Altoprev® lovastatin extended-release tablets contain a cholesterol-lowering agent isolated from a strain of Aspergillus terreus. After oral ingestion, lovastatin, which is an inactive lactone, is hydrolyzed to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid form. This is a principal metabolite and inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol.
Lovastatin is [1 S -[1α(R*),3α,7β,8β(2 S*,4 S*),8aβ]]-1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexa-hydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-[2-(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2- yl)ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl 2-methylbutanoate. The empirical formula of lovastatin is C24H36O5 and its molecular weight is 404.55. Its structural formula is:
Lovastatin is a white, nonhygroscopic crystalline powder that is insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile.
Altoprev® extended-release tablets are designed for once-a-day oral administration and deliver 20 mg, 40 mg, or 60 mg of lovastatin. In addition to the active ingredient lovastatin, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: acetyltributyl citrate; butylated hydroxyanisole; candellila wax; cellulose acetate; confectioner's sugar (contains corn starch); F D & C yellow # 6; glyceryl monostearate; hypromellose; hypromellose phthalate; lactose; methacrylic acid copolymer, type B; polyethylene glycols (PEG 400, PEG 8000); polyethylene oxides; polysorbate 80; propylene glycol; silicon dioxide; sodium chloride; sodium lauryl sulfate; synthetic black iron oxide; red iron oxide; talc; titanium dioxide and triacetin.
Altoprev - Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Lovastatin is a lactone that is readily hydrolyzed in vivo to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid, a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. The conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate is an early step in the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol.
The involvement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in atherogenesis has been well documented in clinical and pathological studies, as well as in many animal experiments. Epidemiological and clinical studies have established that high LDL-C and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are both associated with coronary heart disease. However, the risk of developing coronary heart disease is continuous and graded over the range of cholesterol levels and many coronary events do occur in patients with total cholesterol (Total-C) and LDL-C levels in the lower end of this range.
Altoprev® has been shown to reduce LDL-C, and Total-C. Across all doses studied, treatment with Altoprev® has been shown to result in variable reductions in triglycerides (TG), and variable increases in HDL-C (see Table III under Clinical Studies).
Lovastatin immediate-release tablets have been shown to reduce both normal and elevated LDL-C concentrations. LDL is formed from very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and is catabolized predominantly by the high-affinity LDL receptor. The mechanism of the LDL-lowering effect of lovastatin immediate-release may involve both reduction of VLDL-C concentration, and induction of the LDL receptor, leading to reduced production and/or increased catabolism of LDL-C. Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) also falls substantially during treatment with lovastatin immediate-release. Since each LDL particle contains one molecule of Apo B, and since little Apo B is found in other lipoproteins, this strongly suggests that lovastatin immediate-release does not merely cause cholesterol to be lost from LDL, but also reduces the concentration of circulating LDL particles. In addition, lovastatin immediate-release can produce increases of variable magnitude in HDL-C, and modestly reduces VLDL-C and plasma TG (see Table IV under Clinical Studies). The independent effect of raising HDL or lowering TG on the risk of coronary and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined. The effects of lovastatin immediate-release on lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], fibrinogen, and certain other independent biochemical risk markers for coronary heart disease are unknown.
Lovastatin, as well as some of its metabolites, are pharmacologically active in humans. The liver is the primary site of action and the principal site of cholesterol synthesis and LDL clearance (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
PHARMACOKINETICS AND DRUG METABOLISM
Absorption
Altoprev®The appearance of lovastatin in plasma from an Altoprev® extended-release tablet is slower and more prolonged compared to the lovastatin immediate-release formulation.
A pharmacokinetic study carried out with Altoprev® involved measurement of the systemic concentrations of lovastatin (pro-drug), lovastatin acid (active-drug) and total and active inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase. The pharmacokinetic parameters in 12 hypercholesterolemic subjects at steady state, after 28 days of treatment, comparing Altoprev® 40 mg to lovastatin immediate-release 40 mg, are summarized in Table I.
Table I Altoprev® vs. Lovastatin Immediate-Release (IR) (Steady-State Pharmacokinetic Parameters at Day 28)
| Drug |
Cmax (ng/mL) |
Cmin (ng/mL) |
Tmax (h) |
AUC0-24hr
(ng∙hr/mL) |
|---|
| L |
LA |
TI |
AI |
L |
LA |
TI |
AI |
L |
LA |
L |
LA |
TI |
AI |
|---|
| L=lovastatin, LA=lovastatin acid, TI=total inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, AI=active inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, Cmax=highest observed plasma concentration, Cmin=trough concentration at t=24 hours after dosing, Tmax=time at which the Cmax occurred, AUC0-24hr=area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 24 hr after dosing, calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule. |
|
Altoprev®
40 mg |
5.5 |
5.8 |
17.3 |
13.4 |
2.6 |
3.1 |
9.1 |
4.3 |
14.2 |
11.8 |
77 |
87 |
263 |
171 |
Lovastatin IR
40 mg |
7.8 |
11.9 |
36.2 |
26.6 |
0.4 |
0.7 |
2.4 |
2.1 |
3.3 |
5.3 |
45 |
83 |
252 |
186 |
The mean plasma concentration-time profiles of lovastatin and lovastatin acid in patients after multiple doses of Altoprev® or lovastatin immediate-release at day 28 are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Mean (SD) plasma concentration-time profiles of lovastatin and lovastatin acid in hypercholesterolemic patients (n=12) after 28 days of administration of Altoprev® or lovastatin immediate-release |
| |
The extended-release properties of Altoprev® are characterized by a prolonged absorptive phase, which results in a longer Tmax and lower Cmax for lovastatin (pro-drug) and its major metabolite, lovastatin acid, compared to lovastatin immediate-release.
The bioavailability of lovastatin (pro-drug) as measured by the AUC0-24hr was greater for Altoprev® compared to lovastatin immediate-release (as measured by a chemical assay), while the bioavailability of total and active inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase were equivalent to lovastatin immediate-release (as measured by an enzymatic assay).
With once-a-day dosing, mean values of AUCs of active and total inhibitors at steady state were about 1.8-1.9 times those following a single dose. Accumulation ratio of lovastatin exposure was 1.5 after multiple daily doses of Altoprev® compared to that of a single dose measured using a chemical assay.
Altoprev® appears to have dose linearity for doses from 10 mg up to 60 mg per day.
When Altoprev® was given after a meal, plasma concentrations of lovastatin and lovastatin acid were about 0.5 - 0.6 times those found when Altoprev® was administered in the fasting state, indicating that food decreases the bioavailability of Altoprev®. There was an association between the bioavailability of Altoprev® and dosing after mealtimes. Bioavailability was lowered under the following conditions, (from higher bioavailability to lower bioavailability) in the following order: under overnight fasting conditions, before bedtime, with dinner, and with a high fat breakfast. In a multicenter, randomized, parallel group study, patients were administered 40 mg of Altoprev® at three different times; before breakfast, after dinner and at bedtime. Although there was no statistical difference in the extent of lipid change between the three groups, there was a numerically greater reduction in LDL-C and TG and an increase in HDL-C when Altoprev® was administered at bedtime. Results of this study are displayed in Table II.
Table II Altoprev® 40 mg (Least Squares Mean Percent Changes from Baseline to Endpoint at 4 Weeks of Treatment)
|
LDL-C |
HDL-C |
TOTAL-C |
TG |
|---|
| N=22 for the Before Breakfast group, N=23 for the After Dinner group, and N=23 for the Before Bedtime group. |
|
| Before Breakfast |
-32.0% |
8.4% |
-22.2% |
-10.2% |
| After Dinner |
-34.1% |
7.4% |
-23.6% |
-11.2% |
| Before Bedtime |
-36.9% |
11.1% |
-25.5% |
-19.7% |
At steady state in humans, the bioavailability of lovastatin, following the administration of Altoprev®, was 190% compared to lovastatin immediate-release.
Lovastatin Immediate-ReleaseAbsorption of lovastatin, estimated relative to an intravenous reference dose in each of four animal species tested, averaged about 30% of an oral dose. Following an oral dose of 14C-labeled lovastatin in man, 10% of the dose was excreted in urine and 83% in feces. The latter represents absorbed drug equivalents excreted in bile, as well as any unabsorbed drug. In a single dose study in four hypercholesterolemic patients, it was estimated that less than 5% of an oral dose of lovastatin reaches the general circulation as active inhibitors.
Distribution
LovastatinBoth lovastatin and its β-hydroxyacid metabolite are highly bound (>95%) to human plasma proteins. Animal studies demonstrated that lovastatin crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers.
In animal studies, after oral dosing, lovastatin had high selectivity for the liver, where it achieved substantially higher concentrations than in non-target tissues.
Lovastatin undergoes extensive first-pass extraction in the liver, its primary site of action, with subsequent excretion of drug equivalents in the bile. As a consequence of extensive hepatic extraction of lovastatin, the availability of drug to the general circulation is low and variable.
Metabolism
Metabolism studies with Altoprev® have not been conducted.
LovastatinLovastatin is a lactone that is readily hydrolyzed in vivo to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid, a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase is the basis for an assay in pharmacokinetic studies of the β-hydroxyacid metabolites (active inhibitors) and, following base hydrolysis, active plus latent inhibitors (total inhibitors) in plasma following administration of lovastatin.
The major active metabolites present in human plasma are the β-hydroxyacid of lovastatin, its 6'-hydroxy derivative, and two additional metabolites. The risk of myopathy is increased by high levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma. Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 can raise the plasma levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity and increase the risk of myopathy (see WARNINGS, Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis and PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions).
Lovastatin is a substrate for CYP3A4 (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions). Grapefruit juice contains one or more components that inhibit CYP3A4 and can increase the plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. In one study,1 10 subjects consumed 200 mL of double-strength grapefruit juice (one can of frozen concentrate diluted with one rather than 3 cans of water) three times daily for 2 days and an additional 200 mL double-strength grapefruit juice together with and 30 and 90 minutes following a single dose of 80 mg lovastatin on the third day. This regimen of grapefruit juice resulted in mean increases in the concentration of lovastatin and its beta-hydroxyacid metabolite (as measured by the area under the concentration-time curve) of 15-fold and 5-fold respectively (as measured using a chemical assay – liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry). In a second study, 15 subjects consumed one 8 oz glass of single-strength grapefruit juice (one can of frozen concentrate diluted with 3 cans of water) with breakfast for 3 consecutive days and a single dose of 40 mg lovastatin in the evening of the third day. This regimen of grapefruit juice resulted in a mean increase in the plasma concentration (as measured by the area under the concentration-time curve) of active and total HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity [using a validated enzyme inhibition assay different from that used in the first study, both before (for active inhibitors) and after (for total inhibitors) base hydrolysis] of 1.34-fold and 1.36-fold, respectively, and of lovastatin and its β-hydroxyacid metabolite (measured using a chemical assay – liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry) of 1.94-fold and 1.57-fold, respectively. The effect of amounts of grapefruit juice between those used in these two studies on lovastatin pharmacokinetics has not been studied.
Excretion
Altoprev ®In a single-dose study with Altoprev®, the amounts of lovastatin and lovastatin acid excreted in the urine were below the lower limit of quantitation of the assay (1.0 ng/mL), indicating that negligible excretion of Altoprev® occurs through the kidney.
LovastatinLovastatin undergoes extensive first-pass extraction in the liver, its primary site of action, with subsequent excretion of drug equivalents in the bile.
Special Populations
Geriatric Lovastatin Immediate-Release
In a study with lovastatin immediate-release which included 16 elderly patients between 70-78 years of age who received lovastatin immediate-release 80 mg/day, the mean plasma level of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity was increased approximately 45% compared with 18 patients between 18-30 years of age (see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use).
PediatricPharmacokinetic data in the pediatric population are not available.
GenderIn a single dose pharmacokinetic study with Altoprev®, there were no statistically significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between men (n=12) and women (n=10), although exposure tended to be higher in men than women.
In clinical studies with Altoprev®, there was no clinically significant difference in LDL-C reduction between men and women.
Renal InsufficiencyIn a study of patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance 10-30 mL/min), the plasma concentrations of total inhibitors after a single dose of lovastatin were approximately two-fold higher than those in healthy volunteers.
HemodialysisThe effect of hemodialysis on plasma levels of lovastatin and its metabolites have not been studied.
Hepatic InsufficiencyNo pharmacokinetic studies with Altoprev® have been conducted in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Clinical Studies
Altoprev®Altoprev® has been shown to reduce Total-C, LDL-C, and TG and increase HDL-C in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Near maximal response was observed after four weeks of treatment and the response was maintained with continuation of therapy for up to 6 months.
In a 12-week, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-response study in adult men and women 21 to 70 years of age with primary hyper-cholesterolemia, once daily administration of Altoprev® 10 to 60 mg in the evening was compared to placebo. Altoprev® produced dose related reductions in LDL-C and Total-C. Altoprev® produced mean reductions in TG across all doses that varied from approximately 10% to 25%. Altoprev® produced mean increases in HDL-C across all doses that varied from approximately 9% to 13%.
The lipid changes with Altoprev® treatment in this study, from baseline to endpoint, are displayed in Table III.
Table III Altoprev® vs. Placebo (Mean Percent Change from Baseline After 12 Weeks)
| Treatment |
N |
LDL-C |
HDL-C |
TOTAL-C |
TG |
|---|
| N= the number of patients with values at both baseline and endpoint. |
|
| Placebo |
34 |
1.3 |
5.6 |
3.4 |
8.7 |
| Altoprev® 10 mg |
33 |
-23.8 |
9.4 |
-17.9 |
-17.3 |
| Altoprev® 20 mg |
34 |
-29.6 |
12.0 |
-20.9 |
-13.0 |
| Altoprev® 40 mg |
33 |
-35.8 |
13.1 |
-25.4 |
-9.9 |
| Altoprev® 60 mg |
35 |
-40.8 |
11.6 |
-29.2 |
-25.1 |
The range of LDL-C responses is represented graphically in the following figure (Figure 2):
Figure 2
Altoprev® vs. Placebo
LDL-C Percent Change from Baseline After 12 Weeks |
| |
The distribution of LDL-C responses is represented graphically by the boxplots in Figure 2. The bottom line of the box represents the 25th percentile and the top line, the 75th percentile. The horizontal line in the box represents the median and the gray area is the 95% confidence interval for the median. The range of responses is depicted by the tails and outliers.
Altoprev® Long-Term StudyA total of 365 patients were enrolled in an extension study in which all patients were administered Altoprev® 40 mg or 60 mg once daily for up to 6 months of treatment. The lipid-altering effects of Altoprev® were comparable to what was observed in the dose-response study, and were maintained for up to 6 months of treatment.
Special Populations
In clinical studies with Altoprev®, there were no statistically significant differences in LDL-C reduction in an older population (≥65 years old), compared to a younger population (<65 years old). There were also no statistically significant differences in LDL-C reduction between male and female patients.
Lovastatin Immediate-Release
Lovastatin immediate-release has been shown to be effective in reducing Total-C and LDL-C in heterozygous familial and non-familial forms of primary hypercholesterolemia and in mixed hyperlipidemia. A marked response was seen within 2 weeks, and the maximum therapeutic response occurred within 4-6 weeks. The response was maintained during continuation of therapy. Single daily doses given in the evening were more effective than the same dose given in the morning, perhaps because cholesterol is synthesized mainly at night.
Lovastatin immediate-release was studied in controlled trials in hypercholesterolemic patients with well-controlled non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with normal renal function. The effect of lovastatin immediate-release on lipids and lipoproteins and the safety profile of lovastatin immediate-release were similar to that demonstrated in studies in nondiabetics. Lovastatin immediate-release had no clinically important effect on glycemic control or on the dose requirement of oral hypoglycemic agents.
Expanded Clinical Evaluation of Lovastatin (EXCEL) StudyLovastatin immediate-release was compared to placebo in 8,245 patients with hypercholesterolemia [Total-C 240-300mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L-7.6 mmol/L), LDLC >160 mg/dL (4.1 mmol/L)] in the randomized, double-blind, parallel, 48- week EXCEL study. All changes in the lipid measurements (see Table IV) observed in lovastatin immediate-release-treated patients were dose-related and significantly different from placebo (p≤0.001). These results were sustained throughout the study.
Table IV Lovastatin Immediate-Release (IR) vs. Placebo (Percent Change from Baseline - Average Values Between Weeks 12 and 48)
| DOSAGE |
N |
TOTAL-C
(mean) |
LDL-C
(mean) |
HDL-C
(mean) |
LDL-C/
HDL-C
(mean) |
TOTAL-C/
HDL-C
(mean) |
TG
(median) |
|---|
|
| Placebo |
1663 |
+0.7 |
+0.4 |
+2.0 |
+0.2 |
+0.6 |
+4 |
Lovastatin IR
20 mg q.p.m. |
1642 |
-17 |
-24 |
+6.6 |
-27 |
-21 |
-10 |
| 40 mg q.p.m. |
1645 |
-22 |
-30 |
+7.2 |
-34 |
-26 |
-14 |
| 20 mg b.i.d. |
1646 |
-24 |
-34 |
+8.6 |
-38 |
-29 |
-16 |
| 40 mg b.i.d. |
1649 |
-29 |
-40 |
+9.5 |
-44 |
-34 |
-19 |
Lovastatin Immediate-Release
Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/ TexCAPS)
The Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/TexCAPS), a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, primary prevention study, demonstrated that treatment with lovastatin immediate-release decreased the rate of acute major coronary events (composite endpoint of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and sudden cardiac death) compared with placebo during a median of 5.1 years of follow-up. Participants were middle-aged and elderly men (ages 45-73) and women (ages 55-73) without symptomatic cardiovascular disease with average to moderately elevated Total-C and LDL-C, below average HDL-C, and who were at high risk based on elevated Total-C/HDL-C. In addition to age, 63% of the participants had at least one other risk factor (baseline HDL-C <35 mg/dL, hypertension, family history, smoking and diabetes).
AFCAPS/TexCAPS enrolled 6,605 participants (5,608 men, 997 women) based on the following lipid entry criteria: Total-C range of 180-264 mg/dL, LDL-C range of 130-190 mg/dL, HDL-C of ≤45 mg/dL for men and ≤47 mg/dL for women, and TG of ≤400 mg/dL. Participants were treated with standard care, including diet, and either lovastatin immediate-release 20 mg - 40 mg daily (n= 3,304) or placebo (n= 3,301). Approximately 50% of the participants treated with lovastatin immediate-release were titrated to 40 mg daily when their LDL-C remained >110 mg/dL at the 20-mg starting dose.
Lovastatin immediate-release reduced the risk of a first acute major coronary event, the primary efficacy endpoint, by 37% (lovastatin immediate-release 3.5%, placebo 5.5%; p<0.001; Figure 3). A first acute major coronary event was defined as myocardial infarction (54 participants on lovastatin immediate-release, 94 on placebo) or unstable angina (54 vs. 80) or sudden cardiac death (8 vs. 9). Furthermore, among the secondary endpoints, lovastatin immediate-release reduced the risk of unstable angina by 32% (1.8% vs. 2.6%; p=0.023), of myocardial infarction by 40% (1.7% vs. 2.9%; p=0.002), and of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) by 33% (3.2% vs. 4.8%; p=0.001). Trends in risk reduction associated with treatment with lovastatin immediate-release were consistent across men and women, smokers and nonsmokers, hypertensives and non-hypertensives, and older and younger participants. Participants with ≥2 risk factors had risk reductions (RR) in both acute major coronary events (RR 43%) and coronary revascularization procedures (RR 37%). Because there were too few events among those participants with age as their only risk factor in this study, the effect of lovastatin immediaterelease on outcomes could not be adequately assessed in this subgroup.
Figure 3
Acute Major Coronary Events
(Primary Endpoint) |
| |
Atherosclerosis
In the Canadian Coronary Atherosclerosis Intervention Trial (CCAIT), the effect of therapy with lovastatin on coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by coronary angiography in hyperlipidemic patients. In this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, patients were treated with conventional measures (usually diet and 325 mg of aspirin every other day) and either lovastatin 20 mg - 80 mg daily or placebo. Angiograms were evaluated at baseline and at two years by computerized quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Lovastatin significantly slowed the progression of lesions as measured by the mean change per-patient in minimum lumen diameter (the primary endpoint) and percent diameter stenosis, and decreased the proportions of patients categorized with disease progression (33% vs. 50%) and with new lesions (16% vs. 32%).
In a similarly designed trial, the Monitored Atherosclerosis Regression Study (MARS), patients were treated with diet and either lovastatin 80 mg daily or placebo. No statistically significant difference between lovastatin and placebo was seen for the primary endpoint (mean change per patient in percent diameter stenosis of all lesions), or for most secondary QCA endpoints. Visual assessment by angiographers who formed a consensus opinion of overall angiographic change (Global Change Score) was also a secondary endpoint. By this endpoint, significant slowing of disease was seen, with regression in 23% of patients treated with lovastatin compared to 11% of placebo patients.
The effect of lovastatin on the progression of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries has been corroborated by similar findings in another vasculature. In the Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Progression Study (ACAPS), the effect of therapy with lovastatin on carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by B-mode ultrasonography in hyperlipidemic patients with early carotid lesions and without known coronary heart disease at baseline. In this double- blind, controlled clinical trial, 919 patients were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to placebo, lovastatin 10-40 mg daily and/or warfarin. Ultrasonograms of the carotid walls were used to determine the change per patient from baseline to three years in mean maximum intimal-medial thickness (IMT) of 12 measured segments. There was a significant regression of carotid lesions in patients receiving lovastatin alone compared to those receiving placebo alone (p=0.001). The predictive value of changes in IMT for stroke has not yet been established. In the lovastatin group there was a significant reduction in the number of patients with major cardiovascular events relative to the placebo group (5 vs. 14) and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (1 vs. 8).
Eye
There was a high prevalence of baseline lenticular opacities in the patient population included in the early clinical trials with lovastatin immediate-release. During these trials the appearance of new opacities was noted in both the lovastatin immediate-release and placebo groups. There was no clinically significant change in visual acuity in the patients who had new opacities reported nor was any patient, including those with opacities noted at baseline, discontinued from therapy because of a decrease in visual acuity.
A three-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in hypercholesterolemic patients to assess the effect of lovastatin immediate-release on the human lens demonstrated that there were no clinically or statistically significant differences between the lovastatin immediate-release and placebo groups in the incidence, type or progression of lenticular opacities. There are no controlled clinical data assessing the lens available for treatment beyond three years.
Indications and Usage for Altoprev
Therapy with Altoprev® lovastatin extended-release tablets should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals with dyslipidemia who are at risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Altoprev® should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol as part of a treatment strategy to lower Total-C and LDL-C to target levels when the response to diet and other nonpharmacological measures alone has been inadequate to reduce risk.
Altoprev®
Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart DiseaseIn individuals without symptomatic cardiovascular disease, average to moderately elevated Total-C and LDL-C, and below average HDL-C, Altoprev® is indicated to reduce the risk of:
- Myocardial infarction
- Unstable angina
- Coronary revascularization procedures
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies.)
Coronary Heart DiseaseAltoprev® is indicated to slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease as part of a treatment strategy to lower Total-C and LDL-C to target levels.
HyperlipidemiaTherapy with lipid-altering agents should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia.
Altoprev® is indicated as an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated Total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and TG, and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial) and mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb, see Table VI) when the response to diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol and to other non-pharmacological measures alone has been inadequate.
General RecommendationsPrior to initiating therapy with Altoprev®, secondary causes for hypercholesterolemia (e.g., poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, alcoholism) should be excluded, and a lipid profile performed to measure Total-C, HDL-C, and TG. For patients with TG less than 400 mg/dL (<4.5 mmol/L), LDL-C can be estimated using the following equation: LDL-C = Total-C - [0.2 × (TG) + HDL-C]
For TG levels >400 mg/dL (>4.5 mmol/L), this equation is less accurate and LDL-C concentrations should be determined by ultracentrifugation. In hypertriglyceridemic patients, LDL-C may be low or normal despite elevated Total-C. In such cases, Altoprev® is not indicated.
The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Treatment Guidelines are summarized below:
Table V NCEP Treatment Guidelines: LDL-C Goals and Cutpoints for Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes and Drug Therapy in Different Risk Categories
| Risk Category |
LDL Goal (mg/dL) |
LDL Level at Which to Initiate Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (mg/dL) |
LDL Level at Which to Consider Drug Therapy (mg/dL) |
|---|
|
CHD or CHD risk equivalents
(10-year risk >20%) |
<100 |
≥100 |
≥130
(100-129: drug optional) |
| 2+ Risk factors (10-year risk ≤20%) |
<130 |
≥130 |
10-year risk 10%-20%: ≥130
|
| 10-year risk <10%:≤160 |
|
|
|
| 0-1 Risk factor |
<160 |
≥160 |
≥190 (160-189: LDL-lowering
drug optional) |
After the LDL-C goal has been achieved, if the TG is still ≥200 mg/dL, non-HDL-C (Total-C minus HDL-C) becomes a secondary target of therapy. Non-HDL-C goals are set 30 mg/dL higher than LDL-C goals for each risk category.
At the time of hospitalization for an acute coronary event, consideration can be given to initiating drug therapy at discharge if the LDL-C is ≥130 mg/dL (see NCEP Guidelines above).
Since the goal of treatment is to lower LDL-C, the NCEP recommends that LDL-C levels be used to initiate and assess treatment response. Only if LDL-C levels are not available, should the Total-C be used to monitor therapy.
Although Altoprev® may be useful to reduce elevated LDL-C levels in patients with combined hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia where hypercholesterolemia is the major abnormality (Type IIb hyperlipoproteinemia), it has not been studied in conditions where the major abnormality is elevation of chylomicrons, VLDL or IDL (i.e., hyperlipoproteinemia types I, III, IV, or V). [See Table VI]
Table VI Classification of Hyperlipoproteinemias
| Type |
Lipoproteins Elevated |
Lipid Elevations |
|---|
| Major |
Minor |
|---|
| TC = total cholesterol; TG = triglycerides; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; VLDL = very low-density lipoprotein; IDL = intermediate-density lipoprotein ↑→ = increased or no change |
| I (rare) |
Chylomicrons |
TG |
↑→TC |
| IIa |
LDL |
TC |
- |
| IIb |
LDL,VLDL |
TC |
TG |
| III (rare) |
IDL |
TC/TG |
- |
| IV |
VLDL |
TG |
↑→TC |
| V (rare) |
Chylomicrons, VLDL |
TG |
↑→TC |
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases (see WARNINGS).
Pregnancy and Lactation
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 hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, cholesterol and other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway are essential components for fetal development, including synthesis of steroids and cell membranes. Because of the abi
