(ez ET i mibe & a TORE va sta tin)
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: As an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering treatments (eg, LDL apheresis) or if such treatments are unavailable.
Primary hyperlipidemia: As an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apo B), triglycerides, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) hyperlipidemia or mixed hyperlipidemia.
Atorvastatin: Primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association: To reduce the risk of ASCVD in patients with clinical ASCVD (eg, coronary heart disease, stroke/TIA, or peripheral arterial disease presumed to be of atherosclerotic origin); in patients without clinical ASCVD if LDL-C is 190 mg/dL or greater; in patients without clinical ASCVD who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are between 40 and 75 years of age ; in patients with an estimated 10-year ASCVD risk 7.5% or greater and who are between 40 and 75 years of age (Stone, 2013). Specific recommendations from the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) organization have also been released for patients with chronic kidney disease (KDIGO [Tonelli, 2013]).
Hypersensitivity to ezetimibe, atorvastatin, or any component of the formulation; active liver disease; unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases; pregnancy; breast-feeding
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Oral: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 40 or 80 mg once daily
Primary hyperlipidemia: Oral: Initial: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 10 or 20 mg once daily; dosing range: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 10 to 80 mg once daily
Patients requiring >55% reduction in LDL-C: Initial: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 40 mg once daily
Dosage adjustment with concomitant medications:
Clarithromycin, itraconazole, saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, or fosamprenavir plus ritonavir: Use lowest effective dose; atorvastatin dose should not exceed 20 mg once daily.
Lopinavir plus ritonavir: Use lowest effective dose.
Nelfinavir or boceprevir: Use lowest effective dose; atorvastatin dose should not exceed 40 mg once daily.
Refer to adult dosing.
No dosage adjustment necessary.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling; however, use is contraindicated in active liver disease or in patients with unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
Administer without regard to meals. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, dissolve, or chew. Administer ≥2 hours before or ≥4 hours after bile acid sequestrants.
May be taken without regard to meals. Before initiation of therapy, patients should be placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet for 6 weeks and the diet should be continued during drug therapy (NCEP, 2002).
Red yeast rice contains variable amounts of several compounds that are structurally similar to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, primarily monacolin K (or mevinolin) which is structurally identical to lovastatin; concurrent use of red yeast rice with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may increase the incidence of adverse and toxic effects (Lapi, 2008; Smith, 2003).
Atorvastatin serum concentration may be increased when taken with grapefruit juice; avoid concurrent intake of large quantities (>1.2 L/day).
Store at 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F); excursions permitted to 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, oral:
Liptruzet 10/10: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 10 mg
Liptruzet 10/20: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 20 mg
Liptruzet 10/40: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 40 mg
Liptruzet 10/80: Ezetimibe 10 mg and atorvastatin 80 mg
Acipimox: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Afatinib: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Afatinib. Management: Per US labeling: reduce afatinib by 10mg if not tolerated. Per Canadian labeling: avoid combination if possible; if used, administer the P-gp inhibitor simultaneously with or after the dose of afatinib. Consider therapy modification
Aliskiren: AtorvaSTATin may increase the serum concentration of Aliskiren. Monitor therapy
Amiodarone: May decrease the metabolism of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Dose of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor may need to be reduced (limit simvastatin adult maximum dose to 20 mg/day, limit lovastatin adult maximum dose to 40 mg/day). Consider therapy modification
Antacids: May decrease the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Aprepitant: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
ARIPiprazole: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of ARIPiprazole. Management: Monitor for increased aripiprazole pharmacologic effects. Aripiprazole dose adjustments may or may not be required based on concomitant therapy and/or indication. Consult full interaction monograph for specific recommendations. Monitor therapy
Asunaprevir: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Azithromycin (Systemic): May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Bexarotene (Systemic): May decrease the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Bezafibrate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ezetimibe. Specifically, the risk of myopathy and cholelithiasis may be increased. Avoid combination
Bile Acid Sequestrants: May decrease the absorption of Ezetimibe. Management: Administer ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after any bile acid sequestrant. Consider therapy modification
Boceprevir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Limit the atorvastatin maximum adult dose to 40 mg daily in patients receiving boceprevir. Monitor clinical response to ensure that the lowest necessary atorvastatin dose is used. Consider therapy modification
Bosentan: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Bosutinib: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Bosutinib. Avoid combination
Brentuximab Vedotin: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Brentuximab Vedotin. Specifically, concentrations of the active monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) component may be increased. Monitor therapy
Cimetidine: AtorvaSTATin may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Cimetidine. Specifically, there is a theoretical potential for enhanced effects on reducing endogenous steroid activity. Monitor therapy
Ciprofibrate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Avoid the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and ciprofibrate if possible. If concomitant therapy is considered, benefits should be carefully weighed against the risks, and patients should be monitored closely for signs/symptoms of muscle toxicity. Consider therapy modification
Clarithromycin: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Limit atorvastatin to a maximum dose of 20 mg/day (for adults) when used with clarithromycin. If this combination is used, monitor patients more closely for evidence of atorvastatin toxicity. Consider therapy modification
Cobicistat: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Initiate atorvastatin at the lowest recommended dose and titrate slowly as needed while monitoring closely for evidence of atorvastatin toxicity. Consider therapy modification
Colchicine: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Colchicine may increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Consider therapy modification
Colchicine: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Colchicine. Colchicine distribution into certain tissues (e.g., brain) may also be increased. Management: Colchicine is contraindicated in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function who are also receiving a p-glycoprotein inhibitor. In those with normal renal and hepatic function, reduce colchicine dose as directed. Consider therapy modification
Conivaptan: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Avoid combination
CycloSPORINE (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Avoid combination
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Consider an alternative for one of the interacting drugs. Some combinations may be specifically contraindicated. Consult appropriate manufacturer labeling. Consider therapy modification
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Consider therapy modification
Cyproterone: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Avoid use of statins metabolized by CYP3A4 (eg, simvastatin) and consider avoiding fluvastatin as well in patients receiving high dose cyproterone (300 mg/day). Consider use of pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or pitavastatin if statin therapy is needed. Consider therapy modification
Dabigatran Etexilate: AtorvaSTATin may decrease the serum concentration of Dabigatran Etexilate. Monitor therapy
Dabrafenib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Seek alternatives to the CYP3A4 substrate when possible. If concomitant therapy cannot be avoided, monitor clinical effects of the substrate closely (particularly therapeutic effects). Consider therapy modification
Daclatasvir: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Danazol: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Concurrent use of simvastatin with danazol is contraindicated. Initiate lovastatin at an adult maximum dose of 10 mg/day, and do not exceed 20 mg/day, when danazol is given concomitantly. Fluvastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin may pose lower risk. Consider therapy modification
DAPTOmycin: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of DAPTOmycin. Specifically, the risk of skeletal muscle toxicity may be increased. Management: Consider temporarily stopping HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy prior to daptomycin. If used together, regular (i.e., at least weekly) monitoring of CPK concentrations is recommended. Consider therapy modification
Dasatinib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Deferasirox: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Digoxin: AtorvaSTATin may increase the serum concentration of Digoxin. Monitor therapy
DiltiaZEM: AtorvaSTATin may increase the serum concentration of DiltiaZEM. DiltiaZEM may increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Consider using lower atorvastatin doses when used together with diltiazem. Consider therapy modification
Dofetilide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of Dofetilide. Monitor therapy
DOXOrubicin (Conventional): P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of DOXOrubicin (Conventional). Management: Seek alternatives to P-glycoprotein inhibitors in patients treated with doxorubicin whenever possible. One U.S. manufacturer (Pfizer Inc.) recommends that these combinations be avoided. Consider therapy modification
Dronedarone: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Edoxaban: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Edoxaban. Management: See full monograph for details. Reduced doses are recommended for patients receiving edoxaban for venous thromboembolism in combination with certain inhibitors. Similar dose adjustment is not recommended for edoxaban use in atrial fibrillation. Consider therapy modification
Efavirenz: May decrease the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Elbasvir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Limit the dose of atorvastatin to a maximum of 20 mg/day when used together with elbasvir and grazoprevir. Monitor closely for evidence of statin-related toxicities such as myalgia or myopathy. Consider therapy modification
Eltrombopag: May increase the serum concentration of OATP1B1/SLCO1B1 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Enzalutamide: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Concurrent use of enzalutamide with CYP3A4 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic index should be avoided. Use of enzalutamide and any other CYP3A4 substrate should be performed with caution and close monitoring. Consider therapy modification
Erythromycin (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Etravirine: May decrease the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. This applies to atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin. Conversely, levels of fluvastatin may be increased. Management: Dose adjustment of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor may be warranted. No interaction is expected with rosuvastatin, pravastatin, or pitavastatin. Monitor therapy
Everolimus: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Everolimus. Management: Everolimus dose reductions are required for patients being treated for subependymal giant cell astrocytoma or renal cell carcinoma. See prescribing information for specific dose adjustment and monitoring recommendations. Consider therapy modification
Fenofibrate and Derivatives: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ezetimibe. Specifically, the risk of myopathy and cholelithiasis may be increased. Monitor therapy
Flibanserin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of Flibanserin. Monitor therapy
Fluconazole: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Fosaprepitant: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Fosphenytoin: May decrease the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Consider therapy modification
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Specifically, the risk for muscle toxicities, including rhabdomyolysis may be significantly increased. Management: Avoid concurrent use whenever possible. Use is listed as contraindicated in product characteristic summaries in several countries, although UK labeling suggests that use could be considered under exceptional circumstances and with close supervision. Avoid combination
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Avoid combination
Gemfibrozil: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of AtorvaSTATin. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Avoid combination
Gemfibrozil: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ezetimibe. Specifically, the risk of myopathy and cholelithiasis may be increased. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Ezetimibe. Avoid combination
Grapefruit Juice: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Avoid concurrent use of GFJ (especially larger amounts) with lovastatin, simvastatin, or atorvastatin. Consider using a lower statin dose or a statin that is less likely to interact when possible. Consider therapy modification
Grazoprevir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Limit the dose of atorvastatin to a maximum of 20 mg/day when used together with elbasvir and grazoprevir. Monitor closely for evidence of statin-related toxicities such as myalgia or myopathy. Consider therapy modification
HYDROcodone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of HYDROcodone. Monitor therapy
Idelalisib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Avoid combination
Itraconazole: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Limit atorvastatin to a maximum adult dose of 20 mg/day in patients receiving itraconazole. Assess clinical response to ensure that the lowest necessary dose of atorvastatin is used. Consider use of fluva-, rosuva-, pitava-, or pravastatin when possible. Consider therapy modification
Ivacaftor: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Ketoconazole (Systemic): AtorvaSTATin may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ketoconazole (Systemic). Specifically, there is a theoretical potential for additive effects on reducing endogenous steroid concentrations. Ketoconazole (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Administer ketoconazole with atorvastatin cautiously, and monitor for toxic effects of atorvastatin (e.g., myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, liver function test abnormalities). Consider use of fluva-, rosuva-, pitava-, or pravastatin when possible. Consider therapy modification
Lanthanum: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors may decrease the serum concentration of Lanthanum. Management: Administer HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors at least two hours before or after lanthanum. Consider therapy modification
Lomitapide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of Lomitapide. Management: Patients on lomitapide 5 mg/day may continue that dose. Patients taking lomitapide 10 mg/day or more should decrease the lomitapide dose by half. The lomitapide dose may then be titrated up to a max adult dose of 30 mg/day. Consider therapy modification
Luliconazole: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Midazolam: AtorvaSTATin may increase the serum concentration of Midazolam. Monitor therapy
MiFEPRIStone: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Minimize doses of CYP3A4 substrates, and monitor for increased concentrations/toxicity, during and 2 weeks following treatment with mifepristone. Avoid cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus. Consider therapy modification
Mitotane: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Doses of CYP3A4 substrates may need to be adjusted substantially when used in patients being treated with mitotane. Consider therapy modification
Naloxegol: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Naloxegol. Monitor therapy
Netupitant: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Niacin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Niacinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
NiMODipine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of NiMODipine. Monitor therapy
Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, and Dasabuvir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Monitor for increased atorvastatin toxicities (eg, myopathy) if these agents are combined. Consider using lower initial doses of atorvastatin. Canadian labeling recommends avoidance of this combination. Consider therapy modification
Osimertinib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Osimertinib may decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Palbociclib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
PAZOPanib: AtorvaSTATin may enhance the hepatotoxic effect of PAZOPanib. AtorvaSTATin may increase the serum concentration of PAZOPanib. Avoid combination
P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inducers: May decrease the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. P-glycoprotein inducers may also further limit the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Monitor therapy
P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. P-glycoprotein inhibitors may also enhance the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Monitor therapy
P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. P-glycoprotein inhibitors may also enhance the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Monitor therapy
Phenytoin: May decrease the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Consider therapy modification
Pimozide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of Pimozide. Avoid combination
Posaconazole: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Avoid combination
Protease Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: See full monograph for recommended dose limits. Avoid atorvastatin with tipranavir/ritonavir. Consider therapy modification
Prucalopride: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Prucalopride. Monitor therapy
QuiNINE: May increase the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Consider using a lower starting dose and lower maintenance/maximum doses of atorvastatin, simvastatin, or lovastatin when used together with quinine. Consider therapy modification
Raltegravir: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Ranolazine: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Red Yeast Rice: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Avoid combination
Rifamycin Derivatives: May decrease the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Consider use of noninteracting antilipemic agents (note: pitavastatin concentrations may increase with rifamycin treatment). Monitor for altered HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor effects. Rifabutin and fluvastatin, or possibly pravastatin, may pose lower risk. Consider therapy modification
RifAXIMin: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of RifAXIMin. Monitor therapy
Silodosin: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Silodosin. Avoid combination
Siltuximab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Simeprevir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: The maximum atorvastatin dose should not exceed 40 mg/day with concurrent use of simeprevir, and use of the lowest necessary atorvastatin dose is recommended. Consider therapy modification
Spironolactone: AtorvaSTATin may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Spironolactone. Specifically, there is a theoretical potential for enhanced effects on reducing endogenous steroid activity. Monitor therapy
St Johns Wort: May increase the metabolism of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Management: Consider avoiding the concomitant administration of St Johns Wort with interacting HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in order to avoid the potential for decreased antilipemic effects. Monitor for decreased effects during concomitant therapy. Consider therapy modification
St John's Wort: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Consider an alternative for one of the interacting drugs. Some combinations may be specifically contraindicated. Consult appropriate manufacturer labeling. Consider therapy modification
Stiripentol: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Use of stiripentol with CYP3A4 substrates that are considered to have a narrow therapeutic index should be avoided due to the increased risk for adverse effects and toxicity. Any CYP3A4 substrate used with stiripentol requires closer monitoring. Consider therapy modification
Telaprevir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Avoid combination
Telithromycin: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Consider limiting atorvastatin to a max (adult) dose of 20 mg/day when used with telithromycin. Although not a specific recommendation in atorvastatin labeling, this is consistent with dosing for other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin. Consider therapy modification
Teriflunomide: May increase the serum concentration of OATP1B1/SLCO1B1 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Ticagrelor: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Tipranavir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Avoid combination
Tocilizumab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Topotecan: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Topotecan. Avoid combination
Trabectedin: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Trabectedin. Monitor therapy
Velpatasvir: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Monitor therapy
Venetoclax: P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Venetoclax. Management: Reduce the venetoclax dose by at least 50% in patients requiring these combinations. Consider therapy modification
Verapamil: AtorvaSTATin may increase the serum concentration of Verapamil. Verapamil may increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Consider using lower atorvastatin doses when used together with verapamil. Consider therapy modification
VinCRIStine (Liposomal): P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of VinCRIStine (Liposomal). Avoid combination
Voriconazole: May increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Management: Monitor for toxic effects of atorvastatin (e.g., myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, liver function test abnormalities) during concomitant treatment, and reduce atorvastatin dose when possible. Consider use of fluva-, rosuva-, pitava-, or pravastatin when possible. Consider therapy modification
2013 ACC/AHA Blood Cholesterol Guideline recommendations (Stone, 2013):
Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides): Baseline lipid panel; fasting lipid profile within 4 to 12 weeks after initiation or dose adjustment and every 3 to 12 months (as clinically indicated) thereafter. If 2 consecutive LDL levels are <40 mg/dL, consider decreasing the dose.
Hepatic transaminase levels: Baseline measurement of hepatic transaminase levels (ie, ALT); measure hepatic function if symptoms suggest hepatotoxicity (eg, unusual fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine or yellowing of skin or sclera) during therapy.
CPK: CPK should not be routinely measured. Baseline CPK measurement is reasonable for some individuals (eg, family history of statin intolerance or muscle disease, clinical presentation, concomitant drug therapy that may increase risk of myopathy). May measure CPK in any patient with symptoms suggestive of myopathy (pain, tenderness, stiffness, cramping, weakness, or generalized fatigue).
Evaluate for new-onset diabetes mellitus during therapy; if diabetes develops, continue statin therapy and encourage adherence to a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, a healthy body weight, and tobacco cessation.
If patient develops a confusional state or memory impairment, may evaluate patient for nonstatin causes (eg, exposure to other drugs), systemic and neuropsychiatric causes, and the possibility of adverse effects associated with statin therapy.
Manufacturers labeling: Baseline liver function tests and repeat when clinically indicated thereafter. Upon initiation or titration, lipid panel should be analyzed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Percentages refer to combination Liptruzet ¢ „ ¢. Also see individual agents.
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Dizziness (2%), myasthenia (2%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hot flash (2%), hyperkalemia (2%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (3%), nausea (3%)
Hepatic: Increased serum ALT (5%), increased serum AST (4%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Musculoskeletal pain (4%), arthralgia (3%)
Respiratory: Bronchitis (2%), cough (2%), sinusitis (2%)
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Diabetes mellitus: Increases in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; however, the benefits of statin therapy far outweigh the risk of dysglycemia.
- Hepatotoxicity: Postmarketing reports of fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure are rare. If serious hepatotoxicity with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs during treatment, interrupt therapy. If an alternate etiology is not identified, do not restart. Liver enzyme tests should be obtained at baseline and as clinically indicated; routine periodic monitoring of liver enzymes is not necessary. Ethanol may enhance the potential of adverse hepatic effects; instruct patients to avoid excessive ethanol consumption.
- Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM): IMNM, an autoimmune-mediated myopathy, has been reported (rarely) with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy. IMNM presents as proximal muscle weakness with elevated CPK levels, which persists despite discontinuation of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy; additionally, muscle biopsy may show necrotizing myopathy with limited inflammation. Immunosuppressive therapy (eg, corticosteroids, azathioprine) may be used for treatment.
- Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis: Patients receiving HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have developed rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure and/or myopathy; patients should be monitored closely. This risk is dose-related and is increased with high doses, concurrent use of other lipid-lowering medications (fibric acid derivatives, or niacin at doses ≥1 g/day), other interacting drugs (eg, moderate-to-strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, protease inhibitors), age ≥65 years, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, and renal dysfunction. If concurrent use of these drugs is warranted, consider dose adjustment. Ensure patient is on the lowest effective dose in all circumstances. Discontinue in any patient in which CPK levels are markedly elevated (>10 times ULN) or if myopathy is suspected/diagnosed. Use caution in patients with renal impairment, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, and those taking other drugs associated with myopathy (eg, colchicine); these patients are predisposed to myopathy. Patients should be instructed to report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or brown urine.
Disease-related concerns:
- Hepatic impairment and/or ethanol use: Use with caution in patients who consume large amounts of ethanol or have a history of liver disease; use is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
- Renal impairment: Monitor patients with renal impairment closely for skeletal muscle effects; a history of renal impairment may be a risk factor for statin-associated myopathy.
- Stroke: Patients with recent stroke or TIA receiving long-term therapy with high-dose (ie, 80 mg/day) atorvastatin may be at increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke (SPARCL Investigators, 2006). A subsequent post-hoc analysis demonstrated that patients with lacunar or hemorrhagic stroke may be at higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke; however, this finding was determined to be hypothesis generating. The overall benefit of treatment with atorvastatin (ie, reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular events) in this population seems to outweigh the increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke if one truly exists (Goldstein, 2008).
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Elderly: Use atorvastatin with caution in patients with advanced age, these patients are predisposed to myopathy.
- Surgical patients: The manufacturer recommends temporary discontinuation for elective major surgery, acute medical or surgical conditions, or in any patient experiencing an acute or serious condition predisposing to renal failure (eg, sepsis, hypotension, trauma, uncontrolled seizures). Based on current research and clinical guidelines (Fleisher, 2009), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be continued in the perioperative period. Postoperative discontinuation of statin therapy is associated with an increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: No incremental benefit of ezetimibe/atorvastatin on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality over and above that demonstrated for atorvastatin has been established. Ezetimibe/atorvastatin has not been studied in Fredrickson type I, III, IV, and V dyslipidemias.
X
Use is contraindicated in pregnancy or those who may become pregnant. See individual agents.
Ezetimibe: Inhibits absorption of cholesterol at the brush border of the small intestine via the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like1 (NPC1L1). This leads to a decreased delivery of cholesterol to the liver, reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increased clearance of cholesterol from the blood; decreases total C, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoB, and triglycerides (TG) while increasing HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C).
Atorvastatin: Inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis (reduces the production of mevalonic acid from HMG-CoA); this then results in a compensatory increase in the expression of LDL receptors on hepatocyte membranes and a stimulation of LDL catabolism. In addition to the ability of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to decrease levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), they also possess pleiotropic properties including improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation at the site of the coronary plaque, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and anticoagulant effects (de Denus, 2002; Ray, 2005).
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience joint pain. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of liver problems (dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes), muscle pain, muscle weakness, muscle tenderness, urinary retention, change in amount of urine passed, dysphagia, severe loss of strength and energy, severe nausea, or severe vomiting (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.