Consumer medicine information

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

Ezetimibe; Atorvastatin

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

Active ingredient

Ezetimibe; Atorvastatin

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

SUMMARY CMI

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH contains the active ingredients ezetimibe and atorvastatin. Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is used in people whose cholesterol and triglyceride levels are too high and when diet alone cannot lower these levels adequately.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ezetimibe or atorvastatin or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

  • The recommended dose in adults (18 years and over) is one Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH tablet once a day.
  • For the best effect take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH at about the same time each day.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.
  • If you become pregnant while taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH, tell your doctor immediately.
  • Have any blood tests your doctor requests to make sure Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is right for you.
Things you should not do
  • Do not give Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Driving or using machines
  • Side effects have been reported that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH affects you.
Drinking alcohol
  • Drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH may increase your chance of getting liver problems.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store below 30°C.
  • Store in a cool dry place.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH are diarrhoea and muscle pain.

Allergic reactions to ezetimibe, atorvastatin or other ingredients of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH occur very rarely. Serious side effects are rare, but may need urgent medical attention.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

Active ingredient(s): ezetimibe and atorvastatin calcium trihydrate

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?
2. What should I know before I use Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?
5. What should I know while using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH contains the active ingredients ezetimibe and atorvastatin.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is used in people whose cholesterol and triglyceride levels are too high and when diet alone cannot lower these levels adequately.

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is one of several fatty substances found in the bloodstream. Your total cholesterol is made up mainly of LDL and HDL cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is often called ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries forming plaque. Eventually this plaque build-up can lead to a narrowing of the arteries. This narrowing can slow or block blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This blocking of blood flow can result in a heart attack or stroke.

HDL cholesterol is often called ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps keep the bad cholesterol from building up in the arteries and protects against heart disease.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are another form of fat in your blood that may increase your risk for heart disease.

Heart Disease

If you have heart disease and a history of heart attack or hospitalisation for unstable angina (chest pain), Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, surgery to increase heart blood flow, or hospitalisation for chest pain.

How Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH works

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH contains two different medicines. One is ezetimibe and the other is atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium trihydrate). Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH reduces elevated total-cholesterol, LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and triglycerides and increases HDL (‘good’) cholesterol.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH works by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine and by reducing the amount of cholesterol made in the liver.

Your doctor may have prescribed Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH for another reason.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH has been prescribed for you.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is not addictive.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH does not help you lose weight.

2. What should I know before I use Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

Warnings

Do not use Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH if:

  • you are allergic to ezetimibe, 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, throat or other parts of the body;
    - rash, itching or hives on the skin.
    Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • you have had muscle pain, tenderness or weakness from other medicines used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides.
  • you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant or you are breastfeeding.
  • you have active liver disease or repeated blood tests indicating possible liver problems.
  • you are taking fenofibrate and you have gall bladder disease.
  • you are taking fusidic acid (an antibiotic).
  • the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
  • the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Before you start to take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH:

  • your doctor will ask you to have your liver function tested.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have, or have had, any other medical conditions including:
    - liver problems. Your doctor will do blood tests sometimes to make sure you have no problems with your liver.
    - kidney problems.
    - a type of stroke called haemorrhagic stroke, or a type of stroke called lacunar stroke. If you have had one of these strokes before, this medicine may increase the risk of you having haemorrhagic stroke.
    - myasthenia gravis (a disease causing general muscle weakness including in some cases muscles used for breathing) or ocular myasthenia (a disease causing eye muscle weakness) as statins may lead to occurrence of myasthenia or aggravate the condition.
  • have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness not caused by exercise. This is because on rare occasions, muscle problems can be serious, including muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage that can lead to death. Your doctor may do a blood test to check for certain muscle problems.
  • have, or have had, breathing problems.
  • have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • drink alcohol regularly.
  • take any medicines for any other condition.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is contraindicated (ie. should not be used) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you take this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding your baby may absorb this medicine and it may affect your baby's normal development causing foetal malformations (birth defects) or irreversible damage.

If you are a woman of child-bearing age and are taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH, use a proven method of birth control to avoid pregnancy.

Use in children

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is not recommended for use in children, as there have been no studies of its effects in children.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

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

Some medicines may be affected by Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH, or may affect how well it works, or may increase the risk of side effects with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

  • bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, used to lower cholesterol levels;
  • other medicines to lower cholesterol or triglyceride levels, for example, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, other fibrates, Vitamin B3 (niacin);
  • warfarin or fluindione or ticagrelor, used to prevent blood clots;
  • erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin or fusidic acid, antibiotics used to treat infection;
  • some medicines used to treat certain fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole;
  • efavirenz and protease inhibitors such as fosamprenevir and combinations of lopinavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir and saquinavir/ritonavir for the treatment of HIV infections;
  • hepatitis C antiviral agents, such as, telaprevir, boceprevir, elbasvir or grazoprevir;
  • phenytoin, used to treat epilepsy (seizures);
  • ciclosporin, used to suppress the immune system;
  • colchicine, used for gout;
  • spironolactone, used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of swelling;
  • diltiazem used to treat angina;
  • digoxin, used to treat heart failure;
  • oral contraceptives for birth control;
  • antacids and cimetidine, used to treat reflux or ulcers;
  • St John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) (a medicine to treat depression);
  • daptomycin, used to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections and bacteraemia.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

4. How do I take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

If you are currently taking a medicine that contains ezetimibe and/or atorvastatin which are contained in Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH: stop taking your current medicine(s) that contain ezetimibe and/or atorvastatin as this may result in you taking more medicine than you need; take the remaining medicine(s) to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

How much to take

  • The recommended dose in adults (18 years and over) is one Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH tablet once a day.
  • Take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH only when prescribed by your doctor.
  • Take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH every day and continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you. Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH helps to lower your cholesterol levels but does not cure your condition. If you stop taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH your cholesterol levels may rise again.

How to take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
  • Take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH with or without food.

When to take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

  • Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH can be taken at any time of the day, however, it should be taken at about the same time each day.
  • Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

Taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH with other cholesterol-lowering agents

Your doctor may ask you to take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH with other cholesterol-lowering agents such as bile acid sequestrants.

If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant, such as cholestyramine, take your Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH either at least two hours before or four hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant.

If you forget to take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablet as you would normally.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

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

If you use too much Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

If you think that you have used too much Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26); or
  • contact your doctor; or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH?

Things you should do

  • Keep all your doctor's appointments.
    Even if you are taking medicines to treat high cholesterol, it is important to have your cholesterol measured regularly. You should also know your cholesterol levels and goals. Your doctor will ask you to have your liver function tested from time to time while you are taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent unwanted side effects.

Call your doctor straight away:

  • and stop taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH if you become pregnant while you are taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

Things you should not do

  • Do not take Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Things to be careful of

  • Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice.
    Grapefruit juice contains one or more components that alter the metabolism of some medicines, including Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH. Drinking very large quantities (over 1.2 litres) of grapefruit juice each day while taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH increases your chance of getting side effects.

Things that may help your condition

  • Lifestyle changes. This includes a cholesterol-lowering diet, increasing physical activity, and weight management. Ask your doctor for advice before increasing physical activity.
  • Medicines. Cholesterol-lowering medicines are used together with lifestyle changes to help lower cholesterol.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH affects you.

There have been side effects reported with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Individual responses to Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH may vary.

Drinking alcohol

Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol.

Drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH may increase your chance of getting liver problems.

Looking after your medicine

  • Store below 30°C.
  • Store in a cool dry place.

Follow the instructions on the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink; or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
Muscle/skeleton-related:
  • Muscle aches, spasms, tiredness or weakness.
  • Aches and pain.
  • Stiffness.
  • Pain in arms and legs.
  • Elevation in some laboratory blood tests of muscle function.
  • Leg cramps.
Gastro-intestinal-related:
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Constipation.
  • Frequent bowel movements.
  • Nausea.
  • Stomach or belly pain.
  • Heartburn, indigestion or wind.
Liver-related:
  • Elevation in some laboratory blood tests of liver function.
Heart and circulation-related:
  • Slow heartbeat.
  • Hot flush.
Skin-related:
  • Acne.
Metabolism and nutrition-related:
  • Diabetes. (This is more likely if you have high levels of sugars and fats in your blood, are overweight and have high blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor you while taking this medicine.)
Heart and nervous system-related:
  • Taste disturbance.
  • Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Poor memory.
  • Confusion.
Mood-related:
  • Depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
Respiratory-related:
  • Cough.
  • Shortness of breath.
Eye-related:
  • Visual disturbance.
Ear-related:
  • Hearing loss.
Infections:
  • Influenza.
General conditions:
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.
  • Generally feeling unwell.
  • Swelling.
  • Weight gain.
  • Sexual difficulties.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
Allergic reaction:
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
Heart and circulation-related:
  • Chest pain.
  • 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.
  • Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal.
Liver-related:
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
  • Dark coloured urine.
  • Light coloured bowel motions.
Gastro-intestinal-related:
  • Steady abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting.
Skin-related:
  • Severe skin problems.
  • Skin rash and hives.
  • Raised red rash, sometimes with circle-shaped lesions
Muscle-related:
  • Joint pain.
  • Tendon injury.
  • Weakness in your arms or legs that worsens after periods of activity, double vision or drooping of your eyelids, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath (symptoms of myasthenia).
  • Unexpected muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness not caused by exercise and particularly, if at the same time, you feel unwell or have a high temperature while taking or after your doctor has advised you to stop takin Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH. On rare occasions, muscle problems can be serious including muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage. You may need urgent medical attention.
General conditions:
  • Weakness in your arms or legs that worsens after periods of activity, double vision or drooping of your eyelids, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath (symptoms of myasthenia).
  • Problems with breathing, including shortness of breath, persistent cough and fever that may also occur with fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
  • Serious illness with severe peeling and swelling of the skin, severe blisters and bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose or genitals and skin rash with pink-red blotches especially on the palms of hands or soles of feet, which may blister.
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

If you are prescribed Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH, your healthcare professional may want to conduct routine blood tests to check your liver function before and after starting treatment.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		Ezetimibe
Atorvastatin (as calcium trihydrate)
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		Povidone
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Lactose monohydrate
Crospovidone
Colloidal anhydrous silica
Sodium stearylfumarate
Microcrystalline cellulose
Calcium carbonate
Hyprolose
Opadry White AMB complete film coating system OY-B-28920 White (4271)
The film-coating contains:
  • Polyvinyl alcohol
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Talc
  • Lecithin
  • Xanthan gum
Potential allergensLactose monohydrate

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH looks like

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10 mg/10 mg is a white to off-white capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with ‘AE’ on one side and ‘1’ on the other (AUST R 306961).

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10 mg/20 mg is a white to off-white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with ‘AE’ on one side and ‘2’ on the other side (AUST R 306957).

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10 mg/40 mg is a white to off-white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with ‘AE’ on one side and ‘3’ on the other (AUST R 306955).

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10 mg/80 mg is a white to off-white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with ‘AE’ on one side and ‘ii1291404’ on the other (AUST R 306965).

Who distributes Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

Generic Health Pty Ltd
Suite 2, Level 2
19-23 Prospect Street
Box Hill, VIC, 3128
Australia

ii1291401  [email protected]

ii1291402  +61 3 9809 7900

ii1291403  www.generichealth.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in July 2024.

Published by MIMS October 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH

Active ingredient

Ezetimibe; Atorvastatin

Schedule

S4

 

Notes

Distributed by Generic Health Pty Ltd

1 Name of Medicine

Ezetimibe.
Atorvastatin (as calcium trihydrate).

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is a film-coated tablet containing ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 10, 20, 40 or 80 mg.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/10: Each tablet contains 10 mg of ezetimibe and atorvastatin calcium trihydrate equivalent to 10 mg of atorvastatin.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/20: Each tablet contains 10 mg of ezetimibe and atorvastatin calcium trihydrate equivalent to 20 mg of atorvastatin.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/40: Each tablet contains 10 mg of ezetimibe and atorvastatin calcium trihydrate equivalent to 40 mg of atorvastatin.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/80: Each tablet contains 10 mg of ezetimibe and atorvastatin calcium trihydrate equivalent to 80 mg of atorvastatin.

Excipients with known effect.

Contains sugars as lactose.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/10.

White to off-white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with 'AE' on one side and '1' on the other side.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/20.

White to off-white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with 'AE' on one side and '2' on the other side.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/40.

White to off-white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with 'AE' on one side and '3' on the other side.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/80.

White to off-white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with 'AE' on one side and '4' on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is indicated in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and a history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) taking their maximum tolerated dose of atorvastatin and in need of additional lowering of LDL-C in the expectation of a modest further reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events following at least one year of therapy (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).

Primary hypercholesterolaemia.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) hypercholesterolaemia where use of a combination product is appropriate in those patients: not appropriately controlled with atorvastatin or ezetimibe alone; or already treated with atorvastatin and ezetimibe.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH).

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is indicated in patients with HoFH. Patients may also receive adjunctive treatments (e.g. LDL apheresis).

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

This combination product is not indicated for first-line use.
Patient should be on an appropriate lipid‐lowering diet and should continue on this diet during treatment with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

Dosage in patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH can be administered within the dosage range of 10/10 mg to 10/80 mg as a single daily dose. The recommended starting dose of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is 10/10 mg or 10/20 mg once daily. Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH can be administered 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 Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH, lipid levels should be re‐analysed within 2 or more weeks and dosage adjusted according to the patient's response.

Dosage in patients with coronary heart disease.

Therapy can be commenced for patients with CHD and a history of ACS who are taking their maximum tolerated dose of atorvastatin and have not achieved recommended target lipid levels. The recommended starting dose of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH in patients already treated with atorvastatin should provide ezetimibe dosed as 10 mg daily and the dose of atorvastatin already being taken. Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is not indicated for first-line use.
Note that in the cardiovascular events risk reduction study (IMPROVE-IT), the starting dose was 10/40 mg ezetimibe/simvastatin once a day in the evening (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).

Advice to patients currently taking ezetimibe and/or atorvastatin.

To prevent accidental excessive dosing due to inadvertent duplication of administration of ezetimibe and/or atorvastatin, patients currently taking ezetimibe and/or atorvastatin should be advised that Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH replaces these medications and therefore the current ezetimibe and/or atorvastatin medication(s) should no longer be taken. Patients should also be advised to take any remaining medication(s) to the pharmacy for appropriate disposal.

Dosage in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH).

The dosage of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is 10/40 mg or 10/80 mg daily. Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be used as an adjunct to other treatments (e.g. LDL apheresis) in these patients or if such treatments are unavailable.

Renal insufficiency.

No dosage adjustment is required for renally impaired patients.

Hepatic insufficiency.

No dosage adjustment is required in patients with mild hepatic insufficiency (Child Pugh A or score 5 to 6). Treatment with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is not recommended in patients with moderate (Child Pugh B or score 7 to 9) or severe (Child Pugh C or score > 9) liver dysfunction. The benefits of therapy should be weighed against the risks when Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is to be given to patients with hepatic insufficiency (see Section 5 Pharmacological Properties; Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Use in combination with other medicinal compounds.

Bile acid sequestrants.

Dosing of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should occur either ≥ 2 hours before or ≥ 4 hours after administration of a bile acid sequestrant.

Ciclosporin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, or certain HIV/ HCV antiviral agents.

In patients taking ciclosporin or the HIV protease inhibitors tipranavir plus ritonavir or the hepatitis C protease inhibitor telaprevir, therapy with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be avoided. In patients with HIV taking lopinavir plus ritonavir, caution should be used when prescribing Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH and the lowest dose necessary employed. In patients taking clarithromycin, itraconazole, or the hepatitis C antiviral agents boceprevir, elbasvir, grazoprevir, or in patients with HIV taking a combination of saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir or fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, therapy with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be limited to 10/20 mg, and appropriate clinical assessment is recommended to ensure that the lowest dose necessary of atorvastatin is employed. In patients taking the HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir, therapy with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be limited to 10/40 mg, and appropriate clinical assessment is recommended to ensure that the lowest dose necessary of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 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).

Use in the elderly.

No dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients for Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Characteristics in patients (special populations)).

Paediatric use.

Treatment with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is not recommended.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.
Myopathy secondary to other lipid lowering agents.
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 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Women of childbearing potential, unless on an effective contraceptive and highly unlikely to conceive.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH in combination with fenofibrate is contraindicated in patients with gall bladder disease.
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).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Identified precautions.

Liver enzymes.

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 pretreatment levels. Most patients continued treatment on a reduced dose of atorvastatin without sequelae.
In controlled clinical studies, the incidence of consecutive elevations (≥ 3 x the upper limit of normal [ULN]) in hepatic transaminase levels was similar between ezetimibe (0.5%) and placebo (0.3%).
In controlled coadministration trials in patients receiving ezetimibe with atorvastatin, the incidence of consecutive elevations (≥ 3 x ULN) in hepatic transaminase levels was 0.6% for patients treated with ezetimibe administered with atorvastatin (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Liver function tests should be performed before the initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter. There have been rare post-marketing reports of fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including atorvastatin. Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be monitored until the abnormalities resolve. Should an increase in ALT or AST of > 3 times ULN persist, reduction of dose or withdrawal of atorvastatin is recommended.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 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 Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Skeletal muscle.

Ezetimibe.

In clinical trials, there was no excess of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis associated with ezetimibe compared with the relevant control arm (placebo or statin alone). However, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis are known adverse reactions to statins and other lipid-lowering drugs. In clinical trials, the incidence of CPK > 10 x ULN was 4 of 1,674 (0.2%) patients administered ezetimibe alone vs. 1 of 786 (0.1%) patients administered placebo, and for 1 of 917 (0.1%) patients coadministered ezetimibe and a statin vs. 4 of 929 (0.4%) patients administered a statin alone.
In post-marketing experience with ezetimibe, cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported regardless of causality. Most patients who developed rhabdomyolysis were taking a statin prior to initiating ezetimibe. However, rhabdomyolysis has been reported very rarely with ezetimibe monotherapy and very rarely with the addition of ezetimibe to agents known to be associated with increased risk of rhabdomyolysis.

Atorvastatin.

Rare cases of rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported with atorvastatin and with other drugs in this class. A history of renal impairment may be a risk factor for the development of rhabdomyolysis. Such patients merit closer monitoring for skeletal muscle effects.
Atorvastatin, like other statins, occasionally causes myopathy, defined as muscle aches or muscle weakness in conjunction with increases in CK values > 10 times ULN. The concomitant use of higher doses of atorvastatin with certain drugs such as ciclosporin and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. clarithromycin, itraconazole, and HIV protease inhibitors) increases the risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use. IMNM is characterised by: proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatinine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy without significant inflammation; improvement with immunosuppressive agents.
Myopathy 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 or if muscle signs and symptoms persist after discontinuing ezetimibe/atorvastatin. Ezetimibe/atorvastatin therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.
The risk of myopathy during treatment with statins is increased with concurrent administration of ciclosporin, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, clarithromycin, combinations of HIV protease inhibitors, including saquinavir plus ritonavir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, tipranavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, and fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, niacin, azole antifungals, colchicine, or hepatitis C antiviral agents such as, telaprevir, boceprevir, elbasvir and grazoprevir (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions). Physicians considering combined therapy with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH and fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, clarithromycin, elbasvir, grazoprevir, a combination of saquinavir plus ritonavir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, or fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, azole antifungals, colchicine, or lipid modifying doses of niacin should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks and should carefully monitor patients for any signs or 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. Lower starting and maintenance doses of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be considered when taken concomitantly with the aforementioned drugs (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Use in combination with other medicinal compounds). Periodic CK determinations may be considered in such situations, but there is no assurance that such monitoring will prevent the occurrence of severe myopathy.
Prescribing recommendations for interacting agents are summarised in Table 1 (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Ciclosporin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, or certain HIV/HCV antiviral agents; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions, Cytochrome P450, Inhibitors of 3A4).
There have been reports of rhabdomyolysis (including some fatalities) in patients receiving concomitant fusidic acid and statins (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions). In patients where the use of systemic fusidic acid is considered essential, statin treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of the fusidic acid treatment. The patient should be advised to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, pain or tenderness. Statin therapy may be re-introduced seven days after the last dose of fusidic acid.
Reports of myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis have been observed with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors coadministered with daptomycin. Caution should be used when prescribing HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors with daptomycin, as either agent can cause myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis when given alone. Consideration should be given to suspending Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH temporarily in patients taking daptomycin (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions, Other drug interactions).
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 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).

Myasthenia gravis/ocular myasthenia.

In few cases, statins have been reported to induce new onset or aggravate pre-existing myasthenia gravis or ocular myasthenia (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be discontinued in case of these conditions occur. There have been reports of recurrences of these conditions when the same or a different statin was (re-) administered.

Fibrates.

The coadministration of ezetimibe with fibrates, other than fenofibrate, has not been studied. Therefore, coadministration of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH and fibrates is not recommended (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Fenofibrate.

Fibrates may increase cholesterol excretion from the bile, and ezetimibe increased cholesterol in the gallbladder bile in a preclinical study in dogs. Given the potential for cholelithiasis, and the numerically higher incidence of cholecystectomies in patients administered ezetimibe and fenofibrate in a clinical study (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)), coadministration of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH and fenofibrate is not recommended in patients with pre-existing gallbladder disease (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Ciclosporin.

In patients taking ciclosporin, therapy with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be avoided (see Table 1 and see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions; Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Anticoagulants.

If Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is added to warfarin, another coumarin anticoagulant or fluindione the International Normalised Ratio (INR) should be appropriately monitored (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

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 haemorrhagic stroke should be carefully considered before initiating treatment with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 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.

Statins interfere with cholesterol synthesis and theoretically might blunt adrenal and/or gonadal steroid production. Clinical studies have shown that atorvastatin does not reduce basal plasma cortisol concentration or impair adrenal reserve. The effects of statins on male fertility have not been studied in adequate numbers of patients. The effects, if any, on the pituitary-gonadal axis in premenopausal women are unknown. Caution should be exercised if Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 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, nonproductive cough and deterioration in general health (fatigue, weight loss and fever). If it is suspected a patient has developed interstitial lung disease, Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH therapy should be discontinued.

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.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Due to the unknown effects of the increased exposure to ezetimibe in patients with moderate or severe hepatic insufficiency, Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH is not recommended in these patients (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Characteristics in patients (special populations)).

Use in the elderly.

No dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients. Because advanced age (≥ 65 years) is a predisposing factor for myopathy, ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets should be prescribed with caution in the elderly (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Characteristics in patients (special populations)).
Coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin was studied in 1,053 patients ≥ 65 years of age with hypercholesterolaemia and high risk for CHD. Patients received ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin doses from 10 to 40 mg daily. The treatments were well tolerated, with a similar safety profile to that observed in younger patients.

Atorvastatin.

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.

Paediatric use.

There are insufficient data for the safe and effective administration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin in paediatric patients.

Effects on laboratory tests.

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

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction was seen when ezetimibe was coadministered with atorvastatin.
Multiple mechanisms may contribute to potential interactions with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Drugs or herbal products that inhibit certain enzymes (e.g. CYP3A4) and/or transporter (e.g. OATP1B) pathways may increase atorvastatin plasma concentrations and may lead to an increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Consult the prescribing information of all concomitantly used drugs to obtain further information about their potential interactions with atorvastatin and/or the potential for enzyme or transporter alterations and possible adjustments to dose and regimens.

Cytochrome P450.

Inhibitors of 3A4. 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, saquinavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir), hepatitis C protease inhibitors (boceprevir), clarithromycin and itraconazole. In patients taking ciclosporin, the HIV protease inhibitor tipranavir plus ritonavir, or the hepatitis C protease inhibitor telaprevir, concomitant use of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should be avoided. In patients taking the HIV protease inhibitor lopinavir plus ritonavir, caution should be used when prescribing Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH and the lowest dose necessary should be used. In patients taking the HIV protease inhibitors saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir or fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, or the hepatitis C protease inhibitor boceprevir, the dose of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should not exceed 10/20 mg and should be used with caution (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle; Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Ciclosporin, clarithromycin, itraconazole or certain HIV/HCV antiviral agents). In patients taking the HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir, the dose of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should not exceed 10/40 mg and close clinical monitoring is recommended. 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. macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin and clarithromycin, and azole antifungals including itraconazole). The risk of myopathy during treatment with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is increased with concurrent administration of ciclosporin, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, azole antifungals or niacin:

Erythromycin/clarithromycin.

In healthy individuals, coadministration of atorvastatin (10 mg QD) and erythromycin (500 mg QID), or clarithromycin (500 mg BID), known inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4, was associated with higher plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. In patients taking clarithromycin the dose of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should not exceed 10/20 mg (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle).

Protease inhibitors.

Coadministration of atorvastatin and protease inhibitors, known inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4, was associated with increased 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. In patients taking itraconazole the dose of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should not exceed 10/20 mg.

Diltiazem hydrochloride.

Coadministration of atorvastatin (40 mg) with diltiazem (240 mg) was associated with higher plasma concentrations of atorvastatin.

Cimetidine.

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

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).
Ezetimibe.

Cimetidine.

Cimetidine, coadministered with ezetimibe, had no effect on the bioavailability of ezetimibe.
Inducers of 3A4. Atorvastatin. Atorvastatin is metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4.
Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4 (e.g. efavirenz, rifampicin, phenytoin, St John's wort) 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 coadministration 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.
Ezetimibe. In preclinical studies, it has been shown that ezetimibe does not induce cytochrome P450 drug metabolising enzymes. No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions have been observed between ezetimibe and drugs known to be metabolised by cytochromes P450 1A2, 2D6, 2C8, 2C9, and 3A4, or N-acetyltransferase.

Other drug interactions.

Ezetimibe.

Ezetimibe had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of dapsone, dextromethorphan, digoxin, oral contraceptives (ethinyloestradiol and levonorgestrel), glipizide, tolbutamide or midazolam during coadministration.

Antacids.

Ezetimibe.

Concomitant antacid administration decreased the rate of absorption of ezetimibe but had no effect on the bioavailability of ezetimibe. This decreased rate of absorption is not considered clinically significant.

Atorvastatin.

Coadministration 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.

Bile acid sequestrants.

Dosing of ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets and a bile acid binding sequestrant should take place several hours apart. However, efficacy of such combination has not been studied.

Colestipol.

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

Cholestyramine.

Concomitant cholestyramine administration decreased the mean AUC of total ezetimibe (ezetimibe + ezetimibe glucuronide) approximately 55%. The incremental LDL-C reduction due to adding ezetimibe to cholestyramine may be lessened by this interaction.

Fibrates.

The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe and atorvastatin administered with fibrates have not been established. Fibrates may increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to cholelithiasis. In a preclinical study in dogs, ezetimibe increased cholesterol in the gallbladder bile. Although the relevance of this preclinical finding to humans is unknown, coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin with fibrates is not recommended until use in patients is studied.

Fenofibrate.

Caution should be used when prescribing Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH and fenofibrate, as fenofibrate can cause myopathy when given alone.
In a pharmacokinetic study, concomitant fenofibrate administration increased total ezetimibe concentrations approximately 1.5-fold. This increase is not considered clinically significant.

Gemfibrozil.

Concomitant administration of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH with gemfibrozil should be avoided.
In a pharmacokinetic study, concomitant gemfibrozil administration increased total ezetimibe concentrations approximately 1.7-fold. No clinical data are available.

Anticoagulants.

The effect of ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets on the prothrombin time has not been studied.

Ezetimibe.

Concurrent administration of ezetimibe (10 mg once daily) had no significant effect on bioavailability and prothrombin time in a study of twelve healthy adult males administered a single dose of warfarin. There have been post-marketing reports of increased International Normalised Ratio in patients who had ezetimibe added to warfarin or fluindione. Most of these patients were also on other medications (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Atorvastatin.

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

Fusidic acid.

The risk of myopathy including rhabdomyolysis may be increased by the concomitant administration of systemic fusidic acid with statins. Coadministration 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 atorvastatin 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, Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of the fusidic acid treatment (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle).

Colchicine.

Although interaction studies with atorvastatin and colchicine have not been conducted, cases of myopathy have been reported with atorvastatin coadministered with colchicine, and caution should be exercised when prescribing Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH with colchicine (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Transporter inhibitors.

Atorvastatin.

Atorvastatin and atorvastatin-metabolites are substrates of the OATP1B1 transporter. Inhibitors of the OATP1B1 (e.g. ciclosporin) can increase the bioavailability of atorvastatin. Concomitant administration of atorvastatin 10 mg and ciclosporin 5.2 mg/kg/day resulted in an increase in exposure to atorvastatin. The coadministration of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH with ciclosporin should be avoided (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle; Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Ezetimibe.

The effect of ciclosporin on ezetimibe was studied in eight postrenal transplant patients with creatinine clearance of > 50 mL/min who were on a stable dose of ciclosporin. A single 10 mg dose of ezetimibe resulted in a 3.4-fold (range 2.3- to 7.9-fold) increase in the mean AUC for total ezetimibe compared to a group of historical healthy volunteers (n = 17) who had taken a single 10 mg dose of ezetimibe alone.
In a different study, a renal transplant patient with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) who was receiving multiple medications, including ciclosporin, demonstrated a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe compared to concurrent controls.
In a two-period crossover study in twelve healthy subjects, daily administration of 20 mg ezetimibe for 8 days with a single dose 100 mg dose of ciclosporin on day 7 resulted in a mean 15% increase in ciclosporin AUC (range 10% decrease to 51% increase) compared to a single 100 mg dose of ciclosporin alone (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Inhibitors of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).

Atorvastatin is a substrate of the efflux transporter BCRP. Concomitant administration of products that are inhibitors of BCRP (e.g. elbasvir and grazoprevir) may lead to increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin and an increased risk of myopathy; therefore, a dose adjustment of atorvastatin may be necessary. Coadministration of elbasvir and grazoprevir with atorvastatin increased atorvastatin exposure (AUC0-∞) by 1.9-fold, whereas the maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) increased by 4.3-fold. This was due in part to CYP3A and/or BCRP inhibition; therefore, the dose of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH should not exceed 10/20 mg daily in patients receiving concomitant medication with products containing elbasvir or grazoprevir (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle).

Digoxin.

When multiple doses of digoxin (0.25 mg QD) and 10 mg atorvastatin were coadministered, 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.

Coadministration of atorvastatin with an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone and ethinyloestradiol increased AUC values for norethindrone and ethinyloestradiol by approximately 30% and 20%. These increases should be considered when selecting an oral contraceptive for a woman taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH.

Daptomycin.

The risk of myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis may be increased by concomitant administration of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and daptomycin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Skeletal muscle).

Other medicines shown not to interact with atorvastatin.

Amlodipine.

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

Azithromycin.

Coadministration of atorvastatin 10 mg daily and azithromycin (500 mg QD) 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.

Ticagrelor.

Co-administration of atorvastatin and ticagrelor increased the atorvastatin acid Cmax by 23% and AUC by 36%. Similar increases in AUC and Cmax were observed for all atorvastatin acid metabolites. These increases are not considered clinically significant.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Ezetimibe.

Ezetimibe had no effects on fertility in male and female rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, corresponding to exposures of approximately 1 and 7 times the adult human exposure for ezetimibe and total ezetimibe respectively.

Atorvastatin.

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.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 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).
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 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).

Ezetimibe.

No clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available. Ezetimibe crossed the placenta in rats and rabbits. There was no evidence of foetal abnormalities in rats dosed with up to 1000 mg/kg/day of ezetimibe by oral gavage during organogenesis, corresponding to exposures of about 1 and 7 times the adult human exposure for ezetimibe and total ezetimibe respectively, based on AUC. There was an increase in the incidence of extra thoracic ribs in rabbits at doses of 250 to 1000 mg/kg/day, corresponding to exposures of 0.5 to 1 times and 100 to 150 times the adult human exposure for ezetimibe and total ezetimibe, respectively. The relevance of this finding to humans is not known.
Ezetimibe in combination with statins, including atorvastatin, in rats and rabbits resulted in higher exposures to ezetimibe and/or statins than either drug administered alone. Skeletal malfunctions (hemivertebrae in rats and shortened /filamentous tail associated with fused and reduced number of caudal vertebrae in rabbits) and other less severe foetal abnormalities were observed in rats and rabbits dosed with ezetimibe/statin combinations during organogenesis.
Embryofoetal studies in rats showed no adverse foetal effects of oral ezetimibe/fenofibrate doses corresponding to 5 times (total ezetimibe) and 38 times (fenofibric acid) the anticipated human plasma exposure at the maximum recommended doses. In similar studies in rabbits, a No Effect Level for embryotoxicity was established at ca. 90 times (total ezetimibe) and 32 times (fenofibric acid) anticipated human exposure levels.

Atorvastatin.

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.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are contraindicated in pregnancy. The risk of foetal injury outweighs the benefits of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy during pregnancy.
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 postimplantation 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/postnatal 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 nonmaternotoxic 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.
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.
 Ezetimibe/atorvastatin is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, women who are nursing should not take ezetimibe/atorvastatin (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
No studies in lactating animals have been conducted with the combination of ezetimibe and atorvastatin.

Ezetimibe.

Studies in rats have shown that ezetimibe is excreted in milk.
Ezetimibe had no effects on pup development in rats treated with up to 1000 mg/kg/day of ezetimibe during late pregnancy and lactation. Drug exposures (based on AUC) in pups were approximately 1.5% and 50% of maternal exposures for ezetimibe and total ezetimibe respectively. It is not known whether ezetimibe is excreted into human breast milk.

Atorvastatin.

In rats, plasma concentrations of atorvastatin are similar to those in milk. It is not known whether atorvastatin is excreted in human milk.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No studies of the effects on the ability to drive and use of machines have been performed. However, certain side effects that have been reported with ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets may affect some patients' ability to drive or operate machinery. Individual responses to Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH may vary (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin has been evaluated for safety in more than 2,400 patients in 7 clinical trials. Coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin was generally well-tolerated. Table 2 summarises the common (≥ 1.0% in any group) drug-related adverse events by system organ class and preferred term.
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial in 628 patients with hyperlipidaemia (P0692), in which patients were treated for up to 12 weeks, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 2% and greater than placebo) were (see Table 3).
The following other uncommon (≥ 1/1000, < 1/100) drug-related adverse experiences by system organ class and preferred term were reported in patients taking coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin:

Infections and infestations.

Uncommon: influenza.

Psychiatric disorders.

Uncommon: depression, insomnia, sleep disorder.

Nervous system disorders.

Uncommon: dysgeusia, paraesthesia, dizziness, headache.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Dyspnoea.

Cardiac disorders.

Uncommon: sinus bradycardia.

Vascular disorders.

Uncommon: hot flush.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Uncommon: abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, frequent bowel movements, stomach discomfort, upset stomach, abdominal distension, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, nausea.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Uncommon: acne, urticaria.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Uncommon: arthralgia, back pain, muscle fatigue, muscular weakness, pain in extremity, muscle spasms, musculoskeletal stiffness.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Uncommon: asthenia, oedema, fatigue, malaise.

Investigations.

Uncommon: ALT and/or AST increased, alkaline phosphatase increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased, liver function test abnormal, weight increased, blood CK increased.

Laboratory values.

In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of clinically important elevations in serum transaminases (ALT and/or AST ≥ 3 x ULN, consecutive) was 0.6% for patients treated with coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin. These elevations in transaminases were generally asymptomatic, not associated with cholestasis, and returned to baseline spontaneously or after discontinuation of therapy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
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 pretreatment levels. Most patients continued treatment on a reduced dose of atorvastatin without sequelae.
In controlled clinical studies, the incidence of consecutive elevations (≥ 3 x the upper limit of normal [ULN]) in hepatic transaminase levels was similar between ezetimibe (0.5%) and placebo (0.3%).

Discontinuations.

Gastrointestinal disorders and musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders contributed to the majority of adverse experiences which lead to discontinuation in clinical trials. A total of 37 (0.7%) of 5,169 patients discontinued due to gastrointestinal adverse experiences; 2 (3.3%) of 60 patients in the placebo group, 0 of 65 patients in the ezetimibe monotherapy group, 20 (0.8%) of 2,521 patients in the atorvastatin monotherapy group, and 15 (0.6%) of 2,523 patients in the ezetimibe + atorvastatin coadministration group. A total of 28 (0.5%) of 5,169 patients discontinued due to musculoskeletal adverse experiences; 13 (0.5%) of 2,521 patients on atorvastatin monotherapy and 15 (0.6%) of 2,523 patients on ezetimibe + atorvastatin. The most frequently reported adverse experiences causing discontinuation were nausea; 7 (0.3%) and 3 (0.1%) patients, respectively, and myalgia, 8 (0.3%) and 8 (0.3%) patients, respectively, in the atorvastatin monotherapy and ezetimibe + atorvastatin treatment groups.
In a ezetimibe and atorvastatin placebo-controlled clinical trial, 628 patients (age range 18-86 years, 59% women, 85% Caucasians, 6% Blacks, 5% Hispanics, 3% Asians) with a median treatment duration of 12 weeks, 6% of patients on ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets and 5% of patients on placebo discontinued due to adverse reactions.
The most common adverse reactions in the group treated with ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo were: myalgia (0.8%); abdominal pain (0.8%); increased hepatic enzymes (0.8%).

Post-marketing experience and other clinical trial experience.

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported in post-marketing use with coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin or in clinical studies or post-marketing use with ezetimibe or atorvastatin. Not all effects listed have been causally associated with ezetimibe or atorvastatin.

Eye disorders.

Vision blurred, visual disturbance, ocular myasthenia (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Myasthenia gravis/ocular myasthenia).

Infections and infestations.

Nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, infection, sinusitis, pharyngitis.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Thrombocytopenia.

Immune system disorders.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Decreased appetite, anorexia, hyperglycaemia; hypoglycaemia.

Nervous system disorders.

Hypoesthesia, dysgeusia, amnesia, peripheral neuropathy, myasthenia gravis (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Myasthenia gravis/ocular myasthenia).

Psychiatric disorders.

Nightmare.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Tinnitus, deafness.

Vascular disorders.

Hypertension, haemorrhagic stroke.

Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders.

Cough, pharyngolaryngeal pain, epistaxis, asthma.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, eructation, vomiting, dry mouth.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, hepatic failure, cholestasis, drug induced liver injury.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Alopecia, pruritus, skin rash, angioneurotic oedema, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilic and systemic symptoms (DRESS), dermatitis bullous and erythema multiforme.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Immune mediated necrotising myopathy, myopathy/rhabdomyolysis which may be fatal (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 (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use), neck pain, joint swelling, musculoskeletal pain, myositis, tendinopathy (sometimes complicated by rupture).

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Gynaecomastia, erectile dysfunction.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Chest pain, pain, oedema peripheral, pyrexia.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Tendon rupture, injury.

Investigations.

White blood cells urine positive.
The following adverse events have been reported with some statins: sexual dysfunction; depression; exceptional cases of interstitial lung disease, especially with long-term therapy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use); diabetes mellitus: frequency will depend on the presence or absence of risk factors (fasting blood glucose ≥ 5.6 mmol/L, BMI > 30 kg/m2, raised triglycerides, history of hypertension).
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.
There has been rare post-marketing reports of cognitive impairment (e.g. memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) associated with statin use. These cognitive issues have been reported for all statins. The reports are generally nonserious, and reversible upon statin discontinuation, with variable times to symptom onset (1 day to years) and symptom resolution (median of 3 weeks).
In a coadministration study with fenofibrate (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials), in which 292 patients were exposed for ≥ 24 weeks and 120 exposed for ≥ 52 weeks, the incidence rate of cholecystectomy in the coadministration group was 1.7% (95% CI: 0.6, 4.0) per 100 patient years (PY) compared to 0 (95% CI: 0, 9.2) per 100 PY for the ezetimibe group and 0.6% (95% CI: 0, 3.1) per 100 PY for the fenofibrate group. Longer term safety outcomes have not been studied.
Please see the individual Product Information documents for atorvastatin and ezetimibe for further information on adverse effects.

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

For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).
No specific treatment of overdosage with Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH can be recommended. In the event of an overdose, symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed. 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.

Ezetimibe.

In clinical studies, administration of ezetimibe, 50 mg/day to 15 healthy subjects for up to 14 days, 40 mg/day to 18 patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia for up to 56 days was generally well tolerated.
A few cases of overdosage have been reported; most have not been associated with adverse experiences. Reported adverse experiences have not been serious.

Atorvastatin.

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 alkalinisation is not routinely recommended. Due to extensive drug binding to plasma proteins, haemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablet is a lipid-lowering product that selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related plant sterols and inhibits the endogenous synthesis of cholesterol.
Plasma cholesterol is derived from intestinal absorption and endogenous synthesis. Ezetimibe and atorvastatin are lipid-lowering compounds with complementary mechanisms of action. Together these distinct mechanisms reduce total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, TG, and non-HDL-C, and increase HDL-C beyond either treatment alone, through dual inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
Clinical studies demonstrate that elevated levels of total-C, LDL-C and Apo B, the major protein constituent of LDL, promote human atherosclerosis. In addition, decreased levels of HDL-C are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Epidemiologic studies 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. Like LDL, cholesterol-enriched triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, including very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), and remnants, can also promote atherosclerosis.

Ezetimibe.

Ezetimibe has a mechanism of action that differs from other classes of cholesterol reducing compounds (e.g. statins, bile acid sequestrants [resins], fibric acid derivatives, and plant sterols).
The molecular target of ezetimibe is the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is responsible for the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols. Ezetimibe therefore 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. Ezetimibe does not increase bile acid excretion (like bile acid sequestrants) and does not inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver (like statins).
In a 2 week clinical study in 18 hypercholesterolaemic patients, ezetimibe inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption by 54%, compared with placebo. A series of preclinical studies was performed to determine the selectivity of ezetimibe for inhibiting cholesterol absorption. Ezetimibe inhibited the absorption of [14C]-cholesterol with no effect on the absorption of triglycerides, fatty acids, bile acids, progesterone, ethinyloestradiol, or the fat soluble vitamins A and D.

Atorvastatin.

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.
Atorvastatin reduces total-C, LDL-C, and Apo B in both normal volunteers and in patients with homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), nonfamilial forms of hypercholesterolaemia, and mixed dyslipidaemia. Atorvastatin also reduces very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (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).

Clinical trials.

In controlled clinical studies, coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin significantly reduced total cholesterol (total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), triglycerides (TG), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with hypercholesterolaemia.
Primary hypercholesterolaemia.

Ezetimibe initiated concurrently with atorvastatin.

In a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study (P0692) in patients with hyperlipidaemia, 628 patients (260 male, 368 female) were treated for up to 12 weeks and 246 for up to an additional 48 weeks. Patients were 18 to 86 years of age, with baseline LDL-C concentrations between 130 to 253 mg/dL (3.37 to 6.55 mmol/L) (mean baseline LDL-C ranged from 175 and 184 mg/dL [4.53 and 4.77 mmol/L] across treatment groups). Sixty-three percent had risk factors or a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients were randomised to receive placebo, ezetimibe (10 mg), atorvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg), or coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin (10/10, 10/20, 10/40, and 10/80 mg) in the 12 week study. After completing the 12 week study, eligible patients were assigned to coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin (10/10-10/80 mg) or atorvastatin (10-80 mg/day) for an additional 48 weeks (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials, Long-term studies, P2154).
Eight percent of subjects discontinued treatment early, 5% were due to adverse events. There was no trend across treatment groups in the distribution of subjects who discontinued or in the reasons for discontinuation.
Patients receiving all doses of ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets were compared to those receiving all doses of atorvastatin. The primary endpoint was percent change from baseline in direct LDL-C at study endpoint (12 weeks). Secondary endpoints were percent change from baseline in calculated LDL-C, TC, TG, HDL-C and Apo B at endpoint. Ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, TG, and non-HDL-C, and increased HDL-C significantly more than atorvastatin alone (see Table 4).
The changes in lipid endpoints after an additional 48 weeks of treatment with ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets (all doses) or with atorvastatin (all doses) were generally consistent with the 12 week data displayed above.

Ezetimibe added to stable atorvastatin therapy.

In a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8 week study (P2173/2246), 769 (443 male, 326 female) patients aged 22 to 85 years with hypercholesterolaemia (baseline LDL-C ranged from 71 to 455 mg/dL [1.84 to 11.78 mmol/L]; mean baseline LDL-C 138 to 139 mg/dL [3.57 to 3.60 mmol/L] across the treatment groups), already receiving statin monotherapy and not at National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) LDL-C goal (2.59 to 4.14 mmol/L, depending on baseline characteristics) were randomised to receive either ezetimibe 10 mg or placebo in addition to their on-going statin therapy. Sixty-eight percent of subjects had CHD, diabetes and/or CHD equivalent disease with LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL (≥ 2.59 mmol/L).
Fifty-three subjects discontinued study treatment early, 34 were due to adverse events. There was no trend across treatment groups in the distribution of subjects who discontinued or the reasons for discontinuation.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in mean percent change in LDL-C between the treatment groups. The secondary endpoints included the percentage of subjects who achieved NCEP ATP II target LDL-C levels. Endpoints were analysed for a modified ITT population (all subjects who received randomised treatment and had at least one postbaseline value).
Three percent of subjects discontinued treatment early due to adverse events in each treatment group.
In the subgroup of 308 patients with hypercholesterolaemia already receiving atorvastatin monotherapy and not at LDL-C goal at baseline (~83%), significantly more patients randomised to ezetimibe coadministered with atorvastatin achieved their LDL-C goal at study endpoint compared to patients randomised to placebo coadministered with atorvastatin, 72% vs. 27%; the analysis was post-hoc. Ezetimibe added to atorvastatin therapy lowered LDL-C significantly more than placebo added to atorvastatin therapy, 25% vs. 4%. In addition, ezetimibe added to atorvastatin therapy significantly decreased total-C, Apo B, and TG compared with placebo added to atorvastatin therapy.
After 8 weeks of treatment, 730 patients had their blinded ezetimibe or placebo withdrawn and were continued on their stable statin therapy for another 6 weeks (P2173R). Twenty-one subjects discontinued treatment during the reversibility phase. Lipid parameters were observed to return to their pretreatment values during this period, without any evidence of rebound.
Another double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study (P040) evaluated the effect of ezetimibe 10 mg/day added to ongoing statin therapy vs. continued statin therapy alone (at unchanged dose) in 3,030 patients (52% male) mean age 62 years and with hypercholesterolemia who were not at their NCEP ATP III Target LDL-C level. Mean baseline LDL-C was 129 mg/dL (3.34 mmol/L). Approximately 78% of patients had CHD or risk equivalent. Adverse experiences resulting in discontinuation occurred in 2.1% of the statin monotherapy groups and in 1.4% of the ezetimibe/statin groups.
The primary outcome was percent change in LDL-C from baseline at week 6. In the subgroup of patients receiving atorvastatin (n = 1194) the addition of ezetimibe to atorvastatin produced a reduction of 27.2% in LDL-C at week 6 (relative to the on-statin baseline) compared to 4.2% for placebo, a difference of 23.0% (Modified ITT analysis - excluded patients who had adverse clinical or laboratory experiences, lost to follow-up, protocol deviations, withdrawn consent, discontinued for other reasons and missing LDL-C measurements). In addition, a greater number of patients in the active ezetimibe group achieved their NCEP ATP III Target Goal for LDL-C, 23.9% for atorvastatin alone vs. 74.6% for ezetimibe + atorvastatin (secondary outcome).

Ezetimibe add-on to on-going atorvastatin therapy (titration studies).

A multicentre, double-blind, controlled, 14 week study (P00693) was conducted in 621 patients (330 male, 291 female) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), coronary heart disease (CHD), or multiple cardiovascular risk factors (≥ 2), adhering to an National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step I or stricter diet. Patients were 18 to 82 years of age with baseline LDL-C of 117 to 466 mg/dL (3.03 to 12.07 mmol/L) (mean LDL-C: 186 mg/dL and 187 mg/dL [4.82 mmol/L and 4.84 mmol/L] for patients receiving coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin 10/10 and atorvastatin 20 mg, respectively). Fifty-eight percent of patients were diagnosed with HeFH and the majority of subjects (87%) had risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
All patients received atorvastatin 10 mg for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to randomisation. Patients were then randomised to receive either coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin (equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10) or atorvastatin 20 mg/day monotherapy. Patients who did not achieve their LDL-C target goal after 4 and/or 9 weeks of randomised treatment were titrated to double the atorvastatin dose. There were 181 patients in the atorvastatin monotherapy treatment arm (all doses) and 181 in the coadministration arm (all doses).
Nine percent of subjects discontinued treatment early, 4% due to adverse events. There was no trend across treatment groups in the distribution of subjects who discontinued or in the reasons for discontinuation.
Efficacy analyses were carried out on an ITT basis.
The primary endpoint was proportion of subjects achieving target LDL-C levels of ≤ 2.59 mmol/L (≤ 100 mg/dL) at week 14. A higher proportion of subjects on ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets (22%), than on atorvastatin alone (7%) achieved target LDL-C levels of ≤ 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) at week 14 (p < 0.01).
The secondary endpoints included mean percent change from baseline in LDL-C and proportion of subjects achieving target LDL-C levels at week 4. Ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10 was significantly more effective than doubling the dose of atorvastatin to 20 mg in further reducing total-C, LDL-C, TG, and nonHDL-C. Results for HDL-C between the two treatment groups were not significantly different (see Table 5). In addition, at week 4 significantly more patients receiving ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10 attained LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L (< 100 mg/dL) compared to those receiving atorvastatin 20 mg, 12% vs. 2%. The baseline mean LDL-C levels for patients receiving ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10 and atorvastatin 20 mg were 186 mg/dL and 187 mg/dL, respectively.
The Titration of Atorvastatin Versus Ezetimibe Add-On to Atorvastatin in Patients with Hypercholesterolaemia (TEMPO) study, a multicentre, double-blind, controlled, 6 week study (P079), included 184 patients (55% male) mean age 57 (range 24 to 78 years) with an LDL-C level ≥ 2.6 mmol/L and ≤ 4.1 mmol/L (≥ 100 mg/dL and ≤ 160 mg/dL), mean baseline LDL-C of 3.08 mmol/L (118.9 mg/dL) and at moderate high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). All patients received atorvastatin 20 mg for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to randomisation. Patients not at the optional NCEP ATP III LDL-C level (< 2.6 mmol/L [< 100 mg/dL]) were randomised to receive either coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin (equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/20) or atorvastatin 40 mg for 6 weeks. Thirteen patients discontinued study treatment; 2 were due to adverse events.
The primary endpoint was percent change from baseline LDL-C at week 6. Efficacy was evaluated for all patients who had at least one dose of study medication, had a baseline measurement and at least one postbaseline measurement (modified ITT). Ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/20 was significantly more effective than doubling the dose of atorvastatin to 40 mg in further reducing total-C, LDL-C, Apo B and non-HDL-C. Results for HDL-C and TG between the two treatment groups were not significantly different (see Table 6). In addition, significantly more patients receiving ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/20 attained LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L (< 100 mg/dL) compared to those receiving atorvastatin 40 mg, 84% vs. 49% (secondary endpoint).
The Ezetimibe Plus Atorvastatin Versus Atorvastatin Titration in Achieving Lower LDL-C Targets in Hypercholesterolemic Patients (EZ-PATH) study, a multicentre, double-blind, controlled, 6 week study (P090), included 556 (60% male) patients with a mean age of 61 years and an LDL-C level ≥ 1.8 mmol/L and ≤ 4.1 mmol/L (≥ 70 mg/dL and ≤ 160 mg/dL) and at high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). All patients received atorvastatin 40 mg for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to randomisation. Patients not at the optional NCEP ATP III LDL-C level < 1.8 mmol/L (< 70 mg/dL) were randomised to receive either coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin (equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/40) or atorvastatin 80 mg for 6 weeks. Four patients in the ezetimibe/atorvastatin group and 6 patients in the atorvastatin monotherapy group experienced an adverse event that lead to discontinuation of the study treatment.
The primary outcome was mean percent change from baseline in LDL-C at week 6. Efficacy was evaluated for all patients who had at least one dose of study medication, had a baseline measurement and at least one postbaseline measurement (modified ITT). Ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/40 was significantly more effective than doubling the dose of atorvastatin to 80 mg in further reducing total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, TG, and non-HDL-C. Results for HDL-C between the two treatment groups were not significantly different (see Table 7). In addition, significantly more patients receiving ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/40 attained LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/L (< 70 mg/dL) compared to those receiving atorvastatin 80 mg, 74% vs. 32% (secondary endpoint).
A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-arm, 12 week study (P112) evaluated the lipid altering efficacy and safety of the addition of ezetimibe 10 mg to atorvastatin 10 mg, as compared to doubling the dose of atorvastatin from 10 mg to 20 mg and followed by further up-titration from atorvastatin 20 to 40 mg. The 1053 patients (53.3% female) were 65 years of age and older (mean age 71.2; range 65 to > 90 years), at high risk for CHD with or without diagnosed atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD) who had not reached an LDL-C level of < 70 mg/dL (1.81 mmol/L) or < 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L), respectively, and on atorvastatin 10 mg/day. Mean baseline LDL-C levels were 102 mg/dL (2.64 mmol/L). Twenty-two patients (2%) discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.
The primary endpoint was percent change in LDL-C from baseline to week 6. Efficacy was evaluated for all patients who had at least one dose of study medication, had a baseline measurement and at least one postbaseline measurement (modified ITT). Ezetimibe added to atorvastatin (equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10) significantly reduced LDL-C from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment compared with doubling the dose of atorvastatin from 10 to 20 mg (26.7% vs. -12.8%; p < 0.001). Additionally, treatment with ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10 resulted in a significantly greater percentage of patients achieving LDL-C < 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) for high risk patients without AVD and < 70 mg/dL (1.81 mmol/L) for high risk patients with AVD after 12 weeks of treatment, compared to the group that had atorvastatin increased to 40 mg at week 6 (49.4% vs. 39.3%, p < 0.001).

Switching study.

In a multicentre, double-blind, controlled, 12 week, 2-phase study (P162), 1,539 high-cardiovascular-risk patients, with a LDL-C level between 2.6 mmol/L and 4.1 mmol/L (100 and 160 mg/dL) at baseline, on atorvastatin 10 mg daily were randomised to one of three treatment groups: two of which were atorvastatin 20 mg or ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10. After 6 weeks of treatment (Phase I), based on a random allocation schedule established at the start of Phase I, patients taking atorvastatin 20 mg who failed to achieve a LDL-C level < 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) were switched to either atorvastatin 40 mg or ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/20 for 6 weeks (Phase II).
Reductions in LDL-C and comparisons between the ezetimibe/atorvastatin group and other treatment groups studied are shown in Table 8.
Table 8 does not contain data comparing the effects of ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10 or 10/20 to doses higher than atorvastatin 40 mg.

Long-term studies.

A 12 month, blinded comparator study (P2154) enrolled 246 (101 male, 145 female) subjects who had completed study P0692. Patients in this follow-on study were aged from 26 to 86 years, with primary hypercholesterolaemia. Mean baseline LDL-C was 184.6 and 180.6 mg/dL (4.78 and 4.68 mmol/L) in the atorvastatin monotherapy and coadministration groups, respectively. A greater proportion of subjects in the monotherapy group had a medical history or physical finding of cardiovascular disease (31% vs. 19%) and were hypertensive (42% vs. 34%) compared to the coadministration group. Forty-one subjects discontinued treatment; 22 discontinued due to adverse events (3/45 in the monotherapy group and 19/201 in the coadministration group).
Patients were initially dosed with either double-blind ezetimibe 10 mg or matching placebo coadministered with open-label atorvastatin 10 mg once daily in the morning. After at least 6 weeks, the atorvastatin dose could be titrated up incrementally to a maximum of 80 mg once daily to achieve the subject's NCEP ATP II target LDL-C level. Efficacy evaluations were performed on all subjects in the follow-up study who had at least one postbaseline lipid measurement (modified ITT). Overall, coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin reduced LDL-C levels during this 12 month study significantly more than atorvastatin monotherapy. At week 6 (the first time point assessed), LDL-C was reduced from baseline by approximately 37% in the atorvastatin monotherapy group and by approximately 53% in the ezetimibe/atorvastatin group. The LDL-C-lowering effect was seen by six weeks of treatment and maintained during the 12 month double-blind study period.
A 12 month, open-label study (P1418) was conducted in patients with HeFH, known CHD or multiple cardiovascular risk factors (≥ 2) who were not controlled by a starting dose of atorvastatin 10 mg and had successfully completed a 14 week double-blind efficacy and safety study (P00693). Four hundred and thirty-two hypercholesterolaemic patients (56% male) with mean age 52 years (range 18 to 82 years) and mean baseline LDL-C 187 mg/dL (4.84 mmol/L) received open-label ezetimibe 10 mg coadministered with atorvastatin 10 mg (equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10) at the beginning of the study, with up titration of atorvastatin to reach target LDL-C. Eighty-nine percent of patients had a cardiovascular risk factor or family history of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 38% had a history of hypertension and 26% had angina pectoris. Thirty-four subjects discontinued from the follow-on study, 12 due to adverse events.
Efficacy evaluations were carried out on all subjects in the follow-on study who had at least one postbaseline lipid measurement (modified ITT). Over the 12 month study period, ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/10-10/80 was effective in achieving and maintaining a reduction in LDL-C. The mean LDL-C value at study end was reduced by 30% from the parent study baseline. Reductions were noted as of month 1, were slightly greater at month 3 and were maintained at similar levels throughout the study period. Commensurate reductions in TC were observed, and reductions in TG, and an increase in HDL-C, were also noted over time.
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH). A double-blind, randomised, 12 week study (P1030) was performed in 50 patients (21 male, 29 female, aged 11 to 74 years of age) with a clinical and/or genotypic diagnosis of HoFH. Baseline LDL-C concentrations ranged from 116 to 652 mg/dL (3.00 to 16.89 mmol/L) (mean: 346 mg/dL [8.96 mmol/L] in the monotherapy group; 321 mg/dL [8.31 mmol/L] in the coadministration group). Approximately 74% of subjects had known family history of coronary artery disease and approximately 16% had some degree of hypertension at baseline. Twenty-five subjects received concomitant apheresis or plasmapheresis. Two subjects discontinued treatment early due to adverse events considered to be unrelated to study treatment.
Data were analysed from a subgroup of patients (n = 36) receiving atorvastatin 40 mg at baseline (ITT). The primary endpoint was the percent change from baseline in direct LDL-C concentration at week 12. Increasing the dose of atorvastatin from 40 to 80 mg (n = 12) produced a reduction of LDL-C of 2% from baseline on atorvastatin 40 mg. Coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin (10/40 and 10/80 pooled, n = 24), produced a reduction of LDL-C of 19% from baseline on atorvastatin 40 mg. In those patients coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin (10/80 mg, n = 12), a reduction of LDL-C of 25% from baseline on atorvastatin 40 mg was produced.
After completing the 12 week study, eligible patients (n = 35), who were receiving atorvastatin 40 mg at baseline, were assigned to coadministered ezetimibe and atorvastatin equivalent to ezetimibe/atorvastatin 10/40 for up to an additional 24 months (P1417). Following at least 4 weeks of treatment, the atorvastatin dose could be doubled to a maximum dose of 80 mg. One patient discontinued treatment due to a drug related adverse event. At the end of the 24 months, ezetimibe/atorvastatin (10/40 and 10/80 mg pooled) produced a reduction of 18% in LDL-C that was consistent with that seen in the 12 week study (modified ITT analysis - included patients who completed 24 months of treatment).

Ezetimibe.

In two multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12 week studies in 1,719 patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia, 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, race and baseline LDL-C. In addition, ezetimibe had no effect on the plasma concentrations of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, and E, had no effect on prothrombin time, and did not impair adrenocortical steroid hormone production.

Atorvastatin.

In a placebo-controlled study, the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT), the effect of atorvastatin 10 mg on fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease was assessed in 10,305 hypertensive patients, 40-80 years old, with TC levels ≤ 251 mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L) and at least three cardiovascular risk factors. Patients were followed for a median duration of 3.3 years. Atorvastatin 10 mg significantly (p = 0.0005) reduced the rate of coronary events (either fatal coronary heart disease [46 events in the placebo group vs. 40 events in the atorvastatin group] or nonfatal MI [108 events in the placebo group vs. 60 events in the atorvastatin group]) by 36% (based on incidences of 1.9% for atorvastatin vs. 3.0% for placebo).
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.
Experience in non-Caucasians is limited and does not permit a precise estimate of the magnitude of the effects of ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease. To date, no clinical trials have been undertaken that demonstrate an improvement in cardiovascular outcome when a combination of ezetimibe and atorvastatin is used compared to atorvastatin alone. Indirect evidence for prevention of cardiovascular disease has been derived from a trial of ezetimibe in combination with simvastatin (the IMPROVE-IT trial) (details below). The magnitude of the incremental benefit achieved with the use of ezetimibe in addition to atorvastatin is assumed to be similar to that achieved using simvastatin and ezetimibe in the IMPROVE-IT trial. The effect of atorvastatin on the risk of cardiovascular events has been demonstrated in multiple cardiovascular outcomes studies including the ASCOT study (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials, Atorvastatin).
Ezetimibe in combination with simvastatin has been shown in the IMPROVE-IT trial to reduce the major cardiovascular events of nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with coronary heart disease and a history of Acute Coronary Syndrome. Total mortality, cardiovascular mortality and rates of unstable angina requiring hospitalization and all coronary revascularization were unchanged. There was a small increase in the rate of haemorrhagic stroke that was not statistically significant.
The IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, active-control study of 18,144 patients enrolled within 10 days of hospitalisation for acute coronary syndrome (ACS; either acute myocardial infarction [MI] or unstable angina [UA]). Patients had an LDL-C ≤ 3.2 mmol/L (≤ 125 mg/dL) at the time of presentation with ACS if they had not been taking lipid-lowering therapy, or ≤ 2.6 mmol/L (≤ 100 mg/dL) if they had been receiving lipid-lowering therapy. All patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg (n = 9067) or simvastatin 40 mg (n = 9077) and followed for a median of 6.0 years.
Patients had a mean age of 63.6 years; 76% were male, 84% were Caucasian, and 27% were diabetic. The average LDL-C value at the time of study qualifying event was 2.1 mmol/L (80 mg/dL) for those on lipid-lowering therapy (n = 6390) and 2.6 mmol/L (101 mg/dL) for those not on previous lipid-lowering therapy (n = 11,594). Prior to the hospitalization for the qualifying ACS event, 34% of the patients were on statin therapy. At one year, the average LDL-C for patients continuing on therapy was 1.4 mmol/L (53.2 mg/dL) for the ezetimibe/simvastatin group and 1.8 mmol/L (69.9 mg/dL) for the simvastatin monotherapy group. Lipid values were generally obtained for patients who remained on study therapy.
The primary endpoint was a composite consisting of cardiovascular death, major coronary events (MCE; defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction, documented unstable angina that required hospitalisation, or any coronary revascularisation procedure occurring at least 30 days after randomised treatment assignment) and nonfatal stroke. The study demonstrated that treatment with ezetimibe/simvastatin provided incremental benefit in reducing the primary composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, MCE, and nonfatal stroke compared with simvastatin alone (relative risk reduction of 6.4%, p = 0.016). The primary endpoint occurred in 2,572 of 9,067 patients (7 year Kaplan-Meier [KM] rate 32.72%) in the ezetimibe/simvastatin group and 2,742 of 9,077 patients (7 year KM rate 34.67%) in the simvastatin alone group (see Figure 1 and Table 9). This incremental benefit is expected to be similar with coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin. Total mortality was unchanged in this high-risk group (see Table 9).
There was an overall benefit for all strokes; however, there was a small nonsignificant increase in haemorrhagic stroke in the ezetimibe/simvastatin group compared with simvastatin alone (see Table 9). The risk of haemorrhagic stroke for ezetimibe coadministered with higher potency statins in long-term outcome studies has not been evaluated.
The treatment effect of ezetimibe/simvastatin was generally consistent with the overall results across many subgroups, including sex, age, race, medical history of diabetes mellitus, baseline lipid levels, prior statin therapy, prior stroke, and hypertension.
Other studies. The use of ezetimibe with fenofibrate in patients with mixed hyperlipidaemia demonstrated a numerically higher incidence of cholecystectomies in patients in the coadministration group compared with those in the monotherapy groups (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Each drug contributed to lowering LDL-C, but the effects on triglycerides and HDL-C were related to fenofibrate and were not enhanced by coadministration. Longer term clinical outcomes such as mortality and morbidity were not investigated.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Ezetimibe/atorvastatin has been shown to be bioequivalent at the high and low end of dosage to coadministration of corresponding doses of ezetimibe and atorvastatin tablets. Bioequivalence at the mid dose ranges has been extrapolated.
The effects of a high-fat meal on the pharmacokinetics of ezetimibe and atorvastatin when administered as ezetimibe/atorvastatin tablets are comparable to those reported for the individual tablets.

Ezetimibe.

Absorption.

After oral administration, ezetimibe is rapidly 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.
Concomitant food administration (high-fat or nonfat meals) had no effect on the oral bioavailability of ezetimibe when administered as ezetimibe 10 mg tablets.

Distribution.

Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are bound 99.7% and 88 to 92% to human plasma proteins, respectively.

Metabolism.

Ezetimibe is metabolised primarily in the small intestine and liver via glucuronide conjugation (a phase II reaction) with subsequent biliary excretion. Minimal oxidative metabolism (a phase I reaction) has been observed in all species evaluated. Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide 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 slowly eliminated from plasma with evidence of significant enterohepatic recycling. The half-life for ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide is approximately 22 hours.

Excretion.

Following oral administration of 14C-ezetimibe (20 mg) to human subjects, total ezetimibe accounted for approximately 93% of the total radioactivity in plasma. Approximately 78% and 11% of the administered radioactivity were recovered in the faeces and urine, respectively, over a 10-day collection period. After 48 hours, there were no detectable levels of radioactivity in the plasma.

Atorvastatin.

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 presystemic 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 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

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 coadministration 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.

Excretion.

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. 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.

Characteristics in patients (special populations).

Paediatric patients.

Ezetimibe.

The absorption and metabolism of ezetimibe are similar between children and adolescents (≥ 10 years) and adults. Limited Pk data are available in children aged ≥ 6 to 10 years of age. Pharmacokinetic data in the paediatric population < 6 years of age are not available.

Atorvastatin.

Pharmacokinetic studies have not been conducted in the paediatric population.
Geriatric patients.

Ezetimibe.

Plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe are about 2-fold higher in the elderly (≥ 65 years) than in the young (18 to 45 years). LDL-C reduction and safety profile is comparable between elderly and young subjects treated with ezetimibe. Therefore, no dosage adjustment is necessary in the elderly.

Atorvastatin.

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.
Gender.

Ezetimibe.

Plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe are slightly higher (< 20%) in women than in men. LDL-C reduction and safety profile are comparable between men and women treated with ezetimibe. Therefore, no dosage adjustment is necessary on the basis of gender.

Atorvastatin.

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.
Race. There are no pharmacokinetic data on the coadministration of ezetimibe and atorvastatin in non-Caucasians.

Ezetimibe.

Based on a meta-analysis of pharmacokinetic studies with ezetimibe, there were no pharmacokinetic differences between Blacks and Caucasians.
Hepatic insufficiency.

Ezetimibe.

After a single 10 mg dose of ezetimibe, the mean area under the curve (AUC) for total ezetimibe was increased approximately 1.7-fold in patients with mild hepatic insufficiency (Child Pugh score 5 or 6), compared to healthy subjects. In a 14 day, multiple-dose study (10 mg daily) in patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child Pugh score 7 to 9), the mean AUC for total ezetimibe was increased approximately 4-fold on day 1 and day 14 compared to healthy subjects. No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild hepatic insufficiency. Due to the unknown effects of the increased exposure to ezetimibe in patients with moderate or severe (Child Pugh score > 9) hepatic insufficiency, ezetimibe is not recommended in these patients (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Atorvastatin.

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

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 was increased approximately 1.5-fold, compared to healthy subjects (n = 9). This result is not considered to be clinically significant. No dosage adjustment is necessary for renally impaired patients.
An additional patient in this study (postrenal transplant and receiving multiple medications, including ciclosporin) had a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe.

Atorvastatin.

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. Haemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance clearance of atorvastatin since the drug is extensively bound to plasma proteins.
Despite the expected cholesterol changes, no cardiovascular benefit with atorvastatin has been demonstrated in haemodialysis patients. Ezetimibe/atorvastatin has not been studied in this population.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Ezetimibe.

Ezetimibe alone or in combination with a statin (simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin or atorvastatin) or fenofibrate did not cause gene mutation in bacteria or chromosomal damage in human peripheral lymphocytes or bone marrow cells in mice.

Atorvastatin.

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.

Ezetimibe.

Two year dietary studies with ezetimibe alone in mice and rats showed no evidence of carcinogenic potential. The highest ezetimibe dose (500 mg/kg/day) in mice corresponds to exposure levels of approximately 4 and ≥ 150 times the adult human exposure for ezetimibe and total ezetimibe, respectively, based on AUC. Exposures in rats at the highest dose (1500 mg/kg/day in males and 500 mg/kg/day in females) correspond to approximately 2 and 14 times the adult human exposure for ezetimibe and total ezetimibe, respectively.
There are no carcinogenicity studies with ezetimibe/statin or ezetimibe/fenofibrate combinations.

Atorvastatin.

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

Each film-coated tablet of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH contains the following inactive ingredients: povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, crospovidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium stearylfumarate, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, calcium carbonate, hyprolose and Opadry AMB complete film coating system OY-B-28920 White (4271).
The film coating contains: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, talc, lecithin and xanthan gum.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

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

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH tablets are packed in blisters of cold form Alu-Alu as forming (base) material and 0.025 hard tampered heat-sealed lacquer coated plain Aluminium foil as the lidding material.
Available as 30 tablet blister (aluminium/aluminium) packs.

Australian Registration Numbers.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/10: AUST R 306961.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/20: AUST R 306957.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/40: AUST R 306955.
Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin GH 10/80: AUST R 306965.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

Ezetimibe.

Ezetimibe is a white to off-white, crystalline powder that is freely soluble in acetonitrile, insoluble in aqueous solvents and nonpolar solvents like hexane.
Chemical name: 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)hydroxypropyl]-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone.
Molecular formula: C24H21F2NO3.
Molecular weight: 409.43.

Atorvastatin calcium trihydrate.

Atorvastatin calcium trihydrate is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is sparingly 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) trihydrate.
Molecular formula: C66H68CaF2N4O10.3H2O.
Molecular weight: 1209.42.

CAS number.

Ezetimibe: 163222-33-1.
Atorvastatin: 344423-98-9.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription only medicine.

Summary Table of Changes