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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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ZETIA (NDA-021445)

(EZETIMIBE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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02/21/2024 (SUPPL-43)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Hepatobiliary Disorders: elevations in liver transaminases, including elevations more than 5 X ULN; hepatitis; cholelithiasis; cholecystitis

           

07/20/2023 (SUPPL-42)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

ZETIA is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ezetimibe or any of the excipients in ZETIA. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

When used in combination with a statin, fenofibrate, or other LDL-C lowering therapy, ZETIA is contraindicated in patients for whom a statin, fenofibrate, or other LDL-C lowering therapy are contraindicated. Refer to the Prescribing Information of these products for a list of their contraindications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Risks Associated with Combination Treatment with a Statin, Fenofibrate, or Other LDL-C Lowering Therapies

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

If ZETIA is administered with a statin, fenofibrate, or other LDL-C lowering therapies, refer to the Prescribing Information of these products for a description of their risks including, but not limited to, the warnings and precautions [see Contraindications (4)].

5.2 Liver Enzymes

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Increases in serum transaminases have been reported with use of ZETIA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In controlled clinical combination studies of ZETIA initiated concurrently with a statin, the incidence of

consecutive elevations (greater or equal to 3 X ULN) in hepatic transaminase levels was 1.3% for patients treated with ZETIA administered with statins and 0.4% for patients treated with statins alone. Perform liver enzyme testing as clinically indicated and consider withdrawal of ZETIA if increases in ALT or AST greater or equal to 3 X ULN persist.

5.3 Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

ZETIA may cause myopathy [muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase (CK)] and rhabdomyolysis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In post-marketing reports, most patients who developed rhabdomyolysis were taking a statin or other agents known to be associated with an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, such as fibrates. If myopathy is suspected, discontinue ZETIA and other concomitant medications, as appropriate.

6 Adverse Reactions

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Extensive changes; please refer to label for complete information

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ZETIA:

Blood Disorders: thrombocytopenia

Gastrointestinal Disorders: abdominal pain; pancreatitis; nausea

Hepatobiliary Disorders: elevations in liver transaminases; hepatitis; cholelithiasis; cholecystitis

 

Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including: anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria

Musculoskeletal Disorders: elevated creatine phosphokinase; myopathy/rhabdomyolysis

Nervous System Disorders: dizziness; paresthesia; depression; headache

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: erythema multiforme

7 Drug Interactions

Extensive changes; please refer to label for complete information

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

PLLR conversion; please refer to label for complete information

8.2 Lactation

PLLR conversion

Risk Summary

There is no information about the presence of ezetimibe in human milk. Ezetimibe is present in rat milk (see Data). When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. There is no information about the effects of ezetimibe on the breastfed infant or the effects of ezetimibe on milk production. ZETIA should not be used in nursing mothers unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant.

Data

Ezetimibe was present in the milk of lactating rats. The pup to maternal plasma ratio for total ezetimibe was 0.5 on lactation day 12.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Extensive changes, please refer to label for complete information

8.5 Geriatric Use

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Of the 2,396 patients who received ZETIA in clinical trials, 669 (28%) were 65 years of age and older, and 111 (5%) were 75 years of age and older. Of the 11,308 patients who received ZETIA in combination with a statin in clinical trials, 3587 (32%) were 65 years of age and older, and 924 (8%) were 75 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies (14)]. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of ZETIA have been observed between patients 65 years of age and older and younger patients. No clinically meaningful differences in the pharmacokinetics of ezetimibe were observed in geriatric patients compared to younger adult patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.6 Renal Impairment

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

No dosage adjustment of ZETIA is necessary in patients with renal impairment.

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

ZETIA is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) due to the unknown effects of the increased exposure to ezetimibe [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Advise the patient to read the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information).

Inform patients that ZETIA may cause liver enzyme elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Muscle Pain

Advise patients that ZETIA may cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients that the risk is also increased when taking certain types of medication and they should discuss all medication, both prescription and over the counter, with their healthcare provider. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Drug Interactions (7)].

Pregnancy

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy to discuss if ZETIA should be discontinued [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Breastfeeding

Advise patients who have a lipid disorder and are breastfeeding to discuss the options with their healthcare professionals.

 

PATIENT INFORMATION

Extensive changes; please refer to label for complete information