CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent for oral administration.

The chemical name for rosuvastatin calcium is bis[(E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino] pyrimidin-5-yl](3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acid] calcium salt with the following structural formula:

The empirical formula for rosuvastatin calcium is (C₂₂H₂₇FN₃O₆S)₂Ca and the molecular weight is 1001.14. Rosuvastatin calcium is a white amorphous powder that is sparingly soluble in water and methanol, and slightly soluble in ethanol. Rosuvastatin calcium is a hydrophilic compound with a partition coefficient (octanol/water) of 0.13 at pH of 7.0.

Inactive Ingredients: Each tablet contains: microcrystalline cellulose NF, lactose monohydrate NF, tribasic calcium phosphate NF, crospovidone NF, magnesium stearate NF, hypromellose NF, triacetin NF, titanium dioxide USP, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide NF.

Hyperlipidemia and Mixed Dyslipidemia

CRESTOR is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet to reduce elevated total-C, LDL-C, ApoB, nonHDL-C, and triglycerides and to increase HDL-C in adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Lipid-altering agents should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol when response to diet and non-pharmacological interventions alone has been inadequate.

Hypertriglyceridemia

CRESTOR is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the treatment of adult patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia)

CRESTOR is indicated as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of patients with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia).

Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

CRESTOR is indicated as adjunctive therapy to other lipid-lowering treatments (e.g., LDL apheresis) or alone if such treatments are unavailable to reduce LDL-C, Total-C, and ApoB in adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Slowing of the Progression of Atherosclerosis

CRESTOR is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet to slow the progression of atherosclerosis in adult patients as part of a treatment strategy to lower Total-C and LDL-C to target levels.

Limitations of Use

The effect of CRESTOR on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

CRESTOR has not been studied in Fredrickson Type I and V dyslipidemias.

General Dosing Information

The dose range for CRESTOR is 5 to 40 mg orally once daily.

CRESTOR can be administered as a single dose at any time of day, with or without food.

When initiating CRESTOR therapy or switching from another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy, the appropriate CRESTOR starting dose should first be utilized, and only then titrated according to the response and individualized goal of therapy.

The 40 mg dose of CRESTOR should be used only for those patients who have not achieved their LDL-C goal utilizing the 20 mg dose [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Hyperlipidemia, Mixed Dyslipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia) and Slowing of the Progression of Atherosclerosis

The recommended starting dose of CRESTOR is 10 mg once daily. For patients with marked hyperlipidemia (LDL­C > 190 mg/dL) and aggressive lipid targets, a 20 mg starting dose may be considered.

After initiation or upon titration of CRESTOR, lipid levels should be analyzed within 2 to 4 weeks and the dosage adjusted accordingly.

Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

The recommended starting dose of CRESTOR is 20 mg once daily. Response to therapy should be estimated from pre-apheresis LDL-C levels.

Dosage in Asian Patients

Initiation of CRESTOR therapy with 5 mg once daily should be considered for Asian patients. [see Use in Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Use with Cyclosporine or Lopinavir/Ritonavir

In patients taking cyclosporine, the dose of CRESTOR should be limited to 5 mg once daily [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]. In patients taking a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, the dose of CRESTOR should be limited to 10 mg once daily [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Concomitant Lipid-Lowering Therapy

The risk of skeletal muscle effects may be enhanced when CRESTOR is used in combination with niacin or fenofibrate; a reduction in CRESTOR dosage should be considered in this setting. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]

Combination therapy with gemfibrozil should be avoided because of an increase in CRESTOR exposure with concomitant use; if CRESTOR is used in combination with gemfibrozil, the dose of CRESTOR should be limited to 10 mg once daily [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Dosage in Patients With Severe Renal Impairment

For patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) not on hemodialysis, dosing of CRESTOR should be started at 5 mg once daily and not exceed 10 mg once daily [ see Use in Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Dosage Forms And Strengths

5 mg: Yellow, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "5" on one side of the tablet.

10 mg: Pink, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "10" on one side of the tablet.

20 mg: Pink, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "20" on one side of the tablet.

40 mg: Pink, oval, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" on one side and "40" on the other side of the tablet.

CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium) Tablets are supplied as:

• NDC 0310-0755-90: 5 mg. Yellow, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "5" on one side; bottle of 90 tablets
• NDC 0310-0751-90: 10 mg. Pink, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "10" on one side; bottle of 90 tablets
• NDC 0310-0751-39: 10 mg. Pink, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "10" on one side; unit dose packages of 100
• NDC 0310-0752-90: 20 mg. Pink, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "20" on one side; bottles of 90
• NDC 0310-0752-39: 20 mg. Pink, round, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" and "20"on one side; unit dose packages of 100
• NDC 0310-0754-30: 40 mg. Pink, oval, biconvex, coated tablets. Debossed "CRESTOR" on one side and "40" on the other side; bottles of 30

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature, 20-25ºC (68-77ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.

Manufactured for: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Wilmington, DE 19850 By: IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carolina, PR 00984. Rev 10/2008. FDA Rev date: 11/6/2008

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

• Rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria and acute renal failure and myopathy (including myositis). [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Liver enzyme abnormalities [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

In the CRESTOR controlled clinical trials database (placebo or active-controlled) of 5,394 patients with a mean treatment duration of 15 weeks, 1.4% of patients discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation were:

• myalgia
• abdominal pain
• nausea

The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 2%) in the CRESTOR controlled clinical trial database of 5,394 patients were:

• headache
• myalgia
• abdominal pain
• asthenia
• nausea

Clinical Studies Experience

Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies and at a rate greater than or equal to placebo are shown in Table 1. These studies had a treatment duration of up to 12 weeks.

Table 1. Adverse Reactions* Reported by ≥ 2% of Patients Treated with CRESTOR and ≥ Placebo in Placebo-Controlled Trials (% of Patients)

Other adverse reactions reported in clinical studies were abdominal pain, dizziness, hypersensitivity (including rash, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema) and pancreatitis. The following laboratory abnormalities have also been reported: dipstick-positive proteinuria and microscopic hematuria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]; elevated creatine phosphokinase, transaminases, glucose, glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin; and thyroid function abnormalities.

In the METEOR study, involving 981 participants treated with rosuvastatin 40 mg (n=700) or placebo (n=281) with a mean treatment duration of 1.7 years, 5.6% of CRESTOR-treated subjects versus 2.8% of placebo-treated subjects discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation were: myalgia, hepatic enzyme increased, headache, and nausea [see Clinical Studies]

Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients and at a rate greater than or equal to placebo are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Adverse Reactions* Reported by ≥ 2% of Patients Treated with CRESTOR and ≥ Placebo in the METEOR Trial (% of Patients)

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of CRESTOR: arthralgia, hepatitis, jaundice and memory loss. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine significantly increased rosuvastatin exposure. Therefore, in patients taking cyclosporine, therapy should be limited to CRESTOR 5 mg once daily. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Gemfibrozil

Gemfibrozil significantly increased rosuvastatin exposure. Therefore, combination therapy with CRESTOR and gemfibrozil should be avoided. If used, do not exceed CRESTOR 10 mg once daily. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Lopinavir/Ritonavir

The combination of lopinavir and ritonavir significantly increased rosuvastatin exposure. Therefore, in patients taking a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, the dose of CRESTOR should be limited to 10 mg once daily. The effect of other protease inhibitors on rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics has not been examined. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]

Coumarin Anticoagulants

CRESTOR significantly increased INR in patients receiving coumarin anticoagulants. Therefore, caution should be exercised when coumarin anticoagulants are given in conjunction with CRESTOR. In patients taking coumarin anticoagulants and CRESTOR concomitantly, INR should be determined before starting CRESTOR and frequently enough during early therapy to ensure that no significant alteration of INR occurs. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]

Niacin

The risk of skeletal muscle effects may be enhanced when CRESTOR is used in combination with niacin; a reduction in CRESTOR dosage should be considered in this setting [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Fenofibrate

When CRESTOR was coadministered with fenofibrate no clinically significant increase in the AUC of rosuvastatin or fenofibrate was observed. The benefit of further alterations in lipid levels by the combined use of CRESTOR with fibrates should be carefully weighed against the potential risks of this combination. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Skeletal Muscle Effects

Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including CRESTOR. These risks can occur at any dose level, but are increased at the highest dose (40 mg).

CRESTOR should be prescribed with caution in patients with predisposing factors for myopathy (e.g., age ≥ 65 years, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment).

The risk of myopathy during treatment with CRESTOR may be increased with concurrent administration of some other lipid-lowering therapies (fibrates or niacin), gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, or lopinavir/ritonavir. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

CRESTOR therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated creatinine kinase levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. CRESTOR therapy should also be temporarily withheld in any patient with an acute, serious condition suggestive of myopathy or predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis, hypotension, dehydration, major surgery, trauma, severe metabolic, endocrine, and electrolyte disorders, or uncontrolled seizures). All patients should be advised to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.

Liver Enzyme Abnormalities and Monitoring

It is recommended that liver enzyme tests be performed before and at 12 weeks following both the initiation of therapy and any elevation of dose, and periodically (e.g., semiannually) thereafter.

Increases in serum transaminases [AST (SGOT) or ALT (SGPT)] have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including CRESTOR. In most cases, the elevations were transient and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. There were two cases of jaundice, for which a relationship to CRESTOR therapy could not be determined, which resolved after discontinuation of therapy. There were no cases of liver failure or irreversible liver disease in these trials.

In a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled trials, increases in serum transaminases to > 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 1.1% of patients taking CRESTOR versus 0.5% of patients treated with placebo.

Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be monitored until the abnormalities have resolved. Should an increase in ALT or AST of > 3 times ULN persist, reduction of dose or withdrawal of CRESTOR is recommended.

CRESTOR should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of chronic liver disease [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Active liver disease, which may include unexplained persistent transaminase elevations, is a contraindication to the use of CRESTOR. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]

Concomitant Coumarin Anticoagulants

Caution should be exercised when anticoagulants are given in conjunction with CRESTOR because of its potentiation of the effect of coumarin-type anti-coagulants in prolonging the prothrombin time/INR. In patients taking coumarin anticoagulants and CRESTOR concomitantly, INR should be determined before starting CRESTOR and frequently enough during early therapy to ensure that no significant alteration of INR occurs. [ see DRUG INTERACTIONS]

Proteinuria and Hematuria

In the CRESTOR clinical trial program, dipstick-positive proteinuria and microscopic hematuria were observed among CRESTOR treated patients. These findings were more frequent in patients taking CRESTOR 40 mg, when compared to lower doses of CRESTOR or comparator HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, though it was generally transient and was not associated with worsening renal function. Although the clinical significance of this finding is unknown, a dose reduction should be considered for patients on CRESTOR therapy with unexplained persistent proteinuria and/or hematuria during routine urinalysis testing.

Endocrine Effects

Although clinical studies have shown that CRESTOR alone does not reduce basal plasma cortisol concentration or impair adrenal reserve, caution should be exercised if CRESTOR is administered concomitantly with drugs that may decrease the levels or activity of endogenous steroid hormones such as ketoconazole, spironolactone, and cimetidine.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In a 104-week carcinogenicity study in rats at dose levels of 2, 20, 60, or 80 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, the incidence of uterine stromal polyps was significantly increased in females at 80 mg/kg/day at systemic exposure 20 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC. Increased incidence of polyps was not seen at lower doses.

In a 107-week carcinogenicity study in mice given 10, 60, 200 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, an increased incidence of hepatocellular adenoma/carcinoma was observed at 200 mg/kg/day at systemic exposures 20 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC. An increased incidence of hepatocellular tumors was not seen at lower doses.

Rosuvastatin was not mutagenic or clastogenic with or without metabolic activation in the Ames test withSalmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, the mouse lymphoma assay, and the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung cells. Rosuvastatin was negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

In rat fertility studies with oral gavage doses of 5, 15, 50 mg/kg/day, males were treated for 9 weeks prior to and throughout mating and females were treated 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout mating until gestation day 7. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 50 mg/kg/day (systemic exposures up to 10 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC). In testicles of dogs treated with rosuvastatin at 30 mg/kg/day for one month, spermatidic giant cells were seen. Spermatidic giant cells were observed in monkeys after 6-month treatment at 30 mg/kg/day in addition to vacuolation of seminiferous tubular epithelium. Exposures in the dog were 20 times and in the monkey 10 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on body surface area. Similar findings have been seen with other drugs in this class.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy Category X.

CRESTOR is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides increase during normal pregnancy, and cholesterol products are essential for fetal development. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on long-term outcomes of primary hyperlipidemia therapy. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of CRESTOR in pregnant women. There have been rare reports of congenital anomalies following intrauterine exposure to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In a review of about 100 prospectively followed pregnancies in women exposed to other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, the incidences of congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortions, and fetal deaths/stillbirths did not exceed the rate expected in the general population. However, this study was only able to exclude a three-to-four-fold increased risk of congenital anomalies over background incidence. In 89% of these cases, drug treatment started before pregnancy and stopped during the first trimester when pregnancy was identified.

Rosuvastatin crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits. In rats, CRESTOR was not teratogenic at systemic exposures equivalent to a human therapeutic dose of 40 mg/day. At 10-12 times the human dose of 40 mg/day, there was decreased pup survival, decreased fetal body weight among female pups, and delayed ossification. In rabbits, pup viability decreased and maternal mortality increased at doses equivalent to the human dose of 40 mg/day. [see Nonclinical Toxicology]

CRESTOR may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking CRESTOR, the patient should be apprised of the potential risks to the fetus and the lack of known clinical benefit with continued use during pregnancy.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether rosuvastatin is excreted in human milk, but a small amount of another drug in this class does pass into breast milk. In rats, breast milk concentrations of rosuvastatin are three times higher than plasma levels; however, animal breast milk drug levels may not accurately reflect human breast milk levels. Because another drug in this class passes into human milk and because HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have a potential to cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women who require CRESTOR treatment should be advised not to nurse their infants. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]

Pediatric Use

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

Treatment experience with CRESTOR in a pediatric population is limited to 8 patients with homozygous FH. None of these patients was below 8 years of age.

In a pharmacokinetic study, 18 patients (9 boys and 9 girls) 10 to 17 years of age with heterozygous FH received single and multiple oral doses of CRESTOR. Both Cmax and AUC of rosuvastatin were similar to values observed in adult subjects administered the same doses.

Geriatric Use

Of the 10,275 patients in clinical studies with CRESTOR, 3,159 (31%) were 65 years and older, and 698 (6.8%) were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Elderly patients are at higher risk of myopathy and CRESTOR should be prescribed with caution in the elderly. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]

Renal Impairment

Rosuvastatin exposure is not influenced by mild to moderate renal impairment (CL_cr ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m²); however, exposure to rosuvastatin is increased to a clinically significant extent in patients with severe renal impairment who are not receiving hemodialysis. CRESTOR dosing should be adjusted in patients with severe renal impairment (CL_cr < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) not requiring hemodialysis. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Hepatic Impairment

CRESTOR is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, which may include unexplained persistent elevations of hepatic transaminase levels. Chronic alcohol liver disease is known to increase rosuvastatin exposure; CRESTOR should be used with caution in these patients. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIOSN and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Asian Patients

Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated an approximate 2-fold increase in median exposure to rosuvastatin in Asian subjects when compared with Caucasian controls. CRESTOR dosage should be adjusted in Asian patients. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]

There is no specific treatment in the event of overdose. In the event of overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically and supportive measures instituted as required. Hemodialysis does not significantly enhance clearance of rosuvastatin.

CRESTOR is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria and angioedema have been reported with CRESTOR [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
• Patients with active liver disease, which may include unexplained persistent elevations of hepatic transaminase levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Because HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, CRESTOR may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Additionally, there is no apparent benefit to therapy during pregnancy, and safety in pregnant women has not been established. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus and the lack of known clinical benefit with continued use during pregnancy. [see Use in Specific Populations and Nonclinical Toxicology]
• Nursing mothers. Because another drug in this class passes into breast milk, and because HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have the potential to cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women who require CRESTOR treatment should be advised not to nurse their infants. [see Use in Specific Populations].

Mechanism of Action

CRESTOR is a selective and competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol. In vivo studies in animals, and in vitro studies in cultured animal and human cells have shown rosuvastatin to have a high uptake into, and selectivity for, action in the liver, the target organ for cholesterol lowering. In in vivo and in vitro studies, rosuvastatin produces its lipid-modifying effects in two ways. First, it increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell-surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL. Second, rosuvastatin inhibits hepatic synthesis of VLDL, which reduces the total number of VLDL and LDL particles.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: In clinical pharmacology studies in man, peak plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin were reached 3 to 5 hours following oral dosing. Both Cmax and AUC increased in approximate proportion to CRESTOR dose. The absolute bioavailability of rosuvastatin is approximately 20%.
  Administration of CRESTOR with food did not affect the AUC of rosuvastatin.
  The AUC of rosuvastatin does not differ following evening or morning drug administration.
• Distribution: Mean volume of distribution at steady-state of rosuvastatin is approximately 134 liters. Rosuvastatin is 88% bound to plasma proteins, mostly albumin. This binding is reversible and independent of plasma concentrations.
• Metabolism: Rosuvastatin is not extensively metabolized; approximately 10% of a radiolabeled dose is recovered as metabolite. The major metabolite is N-desmethyl rosuvastatin, which is formed principally by cytochrome P450 2C9, and in vitro studies have demonstrated that N-desmethyl rosuvastatin has approximately one-sixth to one-half the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity of the parent compound. Overall, greater than 90% of active plasma HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity is accounted for by the parent compound.
• Excretion: Following oral administration, rosuvastatin and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the feces (90%). The elimination half- life (t_1/2) of rosuvastatin is approximately 19 hours.
  After an intravenous dose, approximately 28% of total body clearance was via the renal route, and 72% by the hepatic route.
• Race: A population pharmacokinetic analysis revealed no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetics among Caucasian, Hispanic, and Black or Afro-Caribbean groups. However, pharmacokinetic studies, including one conducted in the US, have demonstrated an approximate 2-fold elevation in median exposure (AUC and Cmax) in Asian subjects when compared with a Caucasian control group.
• Gender: There were no differences in plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin between men and women.
• Geriatric: There were no differences in plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin between the nonelderly and elderly populations (age ≥ 65 years).
• Renal Impairment: Mild to moderate renal impairment (CL_cr ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) had no influence on plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin. However, plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin increased to a clinically significant extent (about 3­ fold) in patients with severe renal impairment
• (CL_cr < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) not receiving hemodialysis compared with healthy subjects (CL_cr > 80 mL/min/1.73 m²).
• Hemodialysis: Steady-state plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin in patients on chronic hemodialysis were approximately 50% greater compared with healthy volunteer subjects with normal renal function.
• Hepatic Impairment: In patients with chronic alcohol liver disease, plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin were modestly increased.

In patients with Child-Pugh A disease, Cmax and AUC were increased by 60% and 5%, respectively, as compared with patients with normal liver function. In patients with Child-Pugh B disease, Cmax and AUC were increased 100% and 21%, respectively, compared with patients with normal liver function

Drug-Drug Interactions

Cytochrome P450 3A4

Rosuvastatin clearance is not dependent on metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4 to a clinically significant extent.

Table 3. Effect of Co-administered Drugs on Rosuvastatin Systemic Exposure

Table 4. Effect of Rosuvastatin Co-Administration on Systemic Exposure To Other Drugs

Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Embryo-fetal Development

Rosuvastatin crosses the placenta and is found in fetal tissue and amniotic fluid at 3% and 20%, respectively, of the maternal plasma concentration following a single 25 mg/kg oral gavage dose on gestation day 16 in rats. A higher fetal tissue distribution (25% maternal plasma concentration) was observed in rabbits after a single oral gavage dose of 1 mg/kg on gestation day 18.

In female rats given oral gavage doses of 5, 15, 50 mg/kg/day rosuvastatin before mating and continuing through day 7 postcoitus results in decreased fetal body weight (female pups) and delayed ossification at the high dose (systemic exposures 10 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC).

In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 2, 10, 50 mg/kg/day from gestation day 7 through lactation day 21 (weaning), decreased pup survival occurred in groups given 50 mg/kg/day, systemic exposures ≥ 12 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on body surface area.

In pregnant rabbits given oral gavage doses of 0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 to lactation day 18 (weaning), exposures equivalent to the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on body surface area, decreased fetal viability and maternal mortality was observed.

Rosuvastatin was not teratogenic in rats at ≤ 25 mg/kg/day or in rabbits ≤ 3 mg/kg/day (systemic exposures equivalent to the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC or body surface area, respectively).

Central Nervous System Toxicity

CNS vascular lesions, characterized by perivascular hemorrhages, edema, and mononuclear cell infiltration of perivascular spaces, have been observed in dogs treated with several other members of this drug class. A chemically similar drug in this class produced dose-dependent optic nerve degeneration (Wallerian degeneration of retinogeniculate fibers) in dogs, at a dose that produced plasma drug levels about 30 times higher than the mean drug level in humans taking the highest recommended dose. Edema, hemorrhage, and partial necrosis in the interstitium of the choroid plexus was observed in a female dog sacrificed moribund at day 24 at 90 mg/kg/day by oral gavage (systemic exposures 100 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC). Corneal opacity was seen in dogs treated for 52 weeks at 6 mg/kg/day by oral gavage (systemic exposures 20 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC). Cataracts were seen in dogs treated for 12 weeks by oral gavage at 30 mg/kg/day (systemic exposures 60 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC). Retinal dysplasia and retinal loss were seen in dogs treated for 4 weeks by oral gavage at 90 mg/kg/day (systemic exposures 100 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC). Doses ≤ 30 mg/kg/day (systemic exposures ≤ 60 times the human exposure at 40 mg/day based on AUC) did not reveal retinal findings during treatment for up to one year.

Clinical Studies

Hyperlipidemia and Mixed Dyslipidemia

CRESTOR reduces total-C, LDL-C, ApoB, nonHDL-C, and TG, and increases HDL-C, in adult patients with hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia.

Dose-Ranging Study: In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study in patients with hyperlipidemia CRESTOR given as a single daily dose for 6 weeks significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, nonHDL-C, and ApoB, across the dose range (Table 5).

Table 5. Dose-Response in Patients With Hyperlipidemia (Adjusted Mean % Change From Baseline at Week 6)

Active-Controlled Study: CRESTOR was compared with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors atorvastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin in a multicenter, open-label, dose-ranging study of 2,240 patients with hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. After randomization, patients were treated for 6 weeks with a single daily dose of either CRESTOR, atorvastatin, simvastatin, or pravastatin (Figure 1 and Table 6).

Figure 1. Percent LDL-C Change by Dose of CRESTOR, Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, and Pravastatin at Week 6 in Patients with Hyperlipidemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia

Box plots are a representation of the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile values, with whiskers representing the 10th and 90th percentile values. Mean baseline LDL-C: 189 mg/dL

Table 6. Percent Change in LDL-C From Baseline to Week 6 (LS Mean*) by Treatment Group (sample sizes ranging from 156–167 patients per group) Treatment Daily Dose

Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Active-Controlled Study: In a study of patients with heterozygous FH (baseline mean LDL of 291), patients were randomized to CRESTOR 20 mg or atorvastatin 20 mg. The dose was increased by 6-week intervals. Significant LDL-C reductions from baseline were seen at each dose in both treatment groups (Table 7).

Table 7. Mean LDL-C Percentage Change from Baseline

Hypertriglyceridemia

Dose-Response Study: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-response study in patients with baseline TG levels from 273 to 817 mg/dL, CRESTOR given as a single daily dose (5 to 40 mg) over 6 weeks significantly reduced serum TG levels (Table 8).

Table 8. Dose-Response in Patients With Primary Hypertriglyceridemia Over 6 Weeks Dosing Median (Min, Max) Percent Change From Baseline

Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia)

In a randomized, multi-center, double-blind crossover study, 32 patients (27 with ε2/ε 2 and 4 with apo E mutation [Arg145Cys] with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia) entered a 6-week dietary lead-in period on the NCEP Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) diet. Following dietary lead-in, patients were randomized to a sequence of treatments in conjunction with the TLC diet for 6 weeks each: rosuvastatin 10 mg followed by rosuvastatin 20 mg or rosuvastatin 20 mg followed by rosuvastatin 10 mg. CRESTOR reduced nonHDL-C (primary endpoint) and circulating remnant lipoprotein levels. Results are shown in the table below.

Table 9. Lipid-modifying Effects of Rosuvastatin 10 mg and 20 mg in Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III hyperlipoproteinemia) after Six weeks by Median Percent Change (95% CI) from Baseline (N=32)

Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Dose-Titration Study: In an open-label, forced-titration study, homozygous FH patients (n=40, 8-63 years) were evaluated for their response to CRESTOR 20 to 40 mg titrated at a 6-week interval. In the overall population, the mean LDL-C reduction from baseline was 22%. About one-third of the patients benefited from increasing their dose from 20 mg to 40 mg with further LDL lowering of greater than 6%. In the 27 patients with at least a 15% reduction in LDL-C, the mean LDL-C reduction was 30% (median 28% reduction). Among 13 patients with an LDL-C reduction of < 15%, 3 had no change or an increase in LDL-C. Reductions in LDL-C of 15% or greater were observed in 3 of 5 patients with known receptor negative status.

Slowing of the Progression of Atherosclerosis

In the Measuring Effects on Intima Media Thickness: an Evaluation Of Rosuvastatin 40 mg (METEOR) study, the effect of therapy with CRESTOR on carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by B-mode ultrasonography in patients with elevated LDL-C, at low risk (Framingham risk < 10% over ten years) for symptomatic coronary artery disease and with subclinical atherosclerosis as evidenced by carotid intimal-medial thickness (cIMT). In this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study 984 patients were randomized (of whom 876 were analyzed) in a 5:2 ratio to CRESTOR 40 mg or placebo once daily. Ultrasonograms of the carotid walls were used to determine the annualized rate of change per patient from baseline to two years in mean maximum cIMT of 12 measured segments. The estimated difference in the rate of change in the maximum cIMT analyzed over all 12 carotid artery sites between CRESTOR-treated patients and placebo-treated patients was -0.0145 mm/year (95% CI –0.0196, –0.0093; p < 0.0001).

The annualized rate of change from baseline for the placebo group was +0.0131 mm/year (p < 0.0001). The annualized rate of change from baseline for the CRESTOR group was -0.0014 mm/year (p=0.32).

At an individual patient level in the CRESTOR group, 52.1% of patients demonstrated an absence of disease progression (defined as a negative annualized rate of change), compared to 37.7% of patients in the placebo group.

Skeletal Muscle Effects

Patients should be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.

Concomitant Use of Antacids

When taking CRESTOR with an aluminum and magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, the antacid should be taken at least 2 hours after CRESTOR administration.

Pregnancy

If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus and the lack of known clinical benefit with continued use during pregnancy.

Liver Enzymes

It is recommended that liver enzymes be checked before and at 12 weeks following both the initiation of therapy and any elevation of dose, and periodically (e.g., semiannually) thereafter.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

ROSUVASTATIN - ORAL

(roe-SUE-vuh-stah-tin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Crestor

USES: Rosuvastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin." It is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) and cholesterol in the blood. This drug is usually prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs (see Drug Interactions section) may increase the chance of muscle injury when used with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more frequently than prescribed because this may increase your risk of serious side effects. Your doctor should prescribe the lowest effective dose of this medication for you to minimize this risk.

Patients of Asian descent may require lower starting doses because they may be more sensitive to the drug.

Antacids can decrease the absorption of this drug when taken at the same time. If you are taking an antacid, take it at least 2 hours after rosuvastatin.

If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take rosuvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after these medications.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This drug may infrequently cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), change in the amount of urine.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea, vomiting, fatigue.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking rosuvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "statins"; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially muscle injury.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of child-bearing age should use reliable form(s) of birth control (contraception) while taking this medication since it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk of undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

See also How to Use section.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids, birth control pills, cyclosporine, daptomycin, atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, warfarin.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood cholesterol levels, liver and kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

For best results, this medication should be used along with exercise, a low-fat/low-cholesterol diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. In addition, check your blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking to further help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Store the U.S. product between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Store the Canadian product between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.