Zypitamag

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Discontinue ZYPITAMAG when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient.

ZYPITAMAG decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, ZYPITAMAG may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ]. In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of
lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hyperlipidemia for most patients.

Available data from case series and prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies over decades of use with statins in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations. Published data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies with statin use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine if there is a drug-associated risk of miscarriage (see Data).

In animal reproduction studies, no embryo-fetal toxicity or congenital malformations were observed in pregnant rats or rabbits orally administered pitavastatin during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in
22 and 4 times, respectively, the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 4 mg, based on AUC (see Data).

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data
Human Data
A Medicaid cohort linkage study of 1152 statin-exposed pregnant women compared to 886,996 controls did not find a significant teratogenic effect from maternal use of statins in the first trimester of pregnancy, after adjusting for potential confounders – including maternal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol and tobacco use -using propensity score-based methods. The relative risk of congenital malformations between the group with statin use and the group with no statin use in the first trimester was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.37) after controlling for confounders, particularly pre-existing diabetes mellitus.

There were also no statistically significant increases in any of the organ-specific malformations assessed after accounting for confounders. In the majority of pregnancies, statin treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified. Study limitations include reliance on physician coding to define the presence of a malformation, lack of control for certain confounders such as body mass index, use of prescription dispensing as verification for use of a statin, and a lack of information on non-live births.

Animal Data
Embryo-fetal developmental studies were conducted in pregnant rats administered 3 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/kg/day pitavastatin by oral gavage during organogenesis (gestation day 7-17). No adverse effects were observed at 3 mg/kg/day, systemic exposures 22 times human systemic exposure at 4 mg/day based on AUC.

Embryo-fetal developmental studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits administered 0.1 mg/kg/day, 0.3 mg/kg/day, 1 mg/kg/day pitavastatin by oral gavage during the period of fetal organogenesis (gestation day 6-18). Maternal toxicity consisting of reduced body weight and abortion was observed at all doses tested
(4 times human systemic exposure at 4 mg/day based on AUC).

In perinatal/postnatal studies in pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of pitavastatin at 0.1 mg/kg/day, 0.3 mg/kg/day, 1 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/kg/day from organogenesis through weaning (gestation day 17 to lactation day 21), maternal toxicity consisting of mortality at ≥ 0.3 mg/kg/day and impaired lactation at all doses contributed to the decreased survival of neonates in all dose groups (0.1 mg/kg/day represents approximately 1 time human systemic exposure at 4 mg/day dose based on AUC).

Reproductive toxicity studies have shown that pitavastatin crosses the placenta in rats and is found in fetal tissues at ≤ 36% of maternal plasma concentrations following a single dose of 1 mg/kg/day during gestation (at the end of organogenesis).

Lactation

Risk Summary
There is no available information about the presence of pitavastatin in human or animal milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. However, it has been shown that another drug in this class passes into human milk. Statins, including pitavastatin, decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol and may cause harm to the breastfed infant.

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, based upon the mechanism of action, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with ZYPITAMAG [see Use in Specific Populations , Clinical Pharmacology ].

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of ZYPITAMAG in pediatric patients have not been established.

Pediatric use information is approved for Kowa Co Ltd LIVALO (pitavastatin) tablets. However, due to Kowa Co Ltd marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

Geriatric Use

In controlled clinical studies, 1,209 (43%) patients were 65 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.

Advanced age (≥ 65 years) is a risk factor for pitavastatin-associated myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Dose selection for a geriatric patient should be cautious, recognizing the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy and the higher risk of myopathy. Monitor geriatric patients receiving ZYPITAG for the increased risk of myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ].

Renal Impairment

Renal impairment is a risk factor for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Monitor all patients with renal impairment for development of myopathy.  Due to the risk of myopathy, a dosage modification of ZYPITAMAG is recommended for patients with moderate and severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate 30 – 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 15 – 29 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively), as well as end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis [see Dosage and Administration , Warnings and Precautions , Clinical Pharmacology ].

Hepatic Impairment

ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in patients with active liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis[see Contraindications , Warnings and Precautions ].

 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis

ZYPITAMAG may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase [CK]) and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with statins, including pitavastatin.

Risk Factors for Myopathy
Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (including other lipid-lowering therapies), and higher ZYPITAMAG dosage [see Dosage and Administration , Drug Interactions , and Use in Specific Populations ].

Dosages of pitavastatin greater than 4 mg once daily were associated with an increased risk for severe myopathy in premarketing clinical studies. The maximum recommended dose of ZYPITAMAG is 4 mg once daily.

Steps to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis
ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in patients taking cyclosporine and not recommended in patients taking gemfibrozil [see Contraindications and Drug Interactions ]. There are pitavastatin dosage restrictions for patients taking erythromycin or rifampin [see Dosage and Administration ]. The following drugs when used concomitantly with ZYPITAMAG may also increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis: lipid-modifying dosages of niacin (>1 grams/day), fibrates, and colchicine [see Drug Interactions ].

Discontinue ZYPITAMAG if markedly elevated CK levels occur or if myopathy is either diagnosed or suspected. Muscle symptoms and CK elevations may resolve if ZYPITAMAG is discontinued. Temporarily discontinue ZYPITAMAG in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy).

Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the ZYPITAMAG dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.

Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy

There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use, including reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered. IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. Additional neuromuscular and serologic testing may be necessary. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents may be required. Discontinue ZYPITAMAG if IMNM is suspected.

Hepatic Dysfunction

Increases in serum transaminases have been reported with ZYPITAMAG [see Adverse Reactions ]. In most cases, these changes appeared soon after initiation, were transient, were not accompanied by symptoms, and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including pitavastatin.

Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatic injury.

Consider liver enzyme testing before the initiation of ZYPITAMAG and when clinically indicated thereafter. ZYPITAMAG is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Contraindications ]. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue ZYPITAMAG.

Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels

Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with statins, including pitavastatin. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices.