Consumer medicine information

Sevikar

Olmesartan medoxomil; Amlodipine

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Sevikar

Active ingredient

Olmesartan medoxomil; Amlodipine

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Sevikar.

SUMMARY CMI

SEVIKAR®

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 SEVIKAR?

SEVIKAR contains the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine besilate. SEVIKAR is used to treat high blood pressure.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using SEVIKAR? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use SEVIKAR?

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

Talk to your doctor 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 SEVIKAR? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with SEVIKAR 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 use SEVIKAR?

  • Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. Your doctor will tell you which SEVIKAR tablet you will need to take each day.
  • Swallow SEVIKAR whole with a full glass of water.
  • Take your tablets at the same time each day.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use SEVIKAR? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using SEVIKAR?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using SEVIKAR.
  • If you become pregnant while taking SEVIKAR, tell your doctor immediately.
  • Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or lower the dosage, or take it to treat any other complaints, unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give SEVIKAR to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how SEVIKAR affects you.
  • SEVIKAR may cause dizziness, light-headedness or tiredness in some people.
Drinking alcohol
  • Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
  • Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your tablets in the box until it is time to take them.
  • Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using SEVIKAR? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects may include dizziness, feeling light-headed, cough, headache, feeling nauseous, vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, 'flu-like' symptoms, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, back pain, swelling of the face or body and urinary infection.

Serious side effects may include swelling of the face, lips tongue or throat which causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and muscle pain.

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

SEVIKAR®

Active ingredient(s): olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine besilate

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using SEVIKAR. 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 SEVIKAR.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

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

1. Why am I using SEVIKAR?

SEVIKAR contains the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine besilate.

SEVIKAR is used to treat high blood pressure which is sometimes called hypertension.

Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps push blood all around your body. Your blood pressure changes at different times of the day, depending on how busy or worried you are. You have hypertension (high blood pressure) when your blood pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.

There are usually no symptoms of hypertension. The only way of knowing that you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

How SEVIKAR works

SEVIKAR contains olmesartan medoxomil, which belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin-II receptor antagonists. Angiotensin-II is a substance produced in the body which causes blood vessels to tighten. SEVIKAR blocks the action of angiotensin-II and therefore relaxes your blood vessels. This helps lower your blood pressure.

SEVIKAR also contains amlodipine besilate, a calcium channel blocker. This reduces the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This also helps to lower blood pressure as it relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Your doctor may have prescribed SEVIKAR for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why SEVIKAR has been prescribed for you.

SEVIKAR is not addictive.

2. What should I know before I use SEVIKAR?

Warnings

Do not use SEVIKAR if:

  • you are allergic to:
    - olmesartan,
    - amlodipine besilate, medicines belonging to a group of chemicals called dihydropyridines used to treat blood pressure and other heart problems,
    - or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
    Symptoms of an allergic reaction to SEVIKAR may include skin rash, itchiness, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, muscle pain or tenderness or joint pain.
  • you have serious problems with your kidneys
  • you have serious problems with your liver
  • you have diabetes and are taking a medicine called aliskiren to reduce blood pressure.
  • you have had recent serious heart problems
  • you have low potassium or sodium levels in the blood
  • you are pregnant or breast-feeding
  • the expiry date on the pack has passed or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering

Tell your doctor if:

  • you have allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • you have or have had any other medical conditions, especially the following:
    - Kidney problems
    - liver problems
    - heart problems
    - diabetes
    - excessive vomiting or diarrhoea recently
    - high levels of potassium in your blood.
    - Problems with your adrenal glands (small glands above the kidneys)
  • you are following a very low salt diet
  • you are or intend to become pregnant or plan to breastfeed.
  • you are taking potassium supplements, potassium-sparing agents, potassium-containing salt substitutes or other medicines that may increase serum potassium (e.g., trimethoprim-containing products)

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

Do not take SEVIKAR if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

SEVIKAR may enter your womb or it may pass into the breast milk and there is the possibility that your baby may be affected.

If pregnancy is discovered SEVIKAR should be discontinued as soon as possible.

Use in children

The safety and effectiveness of SEVIKAR in children has not been established.

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 and SEVIKAR may interfere with each other. These include:

  • other medicines to treat high blood pressure
  • any medicines that contain aliskiren
  • medicines used to treat angina, such as diltiazem
  • non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2 inhibitors, medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation including arthritis
  • potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
  • other medicines that may increase serum potassium (e.g., trimethoprim-containing products)
  • lithium or antidepressant medicines
  • some antibiotics, such as erythromycin or rifampicin
  • some antifungals, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
  • anti-proteases, medicines used to treat HIV infection such as ritonavir
  • medicines which lower your immune system, such as ciclosporin and tacrolimus
  • St John's Wort
  • Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
  • any medicines that contain colesevelam.

These medicines may be affected by SEVIKAR, or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines.

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

4. How do I use SEVIKAR?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you which SEVIKAR tablet you will need to take each day. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take

  • The dose of SEVIKAR is one tablet to be taken once a day.

How to take SEVIKAR

  • Swallow SEVIKAR whole with a full glass of water.
  • Do not chew the tablets.

When to take SEVIKAR

  • Take SEVIKAR at about the same time each day, with or without food.

Taking your tablets at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take the tablets. It does not matter whether you take it with or without food.

How long to take SEVIKAR

SEVIKAR helps control your condition, but does not cure it. Therefore you must take SEVIKAR every day. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

If you forget to take SEVIKAR

SEVIKAR should be used regularly at the same time each day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

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

This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you take too much SEVIKAR (overdose)

If you think that you have used too much SEVIKAR, 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.

Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.

If you take too much SEVIKAR, you may feel light-headed, dizzy, or you may faint. You may also have a fast heartbeat.

Excess fluid may accumulate in your lungs (pulmonary oedema) causing shortness of breath that may develop up to 24-48 hours after intake.

5. What should I know while using SEVIKAR?

Things you should do

  • If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are taking SEVIKAR.
  • Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says, to make sure SEVIKAR is working.
  • Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up.
    Your doctor may occasionally do a blood test to check your potassium levels and see how your kidneys are working.
  • If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly.
    Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
  • If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking SEVIKAR.
    Your blood pressure may suddenly drop.
  • If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking SEVIKAR.
    SEVIKAR may interfere with the results of some tests.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • have excess vomiting and/or diarrhoea while taking SEVIKAR.
    You may lose too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.
  • feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of SEVIKAR, or when your dose is increased.
  • become pregnant while taking SEVIKAR.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using SEVIKAR.

Things you should not do

  • Do not give SEVIKAR to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not take SEVIKAR to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
  • Do not stop taking SEVIKAR, or lower the dosage, without checking with your doctor.

Things that would be helpful for your blood pressure

Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.

  • Alcohol - your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
  • Weight - your doctor may suggest losing some weight to help lower your blood pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart has to do. Some people may need a dietician's help to lose weight.
  • Diet - eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread (preferably wholegrain), cereals and fish. Also eat less sugar and fat (especially saturated fat) which includes sausages, fatty meats, full cream dairy products, biscuits, cakes, pastries, chocolates, chips and coconut. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, canola oil, avocado and nuts are beneficial in small quantities.
  • Salt - your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table and avoid cooked or processed foods containing high sodium (salt) levels.
  • Exercise - regular exercise, maintained over the long term, helps to reduce blood pressure and helps get the heart fitter. Regular exercise also improves your blood cholesterol levels, helps reduce your weight and stress levels, and improves your sleep, mood and ability to concentrate. However, it is important not to overdo it. Walking is good exercise, but try to find a route that is reasonably flat. Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of programme for you.
  • Smoking - your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least cut down. There are enormous benefits to be gained from giving up smoking. There are many professionals, organisations and strategies to help you quit. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information and advice.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how SEVIKAR affects you.

As with other medicines in this class, SEVIKAR may cause dizziness, light-headedness or tiredness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to SEVIKAR before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed. If this occurs do not drive.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep your tablets in the box until it is time to take them.
    If you take the tablets out of the box they will not keep well.
  • Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

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.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

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

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If your doctor tells you to stop taking SEVIKAR 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.

SEVIKAR helps most people with high blood pressure, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.

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

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
Head and nervous system-related:
  • feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint
  • headache
Gastrointestinal-related:
  • diarrhoea
  • feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
Respiratory-related:
  • bronchitis
  • Cough
General conditions:
  • swelling of the face, hands, feet or ankles
  • sore throat and discomfort when swallowing (pharyngitis)
  • back pain
  • unusual tiredness or weakness, fatigue
  • 'flu-like' symptoms
Urinary system-related:
  • urinary tract infection
These are common side effects and are generally mild. 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
  • skin rash or itchiness
  • aching, tender or weak muscles not caused by exercise
  • painful joints
  • fast heartbeat
  • shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
  • swelling of the face, hands, feet or ankles
  • yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dark urine and itching of the skin.
  • symptoms that may indicate high potassium levels in the blood, such as nausea, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, change in heart rhythm.
Call your doctor as soon as possible, if you notice any of these serious side effects.
You may need medical attention.
  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
Stop taking SEVIKAR and call your doctor immediately, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these very serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

Serious side effects are rare.

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

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 SEVIKAR contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
  • SEVIKAR 20/5 - 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil and 5 mg amlodipine besilate
  • SEVIKAR 20/10 - 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil and 10 mg amlodipine as besilate.
  • SEVIKAR 40/5 - 40 mg olmesartan medoxomil and 5 mg amlodipine besilate
  • SEVIKAR 40/10 - 40 mg olmesartan medoxomil and 10 mg amlodipine besilate
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • colloidal anhydrous silica
  • pregelatinised maize starch
  • croscarmellose sodium
  • magnesium stearate
  • polyvinyl alcohol
  • macrogol 3350
  • titanium dioxide
  • purified talc
  • and iron oxides in SEVIKAR 40/5 and 40/10.

SEVIKAR does not contain sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

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

What SEVIKAR looks like

SEVIKAR tablets come in four strengths and each has a different appearance:

  • SEVIKAR 20/5 is a white round tablet, approximately 6mm in diameter, with C73 debossed on one side. (AUST R 157565)
  • SEVIKAR 20/10 is a round tablet, approximately 8 mm in diameter, greyish-orange in colour with C74 debossed on one side. (AUST R 157564)*
  • SEVIKAR 40/5 is a cream round tablet, approximately 8mm in diameter, with C75 debossed on one side. (AUST R 157563)
  • SEVIKAR 40/10 is a brownish red round tablet, approximately 8mm in diameter, with C77 debossed on one side. (AUST R 157562)

The product is presented in blister packs of 10* or 30 film-coated tablets.

*Not currently available in Australia

Who distributes SEVIKAR

Organon Pharma Pty Ltd
Level 5, 66 King St
Sydney NSW 2000.
AUSTRALIA

This leaflet was prepared in January 2025.

® Registered trademark of Daiichi Sankyo Company Ltd

Published by MIMS March 2025

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Sevikar

Active ingredient

Olmesartan medoxomil; Amlodipine

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine as besilate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Sevikar 20/5 contains 20 mg of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine 5 mg as besilate.
Sevikar 20/10 contains 20 mg of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine 10 mg as besilate.
Sevikar 40/5 contains 40 mg of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine 5 mg as besilate.
Sevikar 40/10 contains 40 mg of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine 10 mg as besilate.
Olmesartan medoxomil is a white to light yellowish-white powder or crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in methanol.
Amlodipine besilate is a white crystalline powder, slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Sevikar 20/5 is a round tablet, approximately 6 mm in diameter, white in colour with C73 debossed on one side.
Sevikar 20/10 is a round tablet, approximately 8 mm in diameter, greyish-orange in colour with C74 debossed on one side. (Not currently available in Australia).
Sevikar 40/5 is a round tablet, approximately 8 mm in diameter, cream in colour with C75 debossed on one side.
Sevikar 40/10 is a round tablet, approximately 8 mm in diameter, brownish red in colour with C77 debossed on one side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Sevikar is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Treatment should not be initiated with this fixed dose combination (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Sevikar is registered in four strengths: Sevikar 20/5 (olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg and amlodipine as besilate 5 mg); Sevikar 20/10 (olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg and amlodipine as besilate 10 mg); Sevikar 40/5 (olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg and amlodipine as besilate 5 mg); Sevikar 40/10 (olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg and amlodipine as besilate 10 mg). (See Section 6.5 Nature and Contents of Container for marketed strengths.)

Usual adult dose.

The recommended dosage of Sevikar is one tablet daily, with or without food. Treatment should not be initiated with this combination.

Replacement therapy.

For convenience, patients receiving olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine from separate tablets may be switched to Sevikar tablets containing the same component doses.

Add-on therapy.

For patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on either olmesartan or amlodipine monotherapy, they may be switched to combination therapy with Sevikar. Titration of the dosage is recommended. For patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on Sevikar 20/5, then titration to Sevikar 40/5 is recommended. Subsequently, if the patient's blood pressure is not adequately controlled on Sevikar 40/5, then titration to Sevikar 40/10 is recommended.
For patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on Sevikar 40/10, it may be possible to add a thiazide diuretic (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Intravascular volume depletion, Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists and anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics).
Consult the product information of the individual thiazide diuretic being used and this product information prior to adding a thiazide diuretic to Sevikar therapy.

Elderly.

No adjustment of the recommended dose is generally required for elderly patients.

Renal impairment.

No adjustment of the recommended dose is required for patients with mild to moderate impairment of renal function. The use of Sevikar in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min) is not recommended (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Hepatic impairment.

Sevikar should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Sevikar is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment and biliary obstruction (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Children and adolescents.

Sevikar is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age, due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy.

4.3 Contraindications

Sevikar is contraindicated in:
Patients who are hypersensitive to any component of the tablet or to dihydropyridines.
Pregnancy (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in pregnancy).
Patients with severe renal impairment (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in renal impairment).
Patients with severe hepatic impairment or biliary obstruction (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in hepatic impairment).
Patients with diabetes who are taking aliskiren (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Due to the component amlodipine, Sevikar is also contraindicated in:
Cardiogenic shock.
Acute myocardial infarction (within the first 4 weeks).
Unstable angina pectoris.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Intravascular volume depletion.

Symptomatic hypotension may occur in patients who are volume and/or sodium depleted by vigorous diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea, or vomiting, especially after receiving the first dose. Correction of this condition prior to administration of Sevikar, or close medical supervision at the start of treatment, is recommended.

Other conditions with stimulation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system.

In patients whose vascular tone and renal function depend predominantly on the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (e.g. patients with severe congestive heart failure or underlying renal disease, including renal artery stenosis), treatment with other medicinal products that affect this system, such as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, has been associated with acute hypotension, azotemia, oliguria, or rarely, acute renal failure and/or death.

Renovascular hypertension.

There is an increased risk of severe hypotension and renal insufficiency when patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a single functioning kidney are treated with medicinal products that affect the renin angiotensin aldosterone system.

Sprue-like enteropathy.

Severe, chronic diarrhoea with substantial weight loss has been reported in patients taking olmesartan medoxomil months to years after drug initiation. Intestinal biopsies of patients often demonstrated villous atrophy. If a patient develops these symptoms during treatment with olmesartan medoxomil, exclude other etiologies. Consider discontinuation of Sevikar in cases where no other etiology is identified.

Hyperkalaemia.

As with other angiotensin receptor antagonists and ACE inhibitors, hyperkalaemia may occur during treatment with olmesartan medoxomil, especially in the presence of renal impairment and/or heart failure. Olmesartan medoxomil inhibits the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and drugs that inhibit the RAS can cause hyperkalaemia. Monitor serum electrolytes periodically. Concomitant use of Sevikar with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other medicinal products which may increase the potassium level (e.g. trimethoprim containing medicines) may lead to an increase in serum potassium. Close monitoring of serum potassium levels in at risk patients is recommended.

Aortic or mitral valve stenosis; obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

As with all vasodilators, special caution is indicated in patients suffering from aortic or mitral valve stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Primary aldosteronism.

Patients with primary aldosteronism generally will not respond to antihypertensive drugs acting through inhibition of the renin angiotensin system. Therefore, the use of Sevikar is not recommended in such patients.

Angioedema.

Angioedema, including swelling of the larynx and glottis, causing airway obstruction and/or swelling of the face, lips, pharynx, and/or tongue has been reported in patients treated with olmesartan medoxomil; some of these patients previously experienced angioedema with other drugs including ACE inhibitors. Sevikar should be immediately discontinued in patients who develop angioedema, and Sevikar should not be readministered.

Increased angina and/or myocardial infarction.

Rarely, patients, particularly those with severe obstructive coronary artery disease, have developed documented increased frequency, duration and/or severity of angina or acute myocardial infarction on starting calcium channel blocker therapy or at the time of dosage increase. The mechanism of this effect has not been elucidated.

Congestive heart failure.

As a consequence of the inhibition of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals. In patients with severe heart failure whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, treatment with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists has been associated with oliguria and/or progressive azotaemia and (rarely) with acute renal failure and/or death. Sevikar has not been studied in patients with heart failure.
In general, calcium channel blockers should be used with caution in patients with heart failure. Amlodipine (5-10 mg per day) has been studied in a placebo controlled trial of 1153 patients with NYHA class III or IV heart failure on stable doses of ACE inhibitor, digoxin and diuretics. Follow-up was at least 6 months, with a mean of about 14 months. There was no overall adverse effect on survival or cardiac morbidity (as defined by life threatening arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction, or hospitalisation for worsened heart failure). Amlodipine has been compared to placebo in four 8-12 week studies of patients with NYHA class II/III heart failure, involving a total of 697 patients. In these studies, there was no evidence of worsened heart failure based on measures of exercise tolerance, NYHA classification, symptoms, or LVEF.

Beta-blocker withdrawal.

Amlodipine is not a beta-blocker and therefore provides no protection against the dangers of abrupt beta-blocker withdrawal; any such withdrawal should be by gradual reduction of the dose of beta-blocker.

Peripheral oedema.

Mild to moderate peripheral oedema was the most common adverse event in the clinical trials with amlodipine. The incidence of peripheral oedema was dose dependent and ranged in frequency from 3.0 to 10.8% in 5 to 10 mg dose range. Care should be taken to differentiate this peripheral oedema from the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction.

Ethnic differences.

As with all other angiotensin receptor antagonists, the blood pressure lowering effect of olmesartan medoxomil can be somewhat less in black patients than in nonblack patients, possibly because of a higher prevalence of low renin status in the black hypertensive population.

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists and anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics.

The use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, and an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID or COX-2 inhibitor), and a thiazide diuretic at the same time increases the risk of renal impairment. This includes use with fixed combination products containing more than one class of drug. Concomitant use of all three classes of these medications should be accompanied by increased monitoring of serum creatinine, particularly at the institution of the treatment. The concomitant use of drugs from these three classes should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment.

Lithium.

As with other angiotensin receptor antagonists, the combination of lithium and olmesartan medoxomil is not recommended (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Other.

As with any antihypertensive agent, excessive blood pressure decrease in patients with ischaemic heart disease or ischaemic cerebrovascular disease could result in a myocardial infarction or stroke.

General.

Caution should be exercised in patients who have shown prior hypersensitivity to other angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Since amlodipine is extensively metabolized by the liver, exposure to amlodipine and olmesartan is increased in patients with hepatic impairment. Care should be taken when Sevikar is administered in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Use of Sevikar in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended.
There are no adequate studies in patients with liver dysfunction and dosage recommendations have not been established. In a small number of patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment given single doses of 5 mg, amlodipine half-life has been prolonged. Worsening of liver function test values may occur. Amlodipine should therefore be administered with caution in these patients and careful monitoring should be performed. A lower starting dose may be required (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Use in renal impairment.

When Sevikar is used in patients with impaired renal function, periodic monitoring of serum potassium and creatinine levels is recommended. Use of Sevikar is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min) (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). There is no experience of the administration of Sevikar in patients with a recent kidney transplant or in patients with endstage renal impairment (i.e. creatinine clearance < 12 mL/min).

Use in the elderly.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Pharmacokinetics in special populations.

Paediatric use.

Sevikar is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age, due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

In postmarketing experience, increased blood creatinine levels and hyperkalaemia have been reported.

Amlodipine.

Amlodipine therapy has not been associated with clinically significant changes in routine laboratory tests. No clinically relevant changes were noted in serum potassium, serum glucose, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen or creatinine or liver function tests.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Sevikar.

No drug interaction studies have been conducted with Sevikar and other drugs; although, studies have been conducted with the individual olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine components of Sevikar, as described below.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

Potassium supplements and potassium sparing diuretics.

Based on experience with the use of other drugs that affect the renin angiotensin system, concomitant use of potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other drugs that may increase serum potassium levels (e.g. heparin, trimethoprim containing medicines) may lead to increases in serum potassium. Such concomitant use is therefore not recommended.

Other antihypertensive medications.

The blood pressure lowering effect of olmesartan medoxomil can be increased by concomitant use of other antihypertensive medications.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid at doses > 3 g/day and also COX-2 inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor antagonists may act synergistically by decreasing glomerular filtration. The risk of the concomitant use of NSAIDs and angiotensin receptor antagonists is the occurrence of acute renal failure. Monitoring of renal function at the beginning of treatment should be recommended as well as regular hydration of the patient. Additionally, concomitant treatment can reduce the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin receptor antagonists, leading to their partial loss of efficacy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Dual blockade of the renin angiotensin system (RAS).

Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalaemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on Sevikar and other agents that affect the RAS.
Do not coadminister aliskiren with Sevikar in patients with diabetes (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Avoid use of aliskiren with Sevikar in patients with renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min).

Colesevelam hydrochloride.

Concomitant administration of 40 mg olmesartan medoxomil and 3750 mg colesevelam hydrochloride in healthy subjects resulted in 28% reduction in Cmax and 39% reduction in AUC of olmesartan. Lesser effects, 4% and 15% reduction in Cmax and AUC respectively, were observed when olmesartan medoxomil was administered 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride. Consider administering olmesartan medoxomil 4 hours before the colesevelam hydrochloride dose.

Lithium.

Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists. Therefore use of olmesartan medoxomil and lithium in combination is not recommended (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Lithium). If use of the combination proves necessary, careful monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended.

Other drugs.

Drugs, which have been investigated in specific clinical studies in healthy volunteers, include warfarin, digoxin, an antacid (magnesium aluminium hydroxide), hydrochlorothiazide and pravastatin. No clinically relevant interactions were observed and in particular olmesartan medoxomil had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin or the pharmacokinetics of digoxin.
Olmesartan medoxomil had no clinically relevant inhibitory effects on in vitro human cytochrome P450 enzymes 1A1/2, 2A6, 2C8/9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4, and had no or minimal inducing effects on rat cytochrome P450 activities. Therefore in vivo interaction studies with known cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitors and inducers were not conducted, and no clinically relevant interactions between olmesartan medoxomil and drugs metabolised by the above cytochrome P450 enzymes are expected.
After treatment with antacid (aluminium magnesium hydroxide), a modest reduction in bioavailability of olmesartan medoxomil was observed. Coadministration of warfarin and digoxin had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of olmesartan medoxomil.

Amlodipine.

Amlodipine has been safely administered with thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, long acting nitrates, sublingual nitroglycerine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and oral hypoglycaemic drugs.
Special studies have indicated that the coadministration of amlodipine with digoxin did not change serum digoxin levels or digoxin renal clearance in normal volunteers, and that coadministration of cimetidine did not alter the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine; and that coadministration with warfarin did not change the warfarin prothrombin response time. In vitro data from studies with human plasma indicate that amlodipine has no effect on protein binding of the drugs tested (digoxin, phenytoin, warfarin or indomethacin).

Grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit juice is known to inhibit the cytochrome P450 system, thereby affecting the pharmacokinetics of drugs such as calcium channel blockers. Administration of amlodipine with grapefruit or grapefruit juice is not recommended as bioavailability may be increased in some patients resulting in increased blood pressure lowering effects.

CYP3A4 inhibitors.

With concomitant use with the CYP3A4 inhibitor erythromycin in young patients and diltiazem in elderly patients, the plasma concentration of amlodipine was increased. The clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain. It cannot be ruled out that strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) may increase the plasma concentrations of amlodipine to a greater extent than diltiazem. Amlodipine should be used with caution together with CYP3A4 inhibitors.

CYP3A4 inducers.

There are no data available regarding the effect of CYP3A4 inducers on amlodipine. The concomitant use of CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)) may give a lower plasma concentration of amlodipine. Amlodipine should be used with caution together with CYP3A4 inducers.

Aluminium/ magnesium (antacid).

Coadministration of an aluminium/ magnesium antacid with a single dose of amlodipine had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine.

Sildenafil.

A single 100 mg dose of sildenafil in 16 patients with essential hypertension had no effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of amlodipine. When amlodipine and sildenafil were used in combination, each agent independently exerted its own blood pressure lowering effect.

Atorvastatin.

Coadministration of multiple 10 mg doses of amlodipine with 80 mg of atorvastatin resulted in no significant change in the steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of atorvastatin.

Simvastatin.

Coadministration of multiple doses of 10 mg of amlodipine with 80 mg simvastatin resulted in a 77% increase in exposure to simvastatin compared to simvastatin alone. Limit the dose of simvastatin in patients on amlodipine to 20 mg daily.

Ethanol (alcohol).

Single and multiple 10 mg doses of amlodipine had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of ethanol.

Ciclosporin.

In a prospective study in renal transplant patients (N=11), an average 40% increase in trough ciclosporin levels was observed in the presence of amlodipine. The co-administration of amlodipine with ciclosporin may increase exposure to ciclosporin. As Sevikar contains amlodipine, the monitoring of trough ciclosporin levels during concomitant use is recommended and dose adjustment of ciclosporin should be made as necessary.

Tacrolimus.

The co-administration of amlodipine with tacrolimus may increase exposure of tacrolimus. As Sevikar contains amlodipine, the monitoring of tacrolimus blood levels during concomitant use is recommended and dose adjustment of tacrolimus should be made as necessary.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

The effects of the olmesartan medoxomil/ amlodipine combination on fertility have not been evaluated in animal studies.
Fertility of rats was unaffected by administration of olmesartan medoxomil at dose levels as high as 1000 mg/kg/day (about 240 times the MRHD of 40 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis) in a study in which dosing was begun 2 (female) or 9 (male) weeks prior to mating.
There was no effect on the fertility of rats treated orally with amlodipine maleate (males for 64 days and females for 14 days prior to mating) at doses of up to 10 mg amlodipine/kg/day (about 10 times the MRHD of 10 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis).
(Category D)
Sevikar can cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. As a precaution, Sevikar must not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. The patient should change to an appropriate alternative form of medication before a planned pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during therapy, Sevikar must be discontinued as soon as possible. There is no experience of the use of Sevikar in pregnant women.
If Sevikar is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Sevikar, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a foetus. Should exposure to Sevikar have occurred from the second trimester forward, ultrasound examinations of the renal function and of the skull are recommended. Newborns exposed to angiotensin II antagonists in utero must be closely monitored for the occurrence of hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalaemia.
No animal reproductive toxicity studies have been performed with the combination of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

Olmesartan medoxomil is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, substances that act on the renin angiotensin system may cause damage (hypotension, impairment of renal function, oliguria and/or anuria, oligohydramnia, cranial hypoplasia, intrauterine growth retardation) and death in foetuses and neonates. Cases of pulmonary hypoplasia, facial anomalies and contractions of limbs were also reported. Animal experimental studies with olmesartan medoxomil have shown furthermore that renal damage may occur in the late foetal and neonatal phase.
There is no clinical experience with the use of olmesartan medoxomil in pregnant women. No teratogenic effects were observed when olmesartan medoxomil was administered to pregnant rats at oral doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (7 times clinical exposure to olmesartan at MRHD based on AUC) or pregnant rabbits at oral doses up to 1 mg/kg/day (half the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis; higher doses could not be evaluated for effects on foetal development as they were lethal to the does). In rats, significant decreases in pup birth weight and weight gain were observed at doses ≥ 1.6 mg/kg/day, and delays in developmental milestones (delayed separation of ear auricula, eruption of lower incisors, appearance of abdominal hair, descent of testes, and separation of eyelids) and dose dependent increases in the incidence of dilation of the renal pelvis were observed at doses ≥ 8 mg/kg/day. The no observed effect dose for developmental toxicity in rats is 0.3 mg/kg/day, about one-tenth the MRHD of 40 mg/day.

Amlodipine.

Calcium channel blockers carry the potential to produce foetal hypoxia associated with maternal hypotension. Accordingly they should not be used in pregnant women unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the foetus.
In animal studies, amlodipine was not teratogenic in rats (18 mg/kg/day) or rabbits (10 mg/kg/day). Amlodipine (10 mg/kg/day as besilate salt, 7 mg/kg/day base), administered orally to rats at or near parturition induced a prolongation of gestation time, an increase in the number of stillbirths and a decreased postnatal survival.
 It is not known whether olmesartan medoxomil is excreted in human milk, but olmesartan is excreted into the milk of lactating rats.
Limited available data from a published clinical lactation study report that amlodipine is excreted in human milk. The proportion of the maternal dose received by the infant has been estimated with an interquartile range of 3-7%, with a maximum of 15%. The effect of amlodipine on infants is unknown.
During breastfeeding, Sevikar is not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breastfeeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
There is no available information on the effects of amlodipine on milk production.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, it should be borne in mind that dizziness or fatigue may occasionally occur in patients taking antihypertensive therapy.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The safety of Sevikar was investigated in controlled clinical trials in 2892 patients receiving olmesartan medoxomil in combination with amlodipine.
Table 1 summarises the most common (≥ 1% in any group) drug-related adverse events by system organ class and preferred term. The profile of drug-related adverse events was similar across the treatments, most commonly general disorders and administration site conditions, nervous system or vascular adverse events.
Adverse events are listed below by system organ class. Frequencies are defined as: common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000).

Cardiac disorders.

Uncommon: palpitations, tachycardia.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Uncommon: vertigo.

Gastro-intestinal disorders.

Uncommon: nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, upper abdominal pain.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Uncommon: asthenia. Rare: face oedema.

Immune system disorders.

Rare: drug hypersensitivity.

Infections and infestations.

Common: upper respiratory tract infection.

Investigations.

Uncommon: blood potassium decreased, blood creatinine increased, blood uric acid increased, gamma glutamyl transferase increased.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Uncommon: hyperkalaemia.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Uncommon: muscle spasm, pain in extremity, back pain.

Nervous system disorders.

Uncommon: postural dizziness, lethargy, paraesthesia, hypoaesthesia. Rare: syncope.

Psychiatric disorders.

Uncommon: libido decreased, anxiety.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Uncommon: pollakiuria.

Reproductive system, and breast disorders.

Uncommon: erectile dysfunction.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Uncommon: dyspnoea, cough.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Uncommon: rash. Rare: urticaria.

Vascular disorders.

Uncommon: hypotension, orthostatic hypotension.

Oedema.

Oedema is a known dose-dependent undesirable effect of amlodipine but not of olmesartan medoxomil. The incidence of oedema was significantly lower in patients receiving Sevikar than in those who received amlodipine 10 mg alone. Across all treatment groups, the frequency of oedema was generally higher in women than in men.

Additional information on the individual components.

Adverse events previously reported with one of the individual components may be potential adverse events with Sevikar, even if not observed in clinical trials with this product.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

In double-blind, placebo-controlled monotherapy studies, the overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar on olmesartan medoxomil and on placebo. In long-term (2-year) treatment, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events on olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg once daily was 3%.
In placebo-controlled monotherapy studies, the only adverse drug reaction that was unequivocally related to treatment was dizziness (2.5% incidence on olmesartan medoxomil and 0.9% on placebo).
The following adverse events have been reported across all clinical trials with olmesartan medoxomil irrespective of causality or incidence relative to placebo. They are listed under body system and ranked under headings of frequency using the conventions described above.

Cardiovascular.

Uncommon: tachycardia. Rare: hypotension.

Central nervous system.

Common: dizziness. Uncommon: vertigo.

Gastro-intestinal.

Common: abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, nausea.

General.

Common: chest pain, fatigue, headache, influenza-like symptoms, peripheral oedema, pain.

Musculoskeletal.

Common: arthritis, back pain, skeletal pain. Uncommon: arthralgia, myalgia.

Myo/ endo/ pericardial and valve disorders.

Uncommon: angina pectoris.

Respiratory system.

Common: bronchitis, cough, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis.

Skin and appendages.

Uncommon: rash.

Urinary system.

Common: haematuria, urinary tract infection.
Laboratory parameters. In placebo-controlled monotherapy studies the incidence was somewhat higher on olmesartan medoxomil compared with placebo for hypertriglyceridaemia (2.0% versus 1.1%) and for raised creatine phosphokinase (1.3% versus 0.7%).
Laboratory adverse events reported across all clinical trials with olmesartan medoxomil (including trials without a placebo control), irrespective of causality or incidence relative to placebo, included:

Metabolic and nutritional.

Common: increased creatine phosphokinase, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, hyperuricaemia, blood urea increased. Uncommon: hypercholesterolaemia, hyperlipaemia. Rare: hyperkalaemia.

Liver and biliary.

Common: liver enzyme elevations.

Investigations.

Decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit.
Post-marketing experience. The following adverse effects have been reported in post-marketing experience:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Thrombocytopenia.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Peripheral oedema; asthenic conditions, such as asthenia, fatigue, lethargy, malaise.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; sprue-like enteropathy, diarrhoea.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Autoimmune hepatitis.

Immune system disorders.

Anaphylactic reactions.

Investigations.

Hepatic enzymes increased; increased blood creatinine levels.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Hyperkalaemia.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Rhabdomyolysis; myalgia, muscle spasm.

Nervous system disorders.

Headache.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Cough.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Angioedema; alopecia; rash; pruritus; urticaria; exanthema; allergic dermatitis.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Acute renal failure.

Vascular disorders.

Flushing.
ROADMAP/ ORIENT. Two postmarketing studies were conducted to determine the effects of olmesartan on renal disease in diabetic patients. In both of these studies, cardiovascular events were exploratory secondary efficacy endpoints. Cardiovascular deaths occurred in higher proportions of patients treated with olmesartan than placebo, but the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction was lower with olmesartan.
The Randomised Olmesartan and Diabetes Microalbuminuria Prevention (ROADMAP) study in 4447 patients with type 2 diabetes, normoalbuminuria and at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, investigated whether treatment with olmesartan could prevent or delay the onset of microalbuminuria. This is not an approved indication in Australia. During the median follow-up duration of 3.2 years, patients received either olmesartan 40 mg or placebo once daily in addition to other antihypertensive agents, except ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
In this study, cardiovascular events were exploratory secondary efficacy endpoints. The endpoints were classed as cardiovascular (CV) morbidity endpoints and CV mortality endpoints. The CV morbidity endpoints included acute coronary syndrome (ACS), congestive heart failure (CHF), silent myocardial infarction (MI), coronary revascularisation (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)), stroke, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The CV mortality endpoints includes: sudden cardiac death, fatal MI, fatal stroke, CHF death, death post-PTCA or CABG, recent MI on autopsy. The study was not designed to formally compare the treatment groups in relation to these endpoints.
Cardiovascular events occurred in 96 patients (4.3%) with olmesartan and in 94 patients (4.2%) with placebo. There was a finding of increased cardiovascular mortality in the olmesartan group, compared with the placebo group (15 patients (0.7%) vs. 3 patients (0.1%)) (HR 4.9, 95% CI (1.4, 17.1), exploratory p-value = 0.0115). Conversely, a smaller proportion of patients had a non-fatal myocardial infarction in the olmesartan group compared with the placebo group (17 patients (0.8%) vs 26 patients (1.2%)), (HR 0.64, 95% CI (0.35, 1.18)) and the same proportions of patients in each treatment group were reported with non-cardiovascular mortality (11 patients (0.5%) vs. 12 patients (0.5%)). Non-fatal stroke was reported in 14 patients (0.6%) in the olmesartan group and 8 patients (0.4%) in the placebo group. Overall mortality with olmesartan was numerically increased compared with placebo (26 patients (1.2%) vs 15 patients (0.7%)), which was mainly driven by a higher number of fatal cardiovascular events (sudden cardiac death (7 (0.3%) vs 1 (0.0%)) and fatal myocardial infarction (5 (0.2%) vs 0 (0.0%)).
The Olmesartan Reducing Incidence of End-stage Renal Disease in Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (ORIENT) primarily investigated the suppressive effect of olmesartan on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in 577 randomized Japanese and Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy. This is not an approved indication in Australia. During a median follow-up of 3.1 years, patients received either olmesartan or placebo in addition to other antihypertensive agents including ACE inhibitors. The once daily dose of olmesartan was up-titrated from 10 mg to 20 mg to 40 mg, subject to tolerability and safety. Not all patients received the 40 mg dose. The study (undertaken in Japan and in Hong Kong) was not designed to formally compare the treatment groups in relation to cardiovascular endpoints. The composite cerebro/ cardiovascular endpoint, an exploratory secondary efficacy endpoint, occurred in 40 olmesartan-treated patients (14.2%) and 53 placebo-treated patients (18.7%). This composite endpoint included cardiovascular death, non-fatal stroke, and non-fatal myocardial infarction as well as additional individual endpoints. Cardiovascular death was reported in 10 patients (3.5%) receiving olmesartan compared with 3 patients (1.1%) receiving placebo. Sudden death occurred in 5 patients (1.8%) in the olmesartan group compared with 2 patients (0.7%) in the placebo group. Overall mortality, non-fatal stroke and non-fatal myocardial infarction were reported, however, in lower proportions of patients treated with olmesartan compared with placebo (overall mortality 19 patients (6.7%) vs 20 patients (7.0%), non-fatal stroke 8 patients (2.8%) vs 11 patients (3.9%) and non-fatal myocardial infarction 3 patients (1.1%) vs 7 patients (2.5%) (olmesartan vs placebo, respectively)).

Amlodipine.

Amlodipine has been evaluated for safety in more than 11,000 patients in clinical trials worldwide. In general, treatment with amlodipine was well-tolerated at doses up to 10 mg daily. Most adverse reactions reported during therapy with amlodipine were of mild or moderate severity. In controlled clinical trials directly comparing amlodipine (n = 1730) in doses up to 10 mg to placebo (n = 1250), discontinuation of amlodipine due to adverse reactions was required in only about 1.5% of patients and was not significantly different from placebo (about 1%).
The most common side effects are headache and oedema. The incidence (%) of side effects which occurred in a dose related manner are as follows (see Table 2):
Other adverse experiences which were not clearly dose related but which were reported with an incidence greater than 1.0% in placebo controlled clinical trials include the following (see Table 3):
The following events occurred in ≤ 1% but > 0.1% of patients in controlled clinical trials or under conditions of open trials or marketing experience where a causal relationship is uncertain; they are listed to alert the physician to a possible relationship:

Autonomic nervous system.

Dry mouth, sweating increased.

Cardiovascular.

Hypotension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction.

Central and peripheral nervous system.

Hypoesthesia, paraesthesia, tremor, peripheral neuropathy, dysgeusia, syncope, postural dizziness.

Endocrine.

Gynaecomastia.

Gastrointestinal.

Constipation, dyspepsia, dysphagia, diarrhoea, flatulence, vomiting, altered bowel habits, pancreatitis, gingival hyperplasia.

General.

Allergic reactions, asthenia, back pain, hot flushes, malaise, pain, rigors, weight gain, hyperhidrosis.

Heart rate and rhythm disorders.

Tachycardia.

Metabolic and nutritional.

Anorexia, thirst, hyperglycaemia.

Musculoskeletal system.

Arthralgia, arthrosis, myalgia, ankle swelling, muscle spasm.

Platelet, bleeding and clotting.

Thrombocytopenia.

Psychiatric.

Sexual dysfunction (male and female), insomnia, nervousness, depression, abnormal dreams, anxiety, depersonalisation, mood changes, confusion, irritability, insomnia.

Respiratory system.

Dyspnoea, epistaxis.

Skin and appendages.

Angioedema, alopecia, pruritus, rash, rash erythematous, rash maculopapular, exanthema, purpura.

Special senses.

Abnormal vision, conjunctivitis, diplopia, eye pain, tinnitus, vertigo, blurred vision.

Urinary system.

Micturition frequency, micturition disorder, nocturia.

Vascular (extracardiac).

Vasculitis, postural hypotension, peripheral ischaemia.

White blood cell.

Leucopenia.
These events occurred in less than 1% in placebo controlled trials, but the incidence of these side effects was between 1% and 2% in multiple dose studies.
The following events occurred in ≤ 0.1% of patients: exfoliative dermatitis, photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, cardiac failure, pulse irregularity, extrasystoles, skin discoloration, urticaria, skin dryness, dermatitis, erythema multiforme, muscle weakness, twitching, ataxia, hypertonia, migraine, cold and clammy skin, apathy, agitation, amnesia, gastritis, increased appetite, loose stools, coughing, rhinitis, dysuria, polyuria, parosmia, taste perversion, abnormal visual accommodation, xerophthalmia and weight decrease.
As with other calcium channel blockers the following adverse events have been rarely reported and cannot be distinguished from the natural history of the underlying disease: myocardial infarction, arrhythmia (including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation) and chest pain.
There have been infrequent, postmarketing reports of hepatitis, jaundice and hepatic enzyme elevations (mostly consistent with cholestasis). Some cases severe enough to require hospitalisation have been reported in association with use of amlodipine. In many instances, causal association is uncertain. There have been post-marketing reports of extrapyramidal disorder in association with use of amlodipine.

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 http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

There is no experience of overdose in humans with Sevikar. The most likely effects of olmesartan medoxomil overdosage are hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia could be encountered if parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation occurred.
Amlodipine overdosage can be expected to lead to excessive peripheral vasodilatation with marked hypotension and possibly a reflex tachycardia. Marked and potentially prolonged systemic hypotension up to and including shock with fatal outcome has been reported. Non cardiogenic pulmonary oedema has rarely been reported as a consequence of amlodipine overdose that may manifest with a delayed onset (24-48 hours post-ingestion) and require ventilatory support. Early resuscitative measures (including fluid overload) to maintain perfusion and cardiac output may be precipitating factors (see following section).

Treatment.

In healthy subjects, the administration of activated charcoal immediately or up to 2 hours after ingestion of amlodipine has been shown to reduce substantially the absorption of amlodipine.
Clinically significant hypotension due to an overdose of Sevikar requires active support of the cardiovascular system, including close monitoring of heart and lung function, elevation of the extremities, and attention to circulating fluid volume and urine output. A vasoconstrictor may be helpful in restoring vascular tone and blood pressure, provided that there is no contraindication to its use. Intravenous calcium gluconate may be beneficial in reversing the effects of calcium channel blockade.
Since amlodipine is highly protein bound, dialysis is not likely to be of benefit. The dialysability of olmesartan is unknown.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Sevikar is a combination of two antihypertensive drugs: olmesartan medoxomil, an angiotensin receptor blocker and amlodipine besilate, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. The combination of these active ingredients has an additive antihypertensive effect, reducing blood pressure to a greater degree than either component alone.
The olmesartan medoxomil component of Sevikar blocks the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II and the amlodipine component of Sevikar inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I in a reaction catalysed by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, kininase II). Angiotensin II is the principal pressor agent of the renin angiotensin system, with effects that include: vasoconstriction, stimulation of synthesis and release of aldosterone, cardiac stimulation and renal reabsorption of sodium. Olmesartan medoxomil is an orally active angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist. It has more than a 12,500-fold greater affinity for the AT1 receptor than for the AT2 receptor. It is expected to block all actions of angiotensin II mediated by the AT1 receptor, regardless of the source or route of synthesis of angiotensin II. The selective antagonism of the angiotensin II (AT1) receptors results in increases in plasma renin levels and angiotensin I and II concentrations, and some decrease in plasma aldosterone concentrations.
Angiotensin II plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of hypertension via the type 1 (AT1) receptor. In hypertension, olmesartan medoxomil causes a dose dependent, long lasting reduction in arterial blood pressure. There has been no evidence of first dose hypotension, of tachyphylaxis during long-term treatment, or of rebound hypertension after cessation of therapy.
Once daily dosing with olmesartan medoxomil provides an effective and smooth reduction in blood pressure over the 24 hour dose interval. Once daily dosing produced similar decreases in blood pressure as twice daily dosing at the same total daily dose.
With continuous treatment, maximum reductions in blood pressure are achieved by 8 weeks after the initiation of therapy, although a substantial proportion of the blood pressure lowering effect is already observed after 2 weeks of treatment. The effect of olmesartan on mortality and morbidity is not yet known.

Amlodipine.

Experimental data suggests that amlodipine binds to both dihydropyridine and nonhydropyridine binding sites. The contractile processes of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle are dependent upon the movement of extracellular calcium ions into these cells through specific ion channels. Amlodipine inhibits calcium ion influx across cell membranes selectively, with a greater effect on vascular smooth muscle cells than on cardiac muscle cells. Negative inotropic effects can be detected in vitro but such effects have not been seen in intact animals at therapeutic doses. Serum calcium concentration is not affected by amlodipine. Within the physiologic pH range, amlodipine is an ionized compound (pKa = 8.6), and its kinetic interaction with the calcium channel is characterised by a gradual rate of association and dissociation with the binding site, resulting in a gradual onset of effect.
Amlodipine is a peripheral arterial vasodilator that acts directly on vascular smooth muscle to cause a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and reduction in blood pressure. Following administration of therapeutic doses to patients with hypertension, amlodipine produces vasodilation resulting in a reduction of supine and standing blood pressures. These decreases in blood pressure are not accompanied by a significant change in heart rate or plasma catecholamine levels with chronic dosing.
With chronic once daily oral administration, antihypertensive effectiveness is maintained for at least 24 hours. Plasma concentrations correlate with effect in both young and elderly patients. The magnitude of reduction in blood pressure with amlodipine is also correlated with the height of pretreatment elevation; thus, individuals with moderate hypertension (diastolic pressure 105-114 mmHg) had about a 50% greater response than patients with mild hypertension (diastolic pressure 90-104 mmHg). Normotensive subjects experienced no clinically significant change in blood pressures (+1/-2 mmHg).
In hypertensive patients with normal renal function, therapeutic doses of amlodipine resulted in a decrease in renal vascular resistance and an increase in glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow without change in filtration fraction or proteinuria.
As with other calcium channel blockers, haemodynamic measurements of cardiac function at rest and during exercise (or pacing) in patients with normal ventricular function treated with amlodipine have generally demonstrated a small increase in cardiac index without significant influence on dP/dt or on left ventricular end diastolic pressure or volume. In haemodynamic studies, amlodipine has not been associated with a negative inotropic effect when administered in the therapeutic dose range to intact animals and man, even when coadministered with beta-blockers to man. Similar findings, however, have been observed in normal or well compensated patients with heart failure with agents possessing significant negative inotropic effects.

Clinical trials.

In three clinical trials involving hypertensive adults with a mean sitting diastolic BP between 95 mmHg and 120 mmHg, over 2000 hypertensive patients received Sevikar. In a placebo controlled clinical trial with over 600 patients and in 2 active control clinical trials, over 700 hypertensive patients received Sevikar once daily. Exclusion criteria for the trials included the contraindications listed in the PI, and the conditions listed in the precautions. Patients with secondary hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, evidence of ECG changes requiring treatment, known malabsorption or significant increases in liver enzymes were also excluded. No trials assessing the long-term effects on cardiovascular morbidity or mortality have been conducted with Sevikar.
Initial therapy (study 301). In a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, factorial designed study, 1923 mild to severe hypertensive patients were randomised to receive either: placebo, olmesartan medoxomil (10, 20 or 40 mg), amlodipine (5 or 10 mg) or the combination of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine (10/5, 10/10, 20/5, 20/10, 40/5, or 40/10) for 8 weeks. Sevikar produced the greatest mean change in diastolic and systolic blood pressure in comparison to the monotherapy and placebo (see Table 4 and 5). The highest mean change in blood pressure was observed for the highest dose of Sevikar (40/10 mg; -30.1/-19.0 mmHg). The mean change in diastolic and systolic blood pressure was dose dependent.
The proportion of patients that achieved blood pressure goal of < 140/90 mmHg (or < 130/80 mmHg for diabetics) were higher for those on Sevikar in comparison to those on the individual monotherapy (see Table 6).
Add-on therapy (studies 302 and 303). Two double blind, randomised, active controlled studies were conducted in patients with moderate to severe hypertension. These studies evaluated the effectiveness of add-on therapy for these patients whose BP was not adequately controlled following 8 weeks of monotherapy of either 20 mg of olmesartan medoxomil or 5 mg of amlodipine.

Olmesartan medoxomil with amlodipine add-on therapy (study 302).

In study 302, 538 moderate to severe hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was inadequately controlled after 8 weeks of 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil monotherapy, were randomised to receive either: placebo or amlodipine (5 mg or 10 mg) as add-on therapy to the olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg for another 8 weeks. The mean change of DBP and SBP was significantly greater for patients who were on Sevikar (both 20/5 and 20/10) compared to olmesartan medoxomil (20 mg) monotherapy (p < 0.001) (see Table 7).
Significantly more patients on the combination of olmesartan medoxomil with amlodipine (Sevikar 20/5 and Sevikar 20/10) achieved BP goal (< 140/90 mmHg or < 130/80 mmHg for diabetic patients) compared to 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil alone (Sevikar 20/10; 45.8%, Sevikar 20/5; 44.5% and olmesartan medoxomil, 28.5%; p < 0.0011).

Amlodipine with olmesartan medoxomil add-on therapy (study 303).

In study 303, 755 patients whose blood pressure was inadequately controlled after 8 weeks of 5 mg amlodipine monotherapy, were randomised to receive either: placebo or olmesartan medoxomil (20 mg or 40 mg) as add-on therapy to amlodipine 5 mg. The mean change of DBP and SBP was significantly greater for patients who were on Sevikar (both 20/5 and 40/5) compared to amlodipine (5 mg) monotherapy (p < 0.0001) (see Table 8).
Significantly more patients on the combination of olmesartan medoxomil with amlodipine (Sevikar 20/5 and Sevikar 40/5) achieved BP goal (< 140/90 mmHg or < 130/80 mmHg for diabetic patients) compared to 5 mg olmesartan medoxomil alone (Sevikar 20/5, 53.5%; Sevikar 40/5, 50.5% and amlodipine, 29.9%; p < 0.0001).
The three studies performed confirmed that the blood pressure lowering effect of Sevikar once daily was maintained throughout the 24 hour dose interval, with trough to peak ratios of 71% to 82% for systolic and diastolic response and with 24 hour effectiveness being confirmed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
The antihypertensive effect of Sevikar was similar irrespective of age and gender, and was similar in patients with and without diabetes.
In two open labelled, nonrandomised extension studies (studies 301 and 303), the antihypertensive effect of Sevikar 40/5 was sustained during long-term therapy. When required in patients whose BP was not adequately controlled on the highest available dose of Sevikar 40/10, the addition of a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) increased the blood pressure lowering effect of Sevikar.
Olmesartan medoxomil (active ingredient of Sevikar). The antihypertensive effects of olmesartan medoxomil have been demonstrated in seven placebo controlled studies at doses ranging from 2.5 to 80 mg for 6 to 12 weeks. Approximately 2,800 patients with essential hypertension were studied. The blood pressure lowering effect of olmesartan medoxomil tended to increase with time and to increase with dose up to the 40 mg dose. Olmesartan medoxomil 10 mg (n = 521), 20 mg (n = 513), and 40 mg (n = 195) once daily produced statistically significant reductions in peak and trough blood pressure compared with placebo (n = 543) at every time point from week 2 to week 12 (sSBP p < 0.001 and sDBP p < 0.001).
Data above from seven placebo controlled studies also confirm that the blood pressure lowering effect was maintained throughout the 24 hour period with olmesartan medoxomil once daily, with trough to peak ratios for systolic and diastolic response between 60 and 80%.
The blood pressure lowering effect of olmesartan medoxomil, with and without hydrochlorothiazide, was maintained in patients treated for up to 1 year. There was no evidence of tachyphylaxis during long-term treatment with olmesartan medoxomil or rebound effect following abrupt withdrawal of olmesartan medoxomil after 1 year of treatment.
The antihypertensive effect of olmesartan medoxomil was similar in men and women and in patients older and younger than 65 years. The effect was smaller in black patients (usually a low renin population), as has been seen with other ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers. Olmesartan had an additional blood pressure lowering effect when added to hydrochlorothiazide.
Amlodipine (active ingredient of Sevikar). In patients with hypertension once daily dosing provides clinically significant reductions of blood pressure in both the supine and standing positions throughout the 24 hour interval postdose. Due to the slow onset of action, acute hypotension is not a feature of amlodipine administration. The blood pressure effect is maintained over the 24 hour dosing interval, with little difference in peak and trough effect. Tolerance has not been demonstrated in patients studied for up to 1 year. Effects on diastolic pressure were similar in young and older patients. The effect on systolic pressure was greater in older patients, perhaps because of greater baseline systolic pressure.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Following oral intake of Sevikar, peak plasma concentrations of olmesartan and amlodipine are reached at 1.5-2 hours and 6-8 hours, respectively. The rate and extent of absorption of the two active substances from Sevikar are equivalent to the rate and extent of absorption following intake of the two components as separate tablets. Food does not affect the bioavailability of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine from Sevikar.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

Absorption.

Olmesartan medoxomil is a prodrug. It is rapidly converted to the pharmacologically active metabolite, olmesartan, by esterases in the gut mucosa and in portal blood during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
No intact olmesartan medoxomil or intact side chain medoxomil moiety have been detected in plasma or excreta. The mean absolute bioavailability of olmesartan medoxomil from a tablet formulation was 25.6%.
The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of olmesartan is reached within about 2 hours after oral dosing with olmesartan medoxomil, and olmesartan plasma concentrations increase approximately linearly with increasing single oral doses up to about 80 mg. Food has minimal effect on the bioavailability of olmesartan medoxomil and therefore olmesartan medoxomil may be administered with or without food.

Distribution.

The mean volume of distribution after intravenous dosing is in the range of 16-29 litres. Olmesartan is highly bound to plasma proteins (99.7%), but the potential for clinically significant protein binding displacement interactions between olmesartan and other highly bound coadministered drugs is low (as confirmed by the lack of a clinically significant interaction between olmesartan medoxomil and warfarin). The binding of olmesartan to blood cells is negligible.
In rats, olmesartan crossed the blood brain barrier poorly, if at all. Olmesartan crossed the placental barrier in rats and was distributed to the foetus. Olmesartan was distributed to milk at low levels in rats.

Metabolism and excretion.

Following the rapid and complete conversion of olmesartan medoxomil to olmesartan during absorption, there is virtually no further metabolism of olmesartan. Total plasma clearance was typically 1.3 L/h (CV, 19%) and was relatively slow compared with hepatic blood flow (approximately 90 L/h). Approximately 30% to 50% of the systemically absorbed drug is excreted in the urine whilst the remainder is excreted in faeces (via the bile).
The terminal elimination half-life of olmesartan varied between 10 and 15 hours. Steady state was reached after the first few doses and no further accumulation was evident within 14 days of repeated dosing. Renal clearance was approximately 0.5-0.7 L/h and was independent of dose.

Amlodipine.

Absorption.

After oral administration of therapeutic doses of amlodipine, absorption produces peak plasma concentrations between 6 and 12 hours. Absolute bioavailability is estimated as between 64% and 90%. This may reflect significant initial uptake by the liver, followed by a phase of redistribution. This interval is shorter (2-8 hours) in patients with hepatic insufficiency. The bioavailability of amlodipine is not altered by the presence of food.

Distribution.

The volume of distribution is approximately 20 L/kg. The terminal plasma elimination half-life is about 35-50 hours and is consistent with once daily dosing. Steady-state plasma levels are reached after 7-8 days of consecutive dosing.

Metabolism and excretion.

Amlodipine is extensively metabolised by the liver to inactive metabolites with 10% of the parent compound and 60% of metabolites excreted in the urine.
In vitro studies have shown that approximately 97.5% of circulating amlodipine is bound to plasma proteins.

Pharmacokinetics in special populations.

Elderly. The pharmacokinetic properties of Sevikar in the elderly are similar to those of the individual components.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

In hypertensive patients, the AUC at steady state was increased by approximately 35% in elderly patients (65-75 years old) and by approximately 44% in very elderly patients (≥ 75 years old) compared with the younger age group.

Amlodipine.

In elderly hypertensive patients (mean age 69 years) there was a decrease in clearance of amlodipine from plasma as compared to young volunteers (mean age 36 years) with a resulting increase in the area under the curve (AUC) of about 60%.
Paediatric. No pharmacokinetic data in paediatric patients for Sevikar are available.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

The pharmacokinetics of olmesartan medoxomil have not been investigated in patients < 18 years of age.

Amlodipine.

No pharmacokinetic data for amlodipine in paediatric patients are available.
Gender. Population pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that female patients had approximately 15% smaller clearances of olmesartan than male patients. Gender had no effect on the clearance of amlodipine.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

Minor differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of olmesartan medoxomil in women compared to men. AUC and Cmax were 10% to 15% higher in women than in men.
Renal impairment.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

In patients with renal insufficiency, serum concentrations of olmesartan were elevated compared to subjects with normal renal function. After repeated dosing, the AUC was approximately tripled in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min). The pharmacokinetics of olmesartan medoxomil in patients undergoing haemodialysis have not been studied.

Amlodipine.

The pharmacokinetics of amlodipine are not significantly influenced by renal impairment. Patients with renal failure may therefore receive the usual initial dose.
Hepatic insufficiency.

Olmesartan medoxomil.

Mean olmesartan AUC after single oral administration to patients with moderate hepatic impairment was increased by about 48% compared with healthy controls (total group), or by about 60% when compared with matched controls only. Olmesartan medoxomil has not been evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Amlodipine.

Patients with hepatic insufficiency have decreased clearance of amlodipine with a resulting increase in AUC of approximately 40% to 60%. There are no adequate studies in patients with liver dysfunction and dosage recommendations have not been established. In a small number of patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment given single doses of 5 mg, amlodipine half-life has been prolonged. Worsening of liver function test values may occur. Amlodipine therefore should be administered with caution in these patients and careful monitoring should be performed.
Heart failure.

Amlodipine.

Patients with heart failure have decreased clearance of amlodipine with a resulting increase in AUC of approximately 40% to 60%.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No genotoxicity studies have been conducted with the olmesartan medoxomil/ amlodipine combination.
Both olmesartan medoxomil and olmesartan tested negative in the in vitro Syrian hamster embryo cell transformation assay and showed no evidence of genetic toxicity in the Ames (bacterial mutagenicity) test. However, both were shown to induce chromosomal aberrations in cultured cells in vitro (Chinese hamster lung) and tested positive for thymidine kinase mutations in the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay. Olmesartan medoxomil tested negative in vivo for mutations in intestinal and kidney cells from the transgenic mouse strain MutaMouse and for clastogenicity in mouse bone marrow (micronucleus test) at oral doses of up to 2000 mg/kg (olmesartan not tested).
Amlodipine did not induce gene mutation in bacteria and mouse lymphoma cells; nor did it induce chromosome aberrations in human lymphocytes or Chinese hamster V79 fibroblast (in vitro) and in mouse bone marrow cells (in vivo).

Carcinogenicity.

There are no carcinogenicity studies with the olmesartan medoxomil/ amlodipine combination.
Olmesartan was not carcinogenic when administered by dietary administration to rats for up to 2 years. The highest dose tested (2000 mg/kg/day) was, on a mg/m2 basis, about 480 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day. Two carcinogenicity studies conducted in mice, a 6 month gavage study in the p53 knockout mouse and a 6 month dietary administration study in the Hras2 transgenic mouse, at doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day (about 120 times the MRHD), revealed no evidence of a carcinogenic effect of olmesartan. Rats and mice treated with amlodipine maleate in the diet for up to two years, at concentrations calculated to provide daily dosage levels of 0.5, 1.25, and 2.5 mg amlodipine/kg/day, showed no evidence of a carcinogenic effect of the drug. For the mouse, the highest dose was, on mg/m2 basis, similar to the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] of 10 mg amlodipine/day. For the rat, the highest dose was, on a mg/m2 basis, about two and a half times the MRHD (calculations based on a 60 kg patient).

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, pregelatinised maize starch, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, macrogol 3350, titanium dioxide, purified talc, iron oxide yellow (Sevikar 20/10, Sevikar 40/5, Sevikar 40/10), iron oxide red (Sevikar 20/10, Sevikar 40/10), and iron oxide black (Sevikar 20/10).

6.2 Incompatibilities

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

6.3 Shelf Life

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

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Sevikar is available in blister packs of 10 and 30 film-coated tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be available.

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

Olmesartan medoxomil is chemically described as 2,3-dihydroxy-2-butenyl 4-(1-hydroxy- 1-methylethyl)-2-propyl-1-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl) benzyl]imidazole-5-carboxylate, cyclic 2,3-carbonate. The empirical formula is C29H30N6O6 and its molecular weight is 558.59.
Amlodipine besilate is a racemic mixture and is chemically described as 3-ethyl-5-methyl-2- (2-aminoethoxymethyl)-4-(2-chlorophenyl)- 1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5- pyridinedicarboxylate benzene sulphonate. The empirical formula is C20H25ClN2O5.C6H6O3S and its molecular weight is 567.1.

Chemical structure.

Olmesartan medoxomil has the following structural formula:
Amlodipine besilate has the following structural formula:

CAS number.

The CAS Registry Number is 144689-63-4 (olmesartan medoxomil); 111470-99-6 (amlodipine besilate).

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Prescription only medicine (Schedule 4).

Summary Table of Changes