). All cause mortality was also increased in these patients with prior haemorrhagic stroke (15.6% for atorvastatin vs. 10.4% for placebo) or prior lacunar infarct (10.9% for atorvastatin vs. 9.1% for placebo). The potential risk of hemorrhagic stroke should be carefully considered before initiating treatment with atorvastatin in patients with recent (1-6 months) stroke or TIA.
In 68% of patients who entered the study with neither a haemorrhagic stroke nor lacunar infarct, the risk of haemorrhagic stroke on atorvastatin vs placebo was 2% vs. 1.8% (large vessel), 1.7% vs. 1.6% (TIA), 1.6% vs. 1.7% (unknown cause).

Endocrine function.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors interfere with cholesterol synthesis and theoretically may blunt adrenal and/or gonadal steroid production. Clinical studies have shown that atorvastatin does not reduce basal plasma cortisol concentration nor impair adrenal reserve. The effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on male fertility have not been studied in adequate numbers of patients. The effects, if any, on the pituitary gonadal axis in pre-menopausal women are unknown. Caution should be exercised if an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is administered concomitantly with other drugs that may decrease the levels or activity of endogenous steroid hormones such as ketoconazole, spironolactone and cimetidine.
Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including atorvastatin.

Interstitial lung disease.

Exceptional cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported with some statins, especially with long term therapy (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Presenting features 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, statin therapy should be discontinued.

Before the treatment.

Atorvastatin should be prescribed with caution in patients with pre-disposing factors for rhabdomyolysis. A CK level should be measured before starting statin treatment in the following situations:
Renal impairment.
Hypothyroidism.
Personal or familial history of hereditary muscular disorders.
Previous history of muscular toxicity with a statin or fibrate.
Previous history of liver disease and/or where substantial quantities of alcohol are consumed.
In elderly (age > 70 years), the necessity of such measurement should be considered, according to the presence of other predisposing factors for rhabdomyolysis.
Situations where an increase in plasma levels may occur, such as interactions and special populations including genetic subpopulations.
In such situations, the risk of treatment should be considered in relation to possible benefit, and clinical monitoring is recommended.
If CK levels are significantly elevated (> 5 times ULN) at baseline, treatment should not be started.

Creatine kinase measurement.

Creatine kinase (CK) should not be measured following strenuous exercise or in the presence of any plausible alternative cause of CK increase as this makes value interpretation difficult. If CK levels are significantly elevated at baseline (> 5 times ULN), levels should be remeasured within 5 to 7 days later to confirm the results.

Whilst on treatment.

Patients must be asked to promptly report muscle pain, cramps, or weakness especially if accompanied by malaise or fever.
If such symptoms occur whilst a patient is receiving treatment with atorvastatin, their CK levels should be measured. If these levels are found to be significantly elevated (> 5 times ULN), treatment should be stopped.
If muscular symptoms are severe and cause daily discomfort, even if the CK levels are elevated to ≤ 5 x ULN, treatment discontinuation should be considered.
If symptoms resolve and CK levels return to normal, then re-introduction of atorvastatin or introduction of an alternative statin may be considered at the lowest dose and with close monitoring.
Atorvastatin must be discontinued if clinically significant elevation of CK levels (> 10 x ULN) occur, or if rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected.

Effect on ubiquinone levels (COQ10).

Significant decreases in circulating ubiquinone levels in patients treated with atorvastatin and other statins have been observed. The clinical significance of a potential long-term, statin-induced deficiency of ubiquinone has not been established.

Effect on lipoprotein (a).

Like other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, atorvastatin has variable effects on lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). It is unclear whether the beneficial effects of lowering LDL-C and total cholesterol in some patients may be blunted by raised Lp(a) levels.

Paediatric use.

Treatment experience in a paediatric population is limited to doses of atorvastatin up to 80 mg/day for 1-year in 8 patients with homozygous FH. No clinical or biochemical abnormalities were reported in these patients.

Use in the elderly.

Treatment experience in adults aged ≥ 70 years with doses of atorvastatin up to 80 mg/day has been evaluated in 221 patients. The safety and efficacy of atorvastatin in this population were similar to those of patients < 70 years of age.

Effect on laboratory tests.

Atorvastatin can cause elevations in ALT/AST, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, bilirubin and creatine kinase.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Atorvastatin is metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 and is a substrate of the hepatic transporters, organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) and 1B3 (OATP1B3) transporter. Metabolites of atorvastatin are substrates of OATP1B1. Atorvastatin is also identified as a substrate of the multi-drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), which may limit the intestinal absorption and biliary clearance of atorvastatin.
Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 can lead to increases in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. The extent of interaction and potentiation of effects depends on the variability of effect on cytochrome P450 3A4. Pharmacokinetic drug interactions that result in increased systemic concentration of atorvastatin have been noted with HIV protease inhibitors (fosamprenavir and combinations of lopinavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, saquinavir/ritonavir), hepatitis C protease inhibitors (boceprevir, elbasvir/grazoprevir), clarithromycin and itraconazole.
Based on experience with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, caution should be exercised when atorvastatin is administered with inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 (e.g. cyclosporin, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin and azole antifungals including itraconazole). The risk of myopathy during treatment with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is increased with concurrent administration of cyclosporin, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, azole antifungals or niacin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4 (e.g. efavirenz, rifampicin, phenytoin) can lead to variable reductions in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. Due to the dual interaction mechanism of rifampicin (cytochrome P450 3A4 induction and inhibition of hepatocyte uptake transporter (OATP1B1), simultaneous co-administration of atorvastatin with rifampicin is recommended, as delayed administration of atorvastatin after administration of rifampicin has been associated with a significant reduction in atorvastatin plasma concentrations.

Fusidic acid.

The risk of myopathy including rhabdomyolysis may be increased by the concomitant administration of systemic fusidic acid with statins. Co-administration of this combination may cause increased plasma concentrations of both agents. The mechanism of this interaction (whether it is pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetic, or both) is yet unknown.
Although interaction studies with statins and fusidic acid have not been conducted, there have been reports of rhabdomyolysis (including some fatalities) in patients receiving this combination. If treatment with fusidic acid is necessary, statin treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of the fusidic acid treatment (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Colchicine.

Although interaction studies with atorvastatin and colchicine have not been conducted, cases of myopathy have been reported with atorvastatin co-administered with colchicine, and caution should be exercised when prescribing atorvastatin with colchicine.

Effect of other medicines on atorvastatin.

The following drugs have been shown to have an effect on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of atorvastatin:

Antacid.

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

Colestipol.

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin were lower (approximately 25%) when colestipol and atorvastatin were co-administered. However, LDL-C reduction was greater when atorvastatin and colestipol were co-administered than when either drug was given alone.

Transporter inhibitors.

Atorvastatin and atorvastatin-metabolites are substrates of the OATP1B1 transporter. Inhibitors of the OATP1B1 (e.g. cyclosporin) can increase the bioavailability of atorvastatin. Concomitant administration of atorvastatin 10 mg and cyclosporin 5.2 mg/kg/day resulted in an increase in exposure to atorvastatin (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Erythromycin/clarithromycin.

In healthy individuals, co-administration of atorvastatin (10 mg once daily) and erythromycin (500 mg four times a day), or clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily), known inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4, was associated with higher plasma concentrations of atorvastatin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Protease inhibitors.

Co-administration of atorvastatin and protease inhibitors, known inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4, was associated with increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin.

Diltiazem hydrochloride.

Co-administration of atorvastatin (40 mg) with diltiazem (240 mg) was associated with higher plasma concentrations of atorvastatin.

Itraconazole.

Concomitant administration of atorvastatin (20 to 40 mg) and itraconazole (200 mg) was associated with an increase in atorvastatin AUC.

Grapefruit juice.

Contains one or more components that inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 and can increase plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, especially with excessive grapefruit juice consumption (> 1.2 L per day).

Effect of atorvastatin on other medicines.

The following medicines have been shown to have their pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics affected by atorvastatin:

Digoxin.

When multiple doses of digoxin (0.25 mg once daily) and 10 mg atorvastatin were co-administered, steady-state plasma digoxin concentrations were unaffected. However, steady-state plasma digoxin concentrations increased by approximately 20% following administration of digoxin with 80 mg atorvastatin daily. Patients taking digoxin should be monitored appropriately.

Oral contraceptives.

Co-administration with an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone and ethinyl oestradiol increased AUC values for norethindrone and ethinyl oestradiol by approximately 30% and 20%. These increases should be considered when selecting an oral contraceptive for a woman taking atorvastatin.

Medicines shown not to interact with atorvastatin.

Cimetidine.

Atorvastatin plasma concentrations and LDL-C reduction were not altered by co-administration of cimetidine.

Warfarin.

Atorvastatin had no clinically significant effect on prothrombin time when administered to patients receiving chronic warfarin treatment.

Amlodipine.

Atorvastatin pharmacokinetics were not altered by the co-administration of atorvastatin 80 mg daily and amlodipine 10 mg daily at steady state. In a drug-drug interaction study in healthy subjects, co-administration of atorvastatin 80 mg and amlodipine 10 mg resulted in an 18% increase in exposure to atorvastatin, which was not clinically meaningful.

Azithromycin.

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

Other concomitant therapy.

In clinical studies, atorvastatin was used concomitantly with antihypertensive agents and oestrogen replacement therapy without evidence of clinically significant adverse interactions. Interaction studies with all specific agents have not been conducted.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

The effects of atorvastatin on spermatogenesis and human fertility have not been investigated in clinical studies. Dietary administration of 100 mg atorvastatin/kg/day to rats caused a decrease in spermatid concentration in the testes, a decrease in sperm motility and an increase in sperm abnormalities. Similar effects, however, were not observed in male rats dosed by gavage to 175 mg/kg/day (plasma AUC for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity 14 times higher than in humans dosed at 80 mg/day) and male fertility was not affected in either study. No adverse effects on fertility or reproduction were observed in female rats given doses up to 225 mg/kg/day (plasma AUC for enzyme inhibitory activity 56 times higher than in humans dosed at 80 mg/day). Atorvastatin caused no adverse effects on sperm or semen parameters, or on reproductive organ histopathology in dogs given doses of 10, 40, or 120 mg/kg for 2 years (Plasma AUC for enzyme inhibitory activity 13 times higher than in humans).
(Category D)
The definition of Pregnancy Category D is drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human foetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects.
Atorvastatin is contraindicated in pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hypercholesterolaemia. Cholesterol and other products of cholesterol biosynthesis are essential components for foetal development (including synthesis of steroids and cell membranes). Since HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, they may cause foetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Atorvastatin should be administered to women of childbearing age only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive and have been informed of the potential. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, therapy should be discontinued and the patient apprised of the potential hazard to the foetus (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Atorvastatin crosses the rat placenta and reaches a level in foetal liver equivalent to that in maternal plasma. Animal reproduction studies showed no evidence of teratogenic activity in rats or rabbits at oral doses up to 300 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively. Increased post-implantation loss, decreased foetal weight and increased skeletal variations were observed in rats dosed at 100-300 mg/kg/day and rabbits dosed at 50-100 mg/kg/day. In a peri/post natal study, rats dosed at 225 mg/kg/day showed an increased incidence of stillbirths, decreases in birthweight, an increased incidence of dilated renal pelvis, increased postnatal mortality, suppression of pup growth, retardation of physical development and abnormal behavioural development; some of these effects were also observed at the non-maternotoxic dose of 100 mg/kg/day; the plasma AUC for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity at the no effect dose level of 20 mg/kg/day was similar to that in humans dosed at 80 mg/day.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are contraindicated in pregnancy. The risk of foetal injury outweighs the benefits of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy during pregnancy.
In two series of 178 and 143 cases where pregnant women took a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) during the first trimester of pregnancy, serious foetal abnormalities occurred in several cases. These included limb and neurological defects, spontaneous abortions and foetal deaths. The exact risk of injury to the foetus occurring after a pregnant woman is exposed to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor has not been determined. The current data do not indicate that the risk of foetal injury in women exposed to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is high. If a pregnant woman is exposed to a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor she should be informed of the possibility of foetal injury and discuss the implications with her pregnancy specialist.
 It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. In rats, plasma concentrations of atorvastatin are similar to those in milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, women taking atorvastatin should not breast-feed (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Atorvastatin is generally well tolerated. Adverse effects have usually been mild and transient. Less than 2% of patients were discontinued from clinical trials due to side effects attributed to atorvastatin. In the atorvastatin placebo-controlled clinical trial database of 16,066 patients (8,755 atorvastatin; 7,311 placebo), treated for a median period of 53 weeks, 5.2% of patients on atorvastatin discontinued due to adverse reactions compared to 4.0% of the patients on placebo.
The most frequent (≥ 1%) adverse events that may be associated with atorvastatin therapy, reported in patients participating in placebo-controlled clinical studies include:

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence, diarrhoea.

Infections and infestations.

Nasopharyngitis.

Investigations.

Liver function test abnormal1, blood creatine phosphokinase increased.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Hyperglycaemia.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Myalgia, arthralgia, pain in extremity, musculoskeletal pain, muscle spasms, joint swelling.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Pharyngolaryngeal pain, epistaxis.
1 Refers to the following preferred terms: hepatic enzyme increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood bilirubin increased, liver function test abnormal and transaminases increased.

Additional adverse events.

The following have been reported in clinical trials of atorvastatin, however, not all the events listed have been causally associated with atorvastatin therapy.
Common (≥ 1%) and (< 10%).

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Constipation.

Infections and infestations.

Urinary tract infection.

Nervous system disorders.

Headache.
Uncommon (≥ 0.1%) and (< 1%).

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Deafness, tinnitus.

Eye disorders.

Vision blurred.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, vomiting, pancreatitis, eructation.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Asthenia, malaise.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Hepatitis.

Infections and infestations.

Infection, influenza.

Investigations.

White blood cells urine positive.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Anorexia.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Back pain, neck pain, muscle fatigue.

Nervous system disorders.

Paraesthesia.

Psychiatric disorders.

Insomnia, nightmare.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Erectile dysfunction.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Asthma.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Rash, pruritus, urticaria, alopecia.
Rare (≥ 0.01%) and (< 0.1%).

Eye disorders.

Visual disturbance.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Pyrexia.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Cholestasis.

Immune system disorders.

Hypersensitivity (including anaphylaxis).

Infections and infestations.

Sinusitis, pharyngitis.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Injury.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Hypoglycaemia.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Myositis, myopathy.

Nervous system disorders.

Peripheral neuropathy.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Angioedema.
A post-hoc analysis of a clinical study (SPARCL) in patients without known coronary heart disease who had a recent stroke or TIA, showed an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke in patients with prior haemorrhagic stroke or prior lacunar infarct (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
In ASCOT (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials, Prevention of cardiovascular disease) involving 10,305 participants treated with atorvastatin 10 mg daily (n=5,168) or placebo (n=5,137), the safety and tolerability profile of the group treated with atorvastatin was comparable to that of the group treated with placebo during a median of 3.3 years of follow-up.

Post-marketing experience.

Rare adverse events that have been reported post-marketing which are not listed above, regardless of causality, include the following:

Body as a whole.

Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis), chest pain, malaise, fatigue.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Immune mediated necrotising myopathy, rhabdomyolysis which may be fatal2 (see Section 4.3 Contraindications, Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Nervous system.

Hypoesthesia, dizziness, amnesia, dysgeusia.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Tinnitus.

Skin and appendages.

Bullous rashes (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis), urticaria.

Metabolic and nutritional disorders.

Peripheral oedema.

Investigations.

Weight gain.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Thrombocytopenia.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Hepatic failure.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Tendon rupture.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Gynaecomastia.
Exceptional cases of interstitial lung disease adverse events have been reported with some statins, especially with long term therapy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
2 Examples of signs and symptoms are muscle weakness, muscle swelling, muscle pain, dark urine, myoglobinuria, elevated serum creatine kinase, acute renal failure and cardiac arrhythmia.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

There is no specific treatment for atorvastatin overdosage. Should an overdose occur, the patient should be treated symptomatically, and supportive measures instituted as required. In symptomatic patients, monitor serum creatinine, BUN, creatinine phosphokinase, and urine myoglobin for indications of renal impairment secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Liver function tests should be performed in symptomatic patients.
If there has been significant ingestion, consider administration of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is most effective when administered within 1-hour of ingestion. In patients who are not fully conscious or have impaired gag reflex, consideration should be given to administering activated charcoal via nasogastric tube once the airway is protected. For rhabdomyolysis, administer sufficient 0.9% saline to maintain urine output of 2 to 3 mL/kg/hr. Diuretics may be necessary to maintain urine output. Urinary alkalinization is not routinely recommended. Due to extensive drug binding to plasma proteins, haemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Atorvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Atorvastatin is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol in the liver are incorporated into very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and released into the plasma for delivery to peripheral tissues. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is formed from VLDL and is catabolised primarily through the high affinity LDL receptor.
Atorvastatin lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver and by increasing the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell-surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL. Atorvastatin reduces LDL production and the number of LDL particles. Atorvastatin produces a marked and sustained increase in LDL receptor activity coupled with a beneficial change in the quality of circulating LDL particles.
A variety of clinical and pathologic studies have demonstrated that elevated cholesterol and lipoprotein levels of total cholesterol (total-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) promote human atherosclerosis and are risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. Similarly, decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Epidemiological investigations have established that cardiovascular morbidity and mortality vary directly with the level of total-C and LDL-C and inversely with the level of HDL-C.
Atorvastatin reduces total-C, LDL-C, and apo B in both normal volunteers and in patients with homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), non-familial forms of hypercholesterolaemia, and mixed dyslipidaemia. Atorvastatin also reduces VLDL-C and TG and produces variable increases in HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-1. Atorvastatin reduces total-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, apo B and TG, and increases HDL-C in patients with isolated hypertriglyceridaemia. Atorvastatin reduces intermediate density lipoprotein cholesterol (IDL-C) in patients with dysbetalipoproteinaemia. In animal models, atorvastatin limits the development of lipid-enriched atherosclerotic lesions and promotes the regression of pre-established atheroma.
Atorvastatin and its metabolites are responsible for pharmacological activity in humans. The liver is its primary site of action and the principal site of cholesterol synthesis and LDL clearance. Drug dose rather than systemic drug concentration correlates better with LDL-C reduction. Individualisation of drug dose should be based on therapeutic response (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Special populations.

Elderly (≥ 65 years).

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin are higher (approximately 40% for Cmax and 30% for AUC) in healthy elderly subjects (age ≥ 65 years) than in young adults. Lipid effects are comparable to that seen in younger patient populations given equal doses of atorvastatin.

Children and adolescents.

Pharmacokinetic studies have not been conducted in the paediatric population.

Gender.

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin in women differ (approximately 20% higher for Cmax and 10% lower for AUC) from those in men; however, there is no clinically significant difference in lipid effects with atorvastatin between men and women.

Renal impairment.

Renal disease has no influence on the plasma concentrations or lipid effects of atorvastatin; thus, dose adjustment in patients with renal dysfunction is not necessary (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Haemodialysis.

While studies have not been conducted in patients with end-stage renal disease, haemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance clearance of atorvastatin since the drug is extensively bound to plasma proteins.

Hepatic impairment.

Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin are markedly increased (approximately 16-fold in Cmax and 11-fold in AUC) in patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease (Childs-Pugh B) (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Clinical trials.

In a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double blind dose-response study in patients with hypercholesterolaemia, atorvastatin was given as a single daily dose over 6 weeks. Atorvastatin (10-80 mg) reduced total-C (30%-46%), LDL-C (41%-61%), apolipoprotein B (34%-50%) and triglycerides (14%-33%) while producing variable increases in HDL-C and apolipoprotein A (Table 1). A therapeutic response was seen within 2 weeks, and maximum response achieved within 4 weeks.
In three further trials, 1148 patients with either heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, non-familial forms of hypercholesterolaemia, or mixed dyslipidaemia were treated with atorvastatin for one year. The results were consistent with those of the dose response study and were maintained for the duration of therapy.
In patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia (Fredrickson Types IIa and IIb), data pooled from 24 controlled trials demonstrated that the adjusted mean percent increases from baseline in HDL-C for atorvastatin (10-80 mg) were 5.0 to 7.8% in a non-dose-related manner.
Clinical studies demonstrate that the starting dose of 10 mg atorvastatin is more effective than simvastatin 10 mg, and pravastatin 20 mg in reducing LDL-C, total-C, triglycerides and apo B. In several multicentre, double-blind studies in patients with hypercholesterolaemia, atorvastatin was compared to other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. After randomisation, patients were treated with atorvastatin 10 mg per day or the recommended starting dose of the comparative agent. At week 16, a greater proportion of atorvastatin treated patients than those treated with simvastatin (46% vs 27%) or pravastatin (65% vs 19%) reached their target LDL-C levels. Increasing the dosage of atorvastatin resulted in more patients reaching target LDL-C goals.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease.

In the lipid lowering arm of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT), the effect of atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium) on the composite endpoint of fatal coronary heart disease and non-fatal myocardial infarction was assessed in 10,305 hypertensive patients, 40-79 years of age, without a history of symptomatic coronary heart disease and with TC levels ≤ 6.5 mmol/L. Additionally patients were at moderate risk of coronary heart disease, having at least 3 of the predefined cardiovascular risk factors [male gender (81%), age ≥ 55 years (84%), smoking (33%), non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (25%), history of CHD in a first-degree relative (26%), plasma TC to HDL cholesterol ratio ≥ 6 (14%), peripheral vascular disease (5%), left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiography (14%), past history of cerebrovascular event (10%), specific ECG abnormality (14%), proteinuria/albuminuria (62%)]. Patients with a history of previous myocardial infarction or angina were excluded.
In this randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study, patients were treated with anti-hypertensive therapy (Goal BP < 140/90 mmHg for non-diabetic patients, < 130/80 mmHg for diabetic patients) and either atorvastatin 10 mg daily (n=5,168) or placebo (n=5,137) and followed for a median duration of 3.3 years. At baseline, in the atorvastatin group, 38 patients (0.7%) had total-C levels less than 3.5 mmol/L; 2340 patients (45.3%) had total-C levels greater than or equal to 3.5 mmol/L and less than 5.5 mmol/L; 2,304 patients (44.6%) had total-C greater than or equal to 5.5 mmol/L and less than 6.5 mmol/L; and 486 patients (9.4%) had total-C levels greater than or equal to 6.5 mmol/L. At baseline, 457 patients (9.8%) in the atorvastatin group had LDL-C levels less than or equal to 2.5 mmol/L; 1,731 patients (37%) had LDL-C greater than 2.5 mmol/L and less than 3.4 mmol/L; and 2,495 patients (53.3%) had LDL-C levels greater than or equal to 3.4 mmol/L. Median (25th and 75th percentile) changes from baseline after 1-year of atorvastatin treatment in total-C, LDL-C, TG and HDL-C were -1.40 mmol/L (-1.80, -0.90), -1.27 mmol/L (-1.66, -0.84), -0.20 mmol/L (-0.60, 0.10) and 0.00 mmol/L (-0.10, 0.10). Blood pressure control throughout the trial was similar in patients assigned to atorvastatin and placebo.
The primary endpoint examined in ASCOT was the rate of fatal coronary heart disease or non-fatal myocardial infarction over 3.3 years. These coronary events occurred in 1.9% of atorvastatin treated patients compared to 3% of placebo treated patients, a relative risk reduction of 36% (p = 0.0005) (Table 2). Although this difference was statistically significant for the whole trial population, this difference was not statistically significant in specified subgroups such as diabetes, patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), previous vascular disease or metabolic syndrome.
There was no statistically significant reduction in the rate of total mortality, cardiovascular mortality or heart failure in the atorvastatin treated group compared to placebo.

Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

A 26 week randomised, double blind, comparator study in NIDDM subjects showed that atorvastatin is effective in dyslipidaemic patients with NIDDM. A 10 mg dose of atorvastatin produced a 34% reduction in LDL-cholesterol, 27% reduction in total cholesterol, a 24% reduction in triglycerides and a 12% rise in HDL cholesterol.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Atorvastatin has also been shown to reduce LDL-C in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a population that has not usually responded to other lipid-lowering medication. In an uncontrolled compassionate-use study, 29 patients aged 6 to 37 years with homozygous FH received maximum daily doses of 20 to 80 mg of atorvastatin. The mean LDL reduction in this study was 18%. Twenty-five patients with a reduction in LDL-C had a mean response of 20% (range 7%-53%, median 24%). Five of the 29 patients had absent LDL-receptor function, three of whom responded to atorvastatin with a mean LDL-C reduction of 22%. Experience in paediatric patients has been limited to patients with homozygous FH.

Hypertriglyceridaemia.

In patients with hypertriglyceridaemia (baseline TG ≥ 2.26 mmol/L and LDL-C < 4.14 mmol/L) atorvastatin (10 to 80 mg) reduced serum triglycerides by 31% to 40%.
In patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (baseline TG > 5.7 mmol/L), atorvastatin (10 to 80 mg) reduced serum triglycerides by 30% to 56%.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, multicentre study in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia (TG ≥ 3.95 mmol/L, LDL-C ≤ 4.1 mmol/L), atorvastatin 20 mg/day and 80 mg/day produced significantly greater reductions in triglyceride levels than placebo (Table 3).

Dysbetalipoproteinaemia.

In patients with dysbetalipoproteinaemia, atorvastatin (10 to 80 mg) reduced intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL-C) (range 28% to 52%) and IDL-C + VLDL-C (range 34% to 58%).
In an open-label, randomized, cross-over study in patients with dysbetalipoproteinaemia, treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg/day resulted in significantly greater mean percent decreases in IDL-C + VLDL-C, IDL-C, total-C, VLDL-C and Apo B than either simvastatin 40 mg/day or gemfibrozil 1200 mg/day and significantly greater mean percent decreases in triglycerides than simvastatin 40 mg/day (Table 4).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Atorvastatin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration; maximum plasma concentrations occur within 1 to 2 hours. A constant proportion of atorvastatin is absorbed intact. The absolute bioavailability is 14%. The low systemic availability is attributed to pre-systemic clearance in gastrointestinal mucosa and/or hepatic first-pass metabolism. Although food decreases the rate and extent of drug absorption by approximately 25% and 9%, respectively, as assessed by Cmax and AUC, LDL-C reduction is similar whether atorvastatin is given with or without food. Plasma atorvastatin concentrations are lower (approximately 30% for Cmax and AUC) following evening drug administration compared with morning. However, LDL-C reduction is the same regardless of the time of day of drug administration (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Distribution.

The mean volume of distribution of atorvastatin is about 400 litres. Atorvastatin is ≥ 98% bound to plasma proteins. A RBC/plasma ratio of approximately 0.25 indicates poor drug penetration into red blood cells. Based on observations in rats, atorvastatin is likely to be secreted in human milk (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation).

Metabolism.

In humans, atorvastatin is extensively metabolised to ortho- and para-hydroxylated derivatives. In vitro inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by ortho- and para-hydroxylated metabolites is equivalent to that of atorvastatin. Approximately 70% of circulating inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is attributed to active metabolites. In vitro studies suggest the importance of atorvastatin metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4, consistent with increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin in humans following co-administration with erythromycin, a known inhibitor of this isozyme (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). In animals, the ortho-hydroxy metabolite undergoes further glucuronidation.

Elimination.

Atorvastatin is eliminated primarily in bile following hepatic and/or extrahepatic metabolism; however, the drug does not appear to undergo enterohepatic recirculation. Mean plasma elimination half-life of atorvastatin in humans is approximately 14 hours, but the half-life of inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is 20 to 30 hours due to the contribution of active metabolites. Less than 2% of a dose of atorvastatin is recovered in urine following oral administration.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Atorvastatin did not demonstrate mutagenic or clastogenic potential in an appropriate battery of assays. It was negative in the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, and in the in vitro HGPRT forward mutation assay in Chinese hamster lung cells. Atorvastatin did not produce significant increases in chromosomal aberrations in the in vitro Chinese hamster lung cell assay and was negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

Carcinogenicity.

In a 2-year study in rats given 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg/day, the incidence of hepatocellular adenoma was marginally, although not significantly, increased in females at 100 mg/kg/day. The maximum dose used was 11 times higher than the highest human dose (80 mg/kg) based on AUC (0-24) values. In a 2-year study in mice given 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg, incidences of hepatocellular adenoma in males and hepatocellular carcinoma in females were increased at 400 mg/kg. The maximum dose used was 14 times higher than the highest human dose (80 mg/kg) based on AUC (0-24) values. Other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have been reported to induce hepatocellular tumours in mice and rats.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

See Section 2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.
See Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australia Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Torvastat is available in three strengths:

10 mg.

White oval biconvex tablet with "10" on one side and "A" on reverse.

20 mg.

White oval biconvex tablet with "20" on one side and "A" on reverse.

40 mg.

White oval biconvex tablet with "40" on one side and "A" on reverse.
Torvastat tablets are available in foil blister and bottle1 packs of 30.
1 Not currently marketed in Australia.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Atorvastatin calcium is a white to off-white amorphous powder. Atorvastatin calcium is very slightly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol and freely soluble in methanol.
Chemical name: [R-(R*,R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-β,δ- dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4- [(phenylamino) carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid, calcium salt (2:1). Molecular formula: (C33H34FN2O5)2Ca. Molecular weight: 1155.3.

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

134523-03-8.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.

Summary Table of Changes