Fenostat

Atorvastatin calcium, fenofibrate.

Each film-coated tablet contains: Atorvastatin (as calcium), USP 10 mg, Fenofibrate BP 160 mg or Atorvastatin (as calcium) USP 20 mg, Fenofibrate BP 160 mg.

Lipid Modifying Agent.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-melhyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. Triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver are incorporated into very low-density lipoproteins (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 receptor with high affinity to LDL (LDL receptor).
Atorvastatin lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein serum concentrations by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and subsequently cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver and increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell surface for enhanced uptake and catabolism of LDL.
Atorvastatin reduces LDL production and the number of LDL particles. Atorvastatin produces a profound and sustained increase in LDL receptor activity coupled with a beneficial change in the quality of circulating LDL particles. Atorvastatin is effective in reducing LDL-C in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, a population that has not usually responded to lipid-lowering medicinal products.
Reductions in total-C, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B have been proven to reduce risk for cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality.
Fenofibrate: Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative whose lipid modifying effects reported in humans are mediated via activation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor type alpha (PPARα).
Through activation of PPARα, fenofibrate increases the lipolysis and elimination of atherogenic triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase and reducing production of apoprotein CIII. Activation of PPARα also induces an increase in the synthesis of apoproteins AI and AII.
The previously stated effects of fenofibrate on lipoproteins lead to a reduction in very low- and low density fractions (VLDL and LDL) containing apoprotein B and an increase in the high density lipoprotein fraction (HDL) containing apoprotein AI and AII.
In addition, through modulation of the synthesis and the catabolism of VLDL fractions fenofibrate increases the LDL clearance and reduces small dense LDL, the levels of which are elevated in the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype, a common disorder in patients at risk for coronary heart disease.
Pharmacokinetics: Atorvastatin: Absorption: Atorvastatin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration; maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) occur within 1 to 2 hours. Extent of absorption increases in proportion to atorvastatin dose. After oral administration, atorvastatin film coated tablets are 95% to 99% bioavailable compared to the oral solution. The absolute bioavailability of atorvastatin is approximately 12% and the systemic availability of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity is approximately 30%. The low systemic availability is attributed to presystemic clearance in gastrointestinal mucosa and/or hepatic first-pass metabolism.
Distribution: Mean volume of distribution of atorvastatin is approximately 381 l. Atorvastatin is ≥98% bound to plasma proteins.
Biotransformation: Atorvastatin is metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 to ortho- and parahydroxylated derivatives and various beta-oxidation products. Apart from other pathways these products are further metabolised via glucuronidation. In vitro, inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by ortho- and parahydroxylated metabolites is equivalent to that of atorvastatin. Approximately 70% of circulating inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is attributed to active metabolites.
Elimination: Atorvastatin is eliminated primarily in bile following hepatic and/or extrahepatic metabolism. However, atorvastatin does not appear to undergo significant 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 approximately 20 to 30 hours due to the contribution of active metabolites.
Fenofibrate: Absorption: Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) occur within 4 to 5 hours after oral administration. Plasma concentrations are stable during continuous treatment in any given individual.
The absorption of fenofibrate is increased when administered with food.
Distribution: Fenofibric acid is strongly bound to plasma albumin (more than 99%).
Metabolism and excretion: After oral administration, fenofibrate is rapidly hydrolysed by esterases to the active metabolite fenofibric acid. No unchanged fenofibrate can be detected in the plasma. Fenofibrate is not a substrate for CYP 3A4. No hepatic microsomal metabolism is involved.
The drug is excreted mainly in the urine. Practically all the drug is eliminated within 6 days. Fenofibrate is mainly excreted in the form of fenofibric acid and its glucuronide conjugate. In elderly patients, the fenofibric acid apparent total plasma clearance is not modified.
Kinetic studies following the administration of a single dose and continuous treatment have demonstrated that the drug does not accumulate. Fenofibric acid is not eliminated by haemodialysis.
The plasma elimination half-life of fenofibric acid is approximately 20 hours.
Toxicology: Preclinical Safety Data: Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin was negative for mutagenic and clastogenic potential in a battery of 4 in vitro tests and 1 in vivo assay. Atorvastatin was not found to be carcinogenic in rats, but high doses in mice (resulting in 6-11 fold the AUC0-24h reached in humans at the highest recommended dose) showed hepatocellular adenomas in males and hepatocellular carcinomas in females. There is evidence from animal experimental studies that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may affect the development of embryos or foetuses. In rats, rabbits and dogs atorvastatin had no effect on fertility and was not teratogenic, however, at maternally toxic doses foetal toxicity was observed in rats and rabbits. The development of the rat offspring was delayed and post-natal survival reduced during exposure of the dams to high doses of atorvastatin. In rats, there is evidence of placental transfer. In rats, plasma concentrations of atorvastatin are similar to those in milk. It is not known whether atorvastatin or its metabolites are excreted in human milk.
Fenofibrate: In a three-month oral nonclinical study in the rat species with fenofibric acid, the active metabolite of fenofibrate, toxicity for the skeletal muscles (particularly those rich in type I-slow oxidative-myofibres) and cardiac degeneration, anemia and decreased body weight were seen. No skeletal toxicity was noted at doses up to 30 mg/kg (approximately 17-time the exposure at the human maximum recommended dose (MRHD). No sign of cardiomyotoxicity were noted at an exposure about 3 times the exposure at MRHD. Reversible ulcers and erosions in the gastro-intestinal tract occurred in dogs treated for 3 months. No gastro-intestinal lesions were noted in that study at an exposure approximately 5 times the exposure at the MRHD. Studies on mutagenicity of fenofibrate have been negative. In rats and mice, liver tumours have been found at high dosages, which are attributable to peroxisome proliferation. These changes are specific to small rodents and have not been observed in other animal species. This is of no relevance to therapeutic use in man. Studies in mice, rats and rabbits did not reveal any teratogenic effect. Embryotoxic effects were observed at doses in the range of maternal toxicity. Prolongation of the gestation period and difficulties during delivery were observed at high doses. Reversible hypospermia and testicular vacuolation and immaturity of the ovaries were observed in a repeat-dose toxicity study with fenofibric acid in young dogs. However, no effects on fertility were detected in non-clinical reproductive toxicity studies conducted with fenofibrate.

Mixed Dyslipidemia: Fenostat is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total-C, LDL-C, apoB, and TG levels and to increase HDLC in adult patients with mixed dyslipidemia.
Hypercholesterolemia: Fenostat is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total-C, LDL-C, apoB and to increase HDL-C in adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Lipid altering agents should be used in addition to diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol only when the response to diet and other non-pharmacological measures has been inadequate. (See Table 1.)

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After the LDL-C goal has been achieved, if the TG level is still ≥200 mg/dl, non HDL-C (TC minus HDL-C) becomes a secondary target of therapy. Non-HDL-C goals are set 30 mg/dl higher than LDL-C goals for each risk category.

Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving the fixed dose combination of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate, and should continue this diet during treatment. The fixed dose combination of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate should be given with meals, thereby optimizing the bioavailability of the medication.
Adults and the Elderly: Start with Atorvastatin 10 mg plus Fenofibrate 160 mg (or Atorvastatin 10 mg plus Fenofibrate 200 mg) once daily. The dosage can be titrated upwards depending on the patients' response and tolerability to treatment to a maximum of Atorvastatin 40 mg plus Fenofibrate 160 mg (or Atorvastatin 40 mg plus Fenofibrate 200 mg). Or as prescribed by the physician.
Patients with Renal and Hepatic Impairment: The fixed dose combination of Atorvastatin plus Fenofibrate is contraindicated in patients with severe renal and hepatic impairment.
Children and Adolescents: No data is available on the use of the fixed dose combination of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate in patients under the age of 18 years. Therefore, the use of the fixed dose combination of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate in this age group is not recommended.

Atorvastatin: Specific treatment is not available for Atorvastatin overdose. Should an overdose occur, the patient should be treated symptomatically and supportive measures instituted, as required. Liver function tests should be performed and serum CK levels should be monitored. Due to extensive atorvastatin binding to plasma proteins, haemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance.
Fenofibrate: Only anecdotal cases of fenofibrate overdosage have been received. In the majority of cases no overdose symptoms were reported. No specific antidote is known. If an overdose is suspected, treat symptomatically and institute appropriate supportive measures as required. Fenofibrate cannot be eliminated by haemodialysis.

FENOSTAT is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients; Hepatic insufficiency (including biliary cirrhosis and unexplained persistent liver function abnormality); Known gallbladder disease; Severe renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²); Chronic or acute pancreatitis with the exception of acute pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia; Known photoallergy or phototoxic reaction during treatment with fibrates or ketoprofen; with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases exceeding 3 times the upper limit of normal; during pregnancy, while breast-feeding and in women of child-bearing potential not using appropriate contraceptive measures.

Atorvastatin: Liver effects: Liver function tests should be performed before the initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter. Patients who develop any signs or symptoms suggestive of liver injury should have liver function tests performed. Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be monitored until the abnormality (ies) resolve. Should an increase in transaminases of greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) persist, reduction of dose or withdrawal of Atorvastatin is recommended.
Atorvastatin should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease.
Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL): In a post-hoc analysis of stroke subtypes in patients without coronary heart disease (CHD) who had a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) there was a higher incidence of haemorrhagic stroke in patients initiated on atorvastatin 80 mg compared to placebo. The increased risk was particularly noted in patients with prior haemorrhagic stroke or lacunar infarct at study entry. For patients with prior haemorrhagic stroke or lacunar infarct, the balance of risks and benefits of atorvastatin 80 mg is uncertain, and the potential risk of haemorrhagic stroke should be carefully considered before initiating treatment.
Skeletal muscle effects: Atorvastatin, like other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, may in rare occasions affect the skeletal muscle and cause myalgia, myositis, and myopathy that may progress to rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels (> 10 times ULN), myoglobinaemia and myoglobinuria which may lead to renal failure.
There have been very rare reports of an immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) during or after treatment with some statins. IMNM is clinically characterised by persistent proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment.
Before the treatment: Atorvastatin should be prescribed with caution in patients with pre-disposing factors for rhabdomyolysis. A CK level should be measured before starting statin treatment in the following situations: Renal impairment; Hypothyroidism; Personal or familial history of hereditary muscular disorders; Previous history of muscular toxicity with a statin or fibrate; Previous history of liver disease and/or where substantial quantities of alcohol are consumed; In elderly (age > 70 years), the necessity of such measurement should be considered, according to the presence of other predisposing factors for rhabdomyolysis; Situations where an increase in plasma levels may occur, such as interactions and special populations including genetic subpopulations.
In such situations, the risk of treatment should be considered in relation to possible benefit, and clinical monitoring is recommended.
If CK levels are significantly elevated (> 5 times ULN) at baseline, treatment should not be started.
Creatine kinase measurement: Creatine kinase (CK) should not be measured following strenuous exercise or in the presence of any plausible alternative cause of CK increase as this makes value interpretation difficult. If CK levels are significantly elevated at baseline (> 5 times ULN), levels should be remeasured within 5 to 7 days later to confirm the results.
Whilst on treatment: Patients must be asked to promptly report muscle pain, cramps, or weakness especially if accompanied by malaise or fever.
If such symptoms occur whilst a patient is receiving treatment with atorvastatin, their CK levels should be measured. If these levels are found to be significantly elevated (> 5 times ULN), treatment should be stopped.
If muscular symptoms are severe and cause daily discomfort, even if the CK levels are elevated to ≤ 5x ULN, treatment discontinuation should be considered.
If symptoms resolve and CK levels return to normal, then re-introduction of atorvastatin or introduction of an alternative statin may be considered at the lowest dose and with close monitoring.
Atorvastatin must be discontinued if clinically significant elevation of CK levels (> 10 x ULN) occur, or if rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected.
Concomitant treatment with other medicinal products: Risk of rhabdomyolysis is increased when atorvastatin is administered concomitantly with certain medicinal products that may increase the plasma concentration of atorvastatin such as potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 or transport proteins (e.g. ciclosporine, telithromycin, clarithromycin, delavirdine, stiripentol, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and HIV protease inhibitors including ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, indinavir, darunavir, etc). The risk of myopathy may also be increased with the concomitant use of gemfibrozil and other fibric acid derivates, boceprevir, erythromycin, niacin, ezetimibe, telaprevir, or the combination of tipranavir/ritonavir. If possible, alternative (non-interacting) therapies should be considered instead of these medicinal products. In cases where co-administration of these medicinal products with atorvastatin is necessary, the benefit and the risk of concurrent treatment should be carefully considered. When patients are receiving medicinal products that increase the plasma concentration of atorvastatin, a lower maximum dose of atorvastatin is recommended. In addition, in the case of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, a lower starting dose of atorvastatin should be considered and appropriate clinical monitoring of these patients is recommended. Atorvastatin must not be co-administered with systemic formulations of fusidic acid or within 7 days of stopping fusidic acid treatment. In patients where the use of systemic fusidic acid is considered essential, statin treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of fusidic acid treatment. There have been reports of rhabdomyolysis (including some fatalities) in patients receiving fusidic acid and statins in combination. 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. In exceptional circumstances, where prolonged systemic fusidic acid is needed, e.g., for the treatment of severe infections, the need for co-administration of Atorvastatin and fusidic acid should only be considered on a case by case basis and under close medical supervision.
Interstitial lung disease: Exceptional cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported with some statins, especially with long term therapy. Presenting features can include dyspnoea, non-productive cough and deterioration in general health (fatigue, weight loss and fever). If it is suspected a patient has developed interstitial lung disease, statin therapy should be discontinued.
Diabetes Mellitus: Some evidence suggests that statins as a class raise blood glucose and in some patients, at high risk of future diabetes, may produce a level of hyperglycaemia where formal diabetes care is appropriate. This risk, however, is outweighed by the reduction in vascular risk with statins and therefore should not be a reason for stopping statin treatment. Patients at risk (fasting glucose 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L, BMI >30kg/m², raised triglycerides, hypertension) should be monitored both clinically and biochemically according to national guidelines.
Fenofibrate: Secondary causes of hyperlipidemia: Secondary cause of hypercholesterolemia, such as uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemia, obstructive liver disease or alcoholism should be adequately treated before fenofibrate therapy is considered. Secondary cause of hypercholesterolemia related to pharmacological treatment can be seen with diuretics, β-blocking agents, estrogens, progestogens, combined oral contraceptives, immunosuppressive agents and protease inhibitors. In these cases, it should be ascertained whether the hyperlipidaemia is of primary or secondary nature (possible elevation of lipid values caused by these therapeutic agents).
Liver function: As with other lipid lowering agents, increases have been reported in transaminase levels in some patients. In the majority of cases these elevations were transient, minor and asymptomatic. It is recommended that transaminase levels are monitored every 3 months during the first 12 months of treatment and thereafter periodically. Attention should be paid to patients who develop increase in transaminase levels and therapy should be discontinued if AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) levels increase to more than 3 times the upper limit of the normal range. When symptoms indicative of hepatitis occur (e.g. jaundice, pruritus), and diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory testing, fenofibrate therapy should be discontinued.
Pancreas: Pancreatitis has been reported in patients taking fenofibrate. This occurrence may represent a failure of efficacy in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, a direct drug effect, or a secondary phenomenon mediated through biliary tract stone or sludge formation with obstruction of the common bile duct.
Muscle: Muscle toxicity, including rare cases of rhabdomyolysis, with or without renal failure, has been reported with administration of fibrates and other lipid-lowering agents. The incidence of this disorder increases in case of hypoalbuminaemia and previous renal insufficiency. Patients with pre-disposing factors for myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis, including age above 70 years, personal or familial history of hereditary muscular disorders, renal impairment, hypothyroidism and high alcohol intake, may be at an increased risk of developing rhabdomyolysis. For these patients, the putative benefits and risks of fenofibrate therapy should be carefully weighed up. Muscle toxicity should be suspected in patients presenting diffuse myalgia, myositis, muscular cramps and weakness and/or marked increases in CPK (levels exceeding 5 times the upper normal range). In such cases treatment with fenofibrate should be stopped. The risk of muscle toxicity may be increased if the drug is administered with another fibrate or an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, especially in case of preexisting muscular disease. Consequently, the co-prescription of fenofibrate with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or another fibrate should be reserved to patients with severe combined dyslipidaemia and high cardiovascular risk without any history of muscular disease and with a close monitoring of potential muscle toxicity.
Renal function: Fenofibrate is contraindicated in severe renal impairment. Fenofibrate should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. Dose should be adjusted in patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate is 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m². Reversible elevations in serum creatinine have been reported in patients receiving fenofibrate monotherapy or co-administered with statins. Elevations in serum creatinine were generally stable over time with no evidence for continued increases in serum creatinine with long term therapy and tended to return to baseline following discontinuation of treatment. Treatment should be interrupted when creatinine level is 50% above the upper limit of normal. It is recommended that creatinine is measured during the first 3 months after initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machine: FENOSTAT has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Pregnancy: Atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy. Safety in pregnant women has not been established. No controlled clinical trials with atorvastatin have been conducted in pregnant women. Rare reports of congenital anomalies following intrauterine exposure to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have been received. Studies in animals have shown toxicity to reproduction.
Maternal treatment with atorvastatin may reduce the foetal levels of mevalonate which is a precursor of cholesterol biosynthesis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, and ordinarily discontinuation of lipid-lowering medicinal products during pregnancy should have little impact on the long-term risk associated with primary hypercholesterolaemia.
For these reasons, Atorvastatin should not be used in women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or suspect they are pregnant. Treatment with Atorvastatin should be suspended for the duration of pregnancy or until it has been determined that the woman is not pregnant.
There are no adequate data from the use of fenofibrate in pregnant women. Animal studies have not demonstrated any teratogenic effects. Embryotoxic effects have been shown at doses in the range of maternal toxicity. The potential risk for humans is unknown. Therefore, fenofibrate should only be used during pregnancy after a careful benefit/risk assessment.
Breastfeeding: It is unknown whether atorvastatin or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. In rats, plasma concentrations of atorvastatin and its active metabolites are similar to those in milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, women taking Atorvastatin should not breast-feed their infants. Atorvastatin is contraindicated during breast-feeding.
It is unknown whether fenofibrate and/or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded. Therefore, fenofibrate should not be used during breast-feeding.

There is no data available on undesirable effects of this combination. However, side effects have been reported with individual molecules.
Atorvastatin: In the atorvastatin placebo-controlled clinical trial database of 16,066 patients treated for a mean period of 53 weeks, 5.2% of patients on atorvastatin discontinued due to adverse reactions compared to 4.0% of the patients on placebo.
Based on data from clinical studies and extensive post-marketing experience, the following table presents the adverse reaction profile for Atorvastatin.
Estimated frequencies of reactions are ranked according to the following convention: common (≥ 1/100, < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000, < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000, < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Infections and infestations: Common: nasopharyngitis.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Rare: thrombocytopenia.
Immune system disorders: Common: allergic reactions.
Very rare: anaphylaxis.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Common: hyperglycaemia.
Uncommon: hypoglycaemia, weight gain, anorexia.
Psychiatric disorders: Uncommon: nightmare, insomnia.
Nervous system disorders: Common: headache.
Uncommon: dizziness, paraesthesia, hypoesthesia, dysgeusia, amnesia.
Rare: peripheral neuropathy.
Eye disorders: Uncommon: blurred vision.
Rare: visual disturbance.
Ear and labyrinth disorders: Uncommon: tinnitus.
Very rare: hearing loss.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Common: pharyngolaryngeal pain, epistaxis.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Common: constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhoea.
Uncommon: vomiting, abdominal pain upper and lower, eructation, pancreatitis.
Hepatobiliary disorders: Uncommon: hepatitis.
Rare: cholestasis.
Very rare: hepatic failure.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Uncommon: urticaria, skin rash, pruritus, alopecia.
Rare: angioneurotic oedema, dermatitis bullous including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Common: myalgia, arthralgia, pain in extremity, muscle spasms, joint swelling, back pain.
Uncommon: neck pain, muscle fatigue.
Rare: myopathy, myositis, rhabdomyolysis, tendonopathy sometimes complicated by rupture.
Not known: immune mediated necrotizing myopathy.
Reproductive system and breast disorders: Very rare: gynecomastia.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Uncommon: malaise, asthenia, chest pain, peripheral oedema, fatigue, pyrexia.
Investigations: Common: liver function test abnormal, blood creatine kinase increased.
Uncommon: while blood cells urine positive.
As with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors elevated serum transaminases have been reported in patients receiving Atorvastatin. These changes were usually mild, transient, and did not require interruption of treatment. Clinically important (> 3 times upper normal limit) elevations in serum transaminases occurred in 0.8% patients on Atorvastatin. These elevations were dose related and were reversible in all patients.
Elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels greater than 3 times upper limit of normal occurred in 2.5% of patients on Atorvastatin, similar to other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in clinical trials. Levels above 10 times the normal upper range occurred in 0.4% Atorvastatin treated patients.
The following adverse events have been reported with some statins: Sexual dysfunction.
Depression.
Exceptional cases of interstitial lung disease, especially with long term therapy.
Diabetes Mellitus: Frequency will depend on the presence or absence of risk factors (fasting blood glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L, BMI >30kg/m², raised triglycerides, history of hypertension).
Fenofibrate: The most commonly reported ADRs during fenofibrate therapy are digestive, gastric or intestinal disorders. The following undesirable effects have been observed during placebo-controlled clinical trials (n=2344) and post-marketing with the indicated frequencies as follows: see Table 2.

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Atorvastatin: Effect of co-administered medicinal products on atorvastatin: Atorvastatin is metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is a substrate to transport proteins e.g. the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1 B1. Concomitant administration of medicinal products that are inhibitors of CYP3A4 or transport proteins may lead to increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin and an increased risk of myopathy. The risk might also be increased at concomitant administration of atorvastatin with other medicinal products that have a potential to induce myopathy, such as fibric acid derivates and ezetimibe.
CYP3A4 inhibitors: Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors have been shown to lead to markedly increased concentrations of atorvastatin. Coadministration of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ciclosporin, telithromycin, clarithromycin, delavirdine, stiripentol, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and HIV protease inhibitors including ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, indinavir, darunavir, etc.) should be avoided if possible. In cases where co-administration of these medicinal products with atorvastatin cannot be avoided, lower starting and maximum doses of atorvastatin should be considered and appropriate clinical monitoring of the patient is recommended.
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil and fluconazole) may increase plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. An increased risk of myopathy has been observed with the use of erythromycin in combination with statins. Interaction studies evaluating the effects of amiodarone or verapamil on atorvastatin have not been conducted. Both amiodarone and verapamil are known to inhibit CYP3A4 activity and co-administration with atorvastatin may result in increased exposure to atorvastatin. Therefore, a lower maximum dose of atorvastatin should be considered and appropriate clinical monitoring of the patient is recommended when concomitantly used with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Appropriate clinical monitoring is recommended after initiation or following dose adjustments of the inhibitor.
CYP3A4 inducers: Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with inducers of cytochrome P450 3A (e.g. efavirenz, rifampin, St. John's Wort) can lead to variable reductions in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. Due to the dual interaction mechanism of rifampin, (cytochrome P450 3A induction and inhibition of hepatocyte uptake transporter OATP1B1), simultaneous co-administration of atorvastatin with rifampin is recommended, as delayed administration of atorvastatin after administration of rifampin has been associated with a significant reduction in atorvastatin plasma concentrations. The effect of rifampin on atorvastatin concentrations in hepatocytes is, however, unknown and if concomitant administration cannot be avoided, patients should be carefully monitored for efficacy.
Transport protein inhibitors: Inhibitors of transport proteins (e.g. ciclosporin) can increase the systemic exposure of atorvastatin. The effect of inhibition of hepatic uptake transporters on atorvastatin concentrations in hepatocytes is unknown. If concomitant administration cannot be avoided, a dose reduction and clinical monitoring for efficacy is recommended.
Gemfibrozil/fibric acid derivatives: The use of fibrates alone is occasionally associated with muscle related events, including rhabdomyolysis. The risk of these events may be increased with the concomitant use of fibric acid derivatives and atorvastatin. If concomitant administration cannot be avoided, the lowest dose of atorvastatin to achieve the therapeutic objective should be used and the patients should be appropriately monitored.
Ezetimibe: The use of ezetimibe alone is associated with muscle related events, including rhabdomyolysis. The risk of these events may therefore be increased with concomitant use of ezetimibe and atorvastatin. Appropriate clinical monitoring of these patients is recommended.
Colestipol: Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin and its active metabolites were lower (ratio of atorvastatin concentration: 0.74) when colestipol was co-administered with Atorvastatin. However, lipid effects were greater when Atorvastatin and colestipol were co-administered than when either medicinal product was given alone.
Fusidic acid: The risk of myopathy including rhabdomyolysis may be increased by the concomitant administration of systemic fusidic acid with statins. The mechanism of this interaction (whether ii is pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic, or both) is yet unknown. There have been reports of rhabdomyolysis (including some fatalities) in patients receiving this combination.
If treatment with systemic fusidic acid is necessary, atorvastatin treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of the fusidic acid treatment.
Colchicine: Although interaction studies with atorvastatin and colchicine have not been conducted, cases of myopathy have been reported with atorvastatin co-administered with colchicine, and caution should be exercised when prescribing atorvastatin with colchicine.
Effect of atorvastatin on co-administered medicinal products: Digoxin: When multiple doses of digoxin and 10 mg atorvastatin were co-administered, steady-state digoxin concentrations increased slightly. Patients taking digoxin should be monitored appropriately.
Oral contraceptives: Co-administration of Atorvastatin with an oral contraceptive produced increases in plasma concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl oestradiol.
Warfarin: In a clinical study in patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy, coadministration of atorvastatin 80 mg daily with warfarin caused a small decrease of about 1.7 seconds in prothrombin time during the first 4 days of dosing which returned to normal within 15 days of atorvastatin treatment. Although only very rare cases of clinically significant anticoagulant interactions have been reported, prothrombin time should be determined before starting atorvastatin in patients taking coumarin anticoagulants and frequently enough during early therapy to ensure that no significant alteration of prothrombin time occurs. Once a stable prothrombin time has been documented, prothrombin times can be monitored at the intervals usually recommended for patients on coumarin anticoagulants. If the dose of atorvastatin is changed or discontinued, the same procedure should be repeated. Atorvastatin therapy has not been associated with bleeding or with changes in prothrombin time in patients not taking anticoagulants.
Fenofibrate: Oral anticoagulants: Fenofibrate enhances oral anticoagulant effect and may increase risk of bleeding. It is recommended that the dose of anticoagulants is reduced by about one third at the start of treatment and then gradually adjusted if necessary according to INR (lnternational Normalised Ratio) monitoring.
Cyclosporin: Some severe cases of reversible renal function impairment have been reported during concomitant administration of fenofibrate and cyclosporin. The renal function of these patients must therefore be closely monitored and the treatment with fenofibrate stopped in the case of severe alteration of laboratory parameters.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and other fibrates: The risk of serious muscle toxicity is increased if a fibrate is used concomitantly with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or other fibrates. Such combination therapy should be used with caution and patients monitored closely for signs of muscle toxicity.
Glitazones: Some cases of reversible paradoxical reduction of HDL cholesterol have been reported during concomitant administration of fenofibrate and glitazones. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor HDL-cholesterol if one of these components is added to the other and stopping of either therapy if HDL-cholesterol is too low.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes: In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicate that fenofibrate and fenofibric acid are not inhibitors of cytochrome (CYP) P450 isoforms CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP1A2. They are weak inhibitors of CYP2C19 and CYP2A6, and mild-to-moderate inhibitors of CYP2C9 at therapeutic concentrations.
Patients co-administered fenofibrate and CYP2C19, CYP2A6, and especially CYP2C9 metabolised drugs with a narrow therapeutic index should be carefully monitored and, if necessary, dose adjustment of these drugs is recommended.

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.

Dyslipidaemic Agents

C10AB05 - fenofibrate ; Belongs to the class of fibrates. Used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
C10AA05 - atorvastatin ; Belongs to the class of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. Used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
C10BA - Combinations of various lipid modifying agents ; Used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

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