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FDA Drug information

Ezetimibe

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Marketing start date: 26 Nov 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: • Liver enzyme abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Rhabdomyolysis and myopathy [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Common adverse reactions in clinical trials: • Ezetimibe administered alone (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo): upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, and influenza ( 6.1 ) • Ezetimibe co-administered with a statin (incidence ≥2% and greater than statin alone): nasopharyngitis, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, diarrhea, back pain, influenza, pain in extremity, and fatigue ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials 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. Monotherapy In 10 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, 2,396 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (age range 9 to 86 years; 50% female, 90% White, 5% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 3% other races; 3% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) and elevated LDL-C were treated with ezetimibe 10 mg daily for a median treatment duration of 12 weeks (range 0 to 39 weeks). Adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with ezetimibe and at an incidence greater than placebo in placebo-controlled studies of ezetimibe are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring ≥2% and Greater than Placebo in Ezetimibe-treated Patients Adverse Reaction Placebo (%) n = 1,159 Ezetimibe 10 mg (%) n = 2,396 Upper respiratory tract infection 2.5 4.3 Diarrhea 3.7 4.1 Arthralgia 2.2 3.0 Sinusitis 2.2 2.8 Pain in extremity 2.5 2.7 Fatigue 1.5 2.4 Influenza 1.5 2.0 Combination with a Statin In 28 double-blind, controlled (placebo or active-controlled) clinical trials, 11,308 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (age range 10 to 93 years, 48% female, 85% White, 7% Black or African American, 3% Asian, 5% other races; 4% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) and elevated LDL-C were treated with ezetimibe 10 mg/day concurrently with or added to on-going statin therapy for a median treatment duration of 8 weeks (range 0 to 112 weeks). The incidence of consecutive increased transaminases (≥3 X ULN) was higher in patients receiving ezetimibe administered with statins (1.3%) than in patients treated with statins alone (0.4%). Adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with ezetimibe + statin and at an incidence greater than statin are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2: Adverse Reactions Occurring ≥2% in Ezetimibe-treated Patients Coadministered with a Statin and at an Incidence Greater than Statin Adverse Reaction All Statins All Statins = all doses of all statins (%) n = 9,361 Ezetimibe + All Statins (%) n = 11,308 Nasopharyngitis 3.3 3.7 Myalgia 2.7 3.2 Upper respiratory tract infection 2.8 2.9 Arthralgia 2.4 2.6 Diarrhea 2.2 2.5 Back pain 2.3 2.4 Influenza 2.1 2.2 Pain in extremity 1.9 2.1 Fatigue 1.6 2.0 Combination with Fenofibrate This clinical trial involving 625 patients with mixed dyslipidemia (age range 20 to 76 years; 44% female, 79% White, 1% Black or African American, 20% other races; 11% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) treated for up to 12 weeks and 576 patients treated for up to an additional 48 weeks evaluated coadministration of ezetimibe and fenofibrate. Incidence rates for clinically important elevations (≥3 X ULN, consecutive) in hepatic transaminase levels were 4.5% and 2.7% for fenofibrate monotherapy (n=188) and ezetimibe coadministered with fenofibrate (n=183), respectively, adjusted for treatment exposure. Corresponding incidence rates for cholecystectomy were 0.6% and 1.7% for fenofibrate monotherapy and ezetimibe coadministered with fenofibrate, respectively [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . 6.2 Post-Marketing Experience Because the reactions below are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ezetimibe: 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

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ezetimibe is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ezetimibe or any of the excipients in ezetimibe. 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, ezetimibe 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 )] . • Hypersensitivity to ezetimibe or any excipient of ezetimibe. ( 4 ) • When used in combination with a statin, fenofibrate, or other LDL-C lowering therapy, ezetimibe 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. ( 4 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Ezetimibe is in a class of lipid-lowering compounds that selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related phytosterols. The chemical name of ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)-hydroxypropyl]-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone. The molecular formula is C 24 H 21 F 2 NO 3 . Its molecular weight is 409.4 and its structural formula is: Ezetimibe, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is freely to very soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetone and practically insoluble in water. Ezetimibe has a melting point of about 163°C and is stable at ambient temperature. Ezetimibe is available as a tablet for oral administration containing 10 mg of ezetimibe and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. structural formula

Dosage And Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • The recommended dose of ezetimibe is 10 mg orally once daily, administered with or without food. • If as dose is missed, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not double the next dose. • Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating ezetimibe. • In patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . • 10-mg orally once daily, with or without food ( 2 ) • Administer ezetimibe either ≥2 hours before or ≥4 hours after administration of a bile acid sequestrant. ( 2 ) • Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating ezetimibe. ( 2 )

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ezetimibe is indicated: • In combination with a statin, or alone when additional low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy is not possible, as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). • In combination with a statin as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated LDL-C in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with HeFH. • In combination with fenofibrate as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with mixed hyperlipidemia. • In combination with a statin, and other LDL-C lowering therapies, to reduce elevated LDL-C levels in adults and in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). • As an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels in adults and in pediatric patients 9 years of age and older with homozygous familial sitosterolemia. When ezetimibe is used in combination with a statin, fenofibrate, or other LDL-C lowering therapies, refer to the Prescribing Information of these products for information on the safe and effective use. Ezetimibe is indicated ( 1 ): • In combination with a statin, or alone when additional low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy is not possible, as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). • In combination with a statin as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated LDL-C in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with HeFH. • In combination with fenofibrate as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated LDL C in adults with mixed hyperlipidemia. • In combination with a statin, and other LDL-C lowering therapies, to reduce elevated LDL C levels in adults and in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). • As an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels in adults and in pediatric patients 9 years of age and older with homozygous familial sitosterolemia. When ezetimibe is used in combination with a statin, fenofibrate, or other LDL-C lowering therapies, refer to the Prescribing Information of these products for information on the safe and effective use ( 1 ).

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of overdose, consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.

Adverse Reactions Table

TABLE 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring ≥2% and Greater than Placebo in Ezetimibe-treated Patients

Adverse Reaction

Placebo (%) n = 1,159

Ezetimibe

10 mg

(%)

n = 2,396

Upper respiratory tract infection

2.5

4.3

Diarrhea

3.7

4.1

Arthralgia

2.2

3.0

Sinusitis

2.2

2.8

Pain in extremity

2.5

2.7

Fatigue

1.5

2.4

Influenza

1.5

2.0

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 3 includes a list of drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered concomitantly with ezetimibe and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 3: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with ezetimibe Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of ezetimibe and cyclosporine increases ezetimibe and cyclosporine concentrations. The degree of increase in ezetimibe exposure may be greater in patients with severe renal insufficiency [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Intervention : Monitor cyclosporine concentrations in patients receiving ezetimibe and cyclosporine. In patients treated with cyclosporine, weigh the potential effects of the increased exposure to ezetimibe from concomitant use against the benefits of alterations in lipid levels provided by ezetimibe. Fibrates Clinical Impact: Both fenofibrate and ezetimibe may increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to cholelithiasis. Co-administration of ezetimibe with fibrates other than fenofibrate is not recommended [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Intervention: If cholelithiasis is suspected in a patient receiving ezetimibe and fenofibrate, gallbladder studies are indicated, and alternative lipid-lowering therapy should be considered. Bile Acid Sequestrants Clinical Impact: Concomitant cholestyramine administration decreased the mean exposure of total ezetimibe. This may result in a reduction of efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Intervention: In patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . • Cyclosporine: Combination increases exposure of ezetimibe and cyclosporine. Cyclosporine concentrations should be monitored in patients taking ezetimibe concomitantly. ( 7 ) • Fibrates: Coadministration of ezetimibe with fibrates other than fenofibrate is not recommended until use in patients is adequately studied. If cholelithiasis is suspected in a patient receiving ezetimibe and fenofibrate, gallbladder studies are indicated, and alternative lipid-lowering therapy should be considered. ( 7 ) • Bile Acid Sequestrants: Cholestyramine combination decreases exposure of ezetimibe. ( 7 )

Drug Interactions Table

Cyclosporine

Clinical Impact:

Concomitant use of ezetimibe and cyclosporine increases ezetimibe and cyclosporine

concentrations. The degree of increase in ezetimibe exposure may be greater in patients

with severe renal insufficiency [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Intervention:

Monitor cyclosporine concentrations in patients receiving ezetimibe and cyclosporine. In

patients treated with cyclosporine, weigh the potential effects of the increased exposure

to ezetimibe from concomitant use against the benefits of alterations in lipid levels

provided by ezetimibe.

Fibrates

Clinical Impact:

Both fenofibrate and ezetimibe may increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading

to cholelithiasis. Co-administration of ezetimibe with fibrates other than fenofibrate is not

recommended [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Intervention:

If cholelithiasis is suspected in a patient receiving ezetimibe and fenofibrate, gallbladder

studies are indicated, and alternative lipid-lowering therapy should be considered.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Clinical Impact:

Concomitant cholestyramine administration decreased the mean exposure of total

ezetimibe. This may result in a reduction of efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Intervention:

In patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4

hours after the bile acid sequestrant [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols. Ezetimibe localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. This causes a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in LDL receptors, resulting in clearance of cholesterol from the blood. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Ezetimibe reduces total cholesterol (total-C), LDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in patients with hyperlipidemia. In a 2-week clinical trial in 18 hypercholesterolemic patients, ezetimibe inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption by 54%, compared with placebo. Ezetimibe had no clinically meaningful effect on the plasma concentrations of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E (in a trial of 113 patients) and did not impair adrenocortical steroid hormone production (in a trial of 118 patients). 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption After oral administration, ezetimibe is absorbed and extensively conjugated to a pharmacologically active phenolic glucuronide (ezetimibe-glucuronide). After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe to fasted adults, mean ezetimibe peak plasma concentrations (C max ) of 3.4 to 5.5 ng/mL were attained within 4 to 12 hours (T max ). Ezetimibe-glucuronide mean C max values of 45 to 71 ng/mL were achieved between 1 and 2 hours (T max ). There was no substantial deviation from dose proportionality between 5 and 20 mg. The absolute bioavailability of ezetimibe cannot be determined, as the compound is virtually insoluble in aqueous media suitable for injection. Effect of Food Concomitant food administration (high-fat or non-fat meals) had no effect on the extent of absorption of ezetimibe when administered as ezetimibe 10-mg tablets. The C max value of ezetimibe was increased by 38% with consumption of high-fat meals. Distribution Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are highly bound (>90%) to human plasma proteins. Elimination Metabolism Ezetimibe is primarily metabolized in the small intestine and liver via glucuronide conjugation (a phase II reaction) with subsequent biliary and renal excretion. Minimal oxidative metabolism (a phase I reaction) has been observed in all species evaluated. In humans, ezetimibe is rapidly metabolized to ezetimibe-glucuronide. Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are the major drug-derived compounds detected in plasma, constituting approximately 10 to 20% and 80 to 90% of the total drug in plasma, respectively. Both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are eliminated from plasma with a half-life of approximately 22 hours for both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide. Plasma concentration-time profiles exhibit multiple peaks, suggesting enterohepatic recycling. Excretion Following oral administration of 14 C-ezetimibe (20 mg) to human subjects, total ezetimibe (ezetimibe + ezetimibe-glucuronide) accounted for approximately 93% of the total radioactivity in plasma. After 48 hours, there were no detectable levels of radioactivity in the plasma. Approximately 78% and 11% of the administered radioactivity were recovered in the feces and urine, respectively, over a 10-day collection period. Ezetimibe was the major component in feces and accounted for 69% of the administered dose, while ezetimibe-glucuronide was the major component in urine and accounted for 9% of the administered dose. Specific Populations Geriatric Patients In a multiple-dose trial with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were about 2-fold higher in older (≥65 years) healthy subjects compared to younger subjects. However, the difference in plasma concentrations is not clinically meaningful. Gender In a multiple-dose trial with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were slightly higher (<20%) in females than in males. Race Based on a meta-analysis of multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies, there were no pharmacokinetic differences between Black and White subjects. Studies in Asian subjects indicated that the pharmacokinetics of ezetimibe were similar to those seen in White subjects. Renal Impairment After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe in patients with severe renal disease (n=8; mean CrCl ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), the mean AUC values for total ezetimibe, ezetimibe-glucuronide, and ezetimibe were increased approximately 1.5-fold, compared to healthy subjects (n=9). Hepatic Impairment After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe, the mean AUC for total ezetimibe was increased approximately 1.7-fold in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6), compared to healthy subjects. The mean AUC values for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe were increased approximately 3- to 4-fold and 5- to 6-fold, respectively, in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9) or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 10 to 15). In a 14-day, multiple-dose trial (10 mg daily) in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the mean AUC values for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe were increased approximately 4-fold on Day 1 and Day 14 compared to healthy subjects [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 )] . Drug Interactions Ezetimibe had no significant effect on a series of probe drugs (caffeine, dextromethorphan, tolbutamide, and IV midazolam) known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 (1A2, 2D6, 2C8/9 and 3A4) in a “cocktail” trial of twelve healthy adult males. This indicates that ezetimibe is neither an inhibitor nor an inducer of these cytochrome P450 isozymes, and it is unlikely that ezetimibe will affect the metabolism of drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. TABLE 4: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Total Ezetimibe Coadministered Drug and Dosing Regimen Total Ezetimibe Based on 10-mg dose of ezetimibe Change in AUC Change in C max Cyclosporine-stable dose required (75-150 mg BID) Post-renal transplant patients with mild impaired or normal renal function. In a different trial, a renal transplant patient with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) who was receiving multiple medications, including cyclosporine, demonstrated a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe compared to healthy subjects. , See DRUG INTERACTIONS ( 7 ). ↑240% ↑290% Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days ↑48% ↑64% Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days ↑64% ↑91% Cholestyramine, 4 g BID, 14 days ↓55% ↓4% Aluminum & magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, single dose Supralox, 20 mL. ↓4% ↓30% Cimetidine, 400 mg BID, 7 days ↑6% ↑22% Glipizide, 10 mg, single dose ↑4% ↓8% Statins Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days ↑9% ↑3% Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days ↑7% ↑23% Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓2% ↑12% Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days ↑13% ↑18% Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days ↓19% ↑7% TABLE 5: Effect of Ezetimibe Coadministration on Systemic Exposure to Other Drugs Coadministered Drug and its Dosage Regimen Ezetimibe Dosage Regimen Change in AUC of Coadministered Drug Change in C max of Coadministered Drug Warfarin, 25-mg single dose on Day 7 10 mg QD, 11 days ↓2% (R-warfarin) ↓4% (S-warfarin) ↑3% (R-warfarin) ↑1% (S-warfarin) Digoxin, 0.5-mg single dose 10 mg QD, 8 days ↑2% ↓7% Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days See Drug Interactions (7) . 10 mg QD, 7 days ↓1% ↓11% Ethinyl estradiol & Levonorgestrel, QD, 21 days 10 mg QD, days 8-14 of 21d oral contraceptive cycle Ethinyl estradiol 0% Levonorgestrel 0% Ethinyl estradiol ↓9% Levonorgestrel ↓5% Glipizide, 10 mg on Days 1 and 9 10 mg QD, days 2-9 ↓3% ↓5% Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↑11% ↑7% Cyclosporine, 100-mg single dose Day 7 20 mg QD, 8 days ↑15% ↑10% Statins Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days 10 mg QD, 7 days ↑19% ↑3% Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓20% ↓24% Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓4% ↑7% Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↑19% ↑17% Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓39% ↓27%

Clinical Pharmacology Table

TABLE 4: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Total Ezetimibe
Coadministered Drug and Dosing RegimenTotal Ezetimibe Based on 10-mg dose of ezetimibe
Change in AUCChange in Cmax

Cyclosporine-stable dose required (75-150 mg BID)Post-renal transplant patients with mild impaired or normal renal function. In a different trial, a renal transplant patient with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) who was receiving multiple medications, including cyclosporine, demonstrated a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe compared to healthy subjects.,See DRUG INTERACTIONS (7).

↑240%

↑290%

Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days

↑48%

↑64%

Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days

↑64%

↑91%

Cholestyramine, 4 g BID, 14 days

↓55%

↓4%

Aluminum & magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, single doseSupralox, 20 mL.

↓4%

↓30%

Cimetidine, 400 mg BID, 7 days

↑6%

↑22%

Glipizide, 10 mg, single dose

↑4%

↓8%

Statins

Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days

↑9%

↑3%

Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days

↑7%

↑23%

Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days

↓2%

↑12%

Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days

↑13%

↑18%

Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days

↓19%

↑7%

Mechanism Of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols. Ezetimibe localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. This causes a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in LDL receptors, resulting in clearance of cholesterol from the blood.

Pharmacodynamics

12.2 Pharmacodynamics Ezetimibe reduces total cholesterol (total-C), LDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in patients with hyperlipidemia. In a 2-week clinical trial in 18 hypercholesterolemic patients, ezetimibe inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption by 54%, compared with placebo. Ezetimibe had no clinically meaningful effect on the plasma concentrations of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E (in a trial of 113 patients) and did not impair adrenocortical steroid hormone production (in a trial of 118 patients).

Pharmacokinetics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption After oral administration, ezetimibe is absorbed and extensively conjugated to a pharmacologically active phenolic glucuronide (ezetimibe-glucuronide). After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe to fasted adults, mean ezetimibe peak plasma concentrations (C max ) of 3.4 to 5.5 ng/mL were attained within 4 to 12 hours (T max ). Ezetimibe-glucuronide mean C max values of 45 to 71 ng/mL were achieved between 1 and 2 hours (T max ). There was no substantial deviation from dose proportionality between 5 and 20 mg. The absolute bioavailability of ezetimibe cannot be determined, as the compound is virtually insoluble in aqueous media suitable for injection. Effect of Food Concomitant food administration (high-fat or non-fat meals) had no effect on the extent of absorption of ezetimibe when administered as ezetimibe 10-mg tablets. The C max value of ezetimibe was increased by 38% with consumption of high-fat meals. Distribution Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are highly bound (>90%) to human plasma proteins. Elimination Metabolism Ezetimibe is primarily metabolized in the small intestine and liver via glucuronide conjugation (a phase II reaction) with subsequent biliary and renal excretion. Minimal oxidative metabolism (a phase I reaction) has been observed in all species evaluated. In humans, ezetimibe is rapidly metabolized to ezetimibe-glucuronide. Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are the major drug-derived compounds detected in plasma, constituting approximately 10 to 20% and 80 to 90% of the total drug in plasma, respectively. Both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are eliminated from plasma with a half-life of approximately 22 hours for both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide. Plasma concentration-time profiles exhibit multiple peaks, suggesting enterohepatic recycling. Excretion Following oral administration of 14 C-ezetimibe (20 mg) to human subjects, total ezetimibe (ezetimibe + ezetimibe-glucuronide) accounted for approximately 93% of the total radioactivity in plasma. After 48 hours, there were no detectable levels of radioactivity in the plasma. Approximately 78% and 11% of the administered radioactivity were recovered in the feces and urine, respectively, over a 10-day collection period. Ezetimibe was the major component in feces and accounted for 69% of the administered dose, while ezetimibe-glucuronide was the major component in urine and accounted for 9% of the administered dose. Specific Populations Geriatric Patients In a multiple-dose trial with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were about 2-fold higher in older (≥65 years) healthy subjects compared to younger subjects. However, the difference in plasma concentrations is not clinically meaningful. Gender In a multiple-dose trial with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were slightly higher (<20%) in females than in males. Race Based on a meta-analysis of multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies, there were no pharmacokinetic differences between Black and White subjects. Studies in Asian subjects indicated that the pharmacokinetics of ezetimibe were similar to those seen in White subjects. Renal Impairment After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe in patients with severe renal disease (n=8; mean CrCl ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), the mean AUC values for total ezetimibe, ezetimibe-glucuronide, and ezetimibe were increased approximately 1.5-fold, compared to healthy subjects (n=9). Hepatic Impairment After a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe, the mean AUC for total ezetimibe was increased approximately 1.7-fold in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6), compared to healthy subjects. The mean AUC values for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe were increased approximately 3- to 4-fold and 5- to 6-fold, respectively, in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9) or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 10 to 15). In a 14-day, multiple-dose trial (10 mg daily) in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the mean AUC values for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe were increased approximately 4-fold on Day 1 and Day 14 compared to healthy subjects [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 )] . Drug Interactions Ezetimibe had no significant effect on a series of probe drugs (caffeine, dextromethorphan, tolbutamide, and IV midazolam) known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 (1A2, 2D6, 2C8/9 and 3A4) in a “cocktail” trial of twelve healthy adult males. This indicates that ezetimibe is neither an inhibitor nor an inducer of these cytochrome P450 isozymes, and it is unlikely that ezetimibe will affect the metabolism of drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. TABLE 4: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Total Ezetimibe Coadministered Drug and Dosing Regimen Total Ezetimibe Based on 10-mg dose of ezetimibe Change in AUC Change in C max Cyclosporine-stable dose required (75-150 mg BID) Post-renal transplant patients with mild impaired or normal renal function. In a different trial, a renal transplant patient with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) who was receiving multiple medications, including cyclosporine, demonstrated a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe compared to healthy subjects. , See DRUG INTERACTIONS ( 7 ). ↑240% ↑290% Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days ↑48% ↑64% Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days ↑64% ↑91% Cholestyramine, 4 g BID, 14 days ↓55% ↓4% Aluminum & magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, single dose Supralox, 20 mL. ↓4% ↓30% Cimetidine, 400 mg BID, 7 days ↑6% ↑22% Glipizide, 10 mg, single dose ↑4% ↓8% Statins Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days ↑9% ↑3% Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days ↑7% ↑23% Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓2% ↑12% Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days ↑13% ↑18% Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days ↓19% ↑7% TABLE 5: Effect of Ezetimibe Coadministration on Systemic Exposure to Other Drugs Coadministered Drug and its Dosage Regimen Ezetimibe Dosage Regimen Change in AUC of Coadministered Drug Change in C max of Coadministered Drug Warfarin, 25-mg single dose on Day 7 10 mg QD, 11 days ↓2% (R-warfarin) ↓4% (S-warfarin) ↑3% (R-warfarin) ↑1% (S-warfarin) Digoxin, 0.5-mg single dose 10 mg QD, 8 days ↑2% ↓7% Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days See Drug Interactions (7) . 10 mg QD, 7 days ↓1% ↓11% Ethinyl estradiol & Levonorgestrel, QD, 21 days 10 mg QD, days 8-14 of 21d oral contraceptive cycle Ethinyl estradiol 0% Levonorgestrel 0% Ethinyl estradiol ↓9% Levonorgestrel ↓5% Glipizide, 10 mg on Days 1 and 9 10 mg QD, days 2-9 ↓3% ↓5% Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↑11% ↑7% Cyclosporine, 100-mg single dose Day 7 20 mg QD, 8 days ↑15% ↑10% Statins Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days 10 mg QD, 7 days ↑19% ↑3% Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓20% ↓24% Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓4% ↑7% Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↑19% ↑17% Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days 10 mg QD, 14 days ↓39% ↓27%

Pharmacokinetics Table

TABLE 4: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Total Ezetimibe
Coadministered Drug and Dosing RegimenTotal Ezetimibe Based on 10-mg dose of ezetimibe
Change in AUCChange in Cmax

Cyclosporine-stable dose required (75-150 mg BID)Post-renal transplant patients with mild impaired or normal renal function. In a different trial, a renal transplant patient with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) who was receiving multiple medications, including cyclosporine, demonstrated a 12-fold greater exposure to total ezetimibe compared to healthy subjects.,See DRUG INTERACTIONS (7).

↑240%

↑290%

Fenofibrate, 200 mg QD, 14 days

↑48%

↑64%

Gemfibrozil, 600 mg BID, 7 days

↑64%

↑91%

Cholestyramine, 4 g BID, 14 days

↓55%

↓4%

Aluminum & magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, single doseSupralox, 20 mL.

↓4%

↓30%

Cimetidine, 400 mg BID, 7 days

↑6%

↑22%

Glipizide, 10 mg, single dose

↑4%

↓8%

Statins

Lovastatin 20 mg QD, 7 days

↑9%

↑3%

Pravastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days

↑7%

↑23%

Atorvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days

↓2%

↑12%

Rosuvastatin 10 mg QD, 14 days

↑13%

↑18%

Fluvastatin 20 mg QD, 14 days

↓19%

↑7%

Effective Time

20230816

Version

4

Dosage Forms And Strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 10-mg tablets are white to almost white, oval tablets debossed with "SZ" on one side and "499" on other side. • Tablets: 10 mg ( 3 )

Spl Product Data Elements

Ezetimibe Ezetimibe EZETIMIBE EZETIMIBE CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE MAGNESIUM STEARATE MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE HYPROMELLOSE 2910 (15 MPA.S) SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE white to almost white SZ;499

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was conducted in rats at doses up to 1,500 mg/kg/day (males) and 500 mg/kg/day (females) (~20 X the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was also conducted in mice at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (>150 X the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). There were no statistically significant increases in tumor incidences in drug-treated rats or mice. No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in vitro in a microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with or without metabolic activation. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed in vitro in a chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with or without metabolic activation. In addition, there was no evidence of genotoxicity in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test. In oral (gavage) fertility studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats, there was no evidence of reproductive toxicity at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day in male or female rats (~7 X the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe).

Nonclinical Toxicology

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was conducted in rats at doses up to 1,500 mg/kg/day (males) and 500 mg/kg/day (females) (~20 X the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was also conducted in mice at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (>150 X the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). There were no statistically significant increases in tumor incidences in drug-treated rats or mice. No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in vitro in a microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with or without metabolic activation. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed in vitro in a chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with or without metabolic activation. In addition, there was no evidence of genotoxicity in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test. In oral (gavage) fertility studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats, there was no evidence of reproductive toxicity at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day in male or female rats (~7 X the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe).

Application Number

ANDA203931

Brand Name

Ezetimibe

Generic Name

Ezetimibe

Product Ndc

0781-5690

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

ORAL

Package Label Principal Display Panel

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL NDC 0781-5690-31 Ezetimibe Tablets, USP 10 mg Rx Only 30 Tablets SANDOZ 10mg label

Recent Major Changes

Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 7/2023 Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) 7/2023 Contraindications ( 4 ) 7/2023 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 ) 7/2023

Information For Patients

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information). Inform patients that ezetimibe may cause liver enzyme elevations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Muscle Pain Advise patients that ezetimibe 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 ezetimibe 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 provider [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )] . Missed Dose Instruct patients to take ezetimibe only as prescribed. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. Advise patients not to double their next dose. Ezetimibe Tablets, USP ( ee-ZET-ah-mybe ) Patient Information Read this information carefully before you start taking ezetimibe and each time you get more ezetimibe. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about ezetimibe, ask your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if ezetimibe is right for you. What is ezetimibe tablet? Ezetimibe is a medicine used with a cholesterol lowering diet: • and with other cholesterol medicines called a statin, or alone (when additional cholesterol lowering treatments are not possible), to lower elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or bad cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia (too many fats in your blood), including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). HeFH is an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol. • and with a statin to lower LDL-C in adults and children 10 years of age and older with HeFH. • and with a medicine called fenofibrate to lower elevated LDL-C in adults with mixed hyperlipidemia. • to lower elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels in adults and in children 9 years of age and older with homozygous familial sitosterolemia (a rare inherited condition that prevents the body from getting rid of cholesterol from plants). Ezetimibe is also used: • with a statin and other cholesterol lowering treatments to lower elevated LDL-C levels in adults and patients 10 years of age and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). HoFH is an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol. The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe has not been established in children: • younger than 10 years of age with HeFH or HoFH. • younger than 9 years of age with homozygous familial sitosterolemia. • with other types of hyperlipemia. Do not take ezetimibe tablets: • if you are allergic to ezetimibe or any of the ingredients in ezetimibe. See the end of this Patient Information leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in ezetimibe. Stop using ezetimibe and get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including: o swelling of the face, tongue, or throat o difficulty breathing or swallowing o fainting or feeling dizzy o very fast heartbeat o severe skin rash, hives, and itching o flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, tiredness, and joint pain • with certain statins, fenofibrate, or other LDL-C lowering medicines if your healthcare provider has told you not to take them. Before you take ezetimibe, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have liver problems. Ezetimibe may not be right for you. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ezetimibe will harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take ezetimibe while you are pregnant. • are breastfeeding. It is not known if ezetimibe passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide the best way to feed your baby if you take ezetimibe. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking any new medicines. Taking ezetimibe with certain other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Ezetimibe may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how ezetimibe works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: • cyclosporine (a medicine for your immune system) • fibrates (medicine for lowering cholesterol) • bile acid sequestrants (medicine for lowering LDL-C) Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines if you are not sure. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I take ezetimibe tablets? • Take ezetimibe 1-time each day, with or without food. It may be easier to remember to take your dose if you do it at the same time every day, such as with breakfast, dinner, or at bedtime. If you also take another medicine to reduce your cholesterol, ask your healthcare provider if you can take them at the same time. • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses of ezetimibe at the same time. • While taking ezetimibe, continue to follow your cholesterol-lowering diet and to exercise as your healthcare provider told you to. • If you take a medicine called a bile acid sequestrant, take ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take the bile acid sequestrant. • Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your LDL-C levels as early as 4 weeks after starting treatment with ezetimibe. • In case of an overdose, get medical help or contact a live Poison Center expert right away at 1800-222-1222. Advice is also available online at poisonhelp.org. What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe tablets? Ezetimibe may cause serious side effects including: • increased liver enzymes. An increase in liver enzymes can happen in people taking ezetimibe alone or with statins. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your liver before and during treatment. Your healthcare provider may need to change or stop your treatment with ezetimibe because of an increase in liver enzymes. • muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness (myopathy). Muscle problems, including muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) can happen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if: o you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, feel more tired than usual, or fever. o you have muscle problems that do not go away even after your healthcare provider has advised you to stop taking ezetimibe. Your healthcare provider may do further tests to diagnose the cause of your muscle problems. Your chances of getting muscle problems are higher if you are also taking statins or fibrates. The most common side effects of ezetimibe taken alone include: • upper respiratory tract infection • joint pain • pain in arms or legs • flu-like symptoms • diarrhea • inflammation of the sinuses • feeling tired The most common side effects of ezetimibe taken with a statin include: • runny nose, sore throat • joint pain • flu-like symptoms • muscle aches and pains • diarrhea • pain in arms or legs • upper respiratory tract infection • back pain • feeling tired Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of ezetimibe. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800FDA-1088. How should I store ezetimibe tablet? • Store ezetimibe at room temperature between 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC to 25ºC). • Protect from moisture. Keep ezetimibe tablet and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about safe and effective use of ezetimibe tablets. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use ezetimibe for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ezetimibe to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about ezetimibe that is written for health professionals. What are the ingredients in ezetimibe tablet? Active ingredient: ezetimibe. Inactive ingredients: Croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Finished Drug Product Manufactured by Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d. SI-1526 Ljubljana, Slovenia for Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540 Rev. August 2023

Information For Patients Table

  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • joint pain
  • pain in arms or legs
  • flu-like symptoms
  • diarrhea
  • inflammation of the sinuses
  • feeling tired
  • Clinical Studies

    14 CLINICAL STUDIES Primary Hyperlipidemia in Adults Ezetimibe reduces total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C in patients with hyperlipidemia. Maximal to near maximal response is generally achieved within 2 weeks and maintained during chronic therapy. Monotherapy In two multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week trials in 1719 patients (age range 18 to 86 years, 52% females; 91% White, 5% Black or African American, 1% Asian, 3% other races mostly identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) with primary hyperlipidemia, ezetimibe significantly lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to placebo (see Table 7 ). Reduction in LDL-C was consistent across age, sex, and baseline LDL-C. TABLE 7: Response to Ezetimibe in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean % Change from Untreated Baseline Baseline – on no lipid-lowering drug ) Treatment Group N Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C Trial 1 Ezetimibe significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to placebo. Placebo 205 +1 +1 -1 +1 Ezetimibe 622 -12 -18 -15 -16 Trial 2 Placebo 226 +1 +1 -1 +2 Ezetimibe 666 -12 -18 -16 -16 Pooled Data (Trials1 & 2) Placebo 431 0 +1 -2 +1 Ezetimibe 1288 -13 -18 -16 -16 Combination with Statins: Ezetimibe Added to On-going Statin Therapy In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trial, 769 patients (age range 22 to 85 years, 42% females; 90% White, 6% Black or African American, 1% Asian, 3% other races; and 2% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) with primary hyperlipidemia, known coronary heart disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors who were already receiving statin monotherapy but who had not met their NCEP ATP II target LDL-C goal were randomized to receive either ezetimibe or placebo in addition to their on-going statin. Ezetimibe, added to on-going statin therapy, significantly lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared with a statin administered alone (see Table 8 ). LDL-C reductions induced by ezetimibe were generally consistent across all statins. TABLE 8: Response to Addition of Ezetimibe to On-Going Statin Therapy Patients receiving each statin: 40% atorvastatin, 31% simvastatin, 29% others (pravastatin, fluvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin) in Patients with Hyperlipidemia (Mean % Change from Treated Baseline Baseline - on a statin alone. ) Treatment (Daily Dose) N Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C On-going Statin + Placebo Ezetimibe + statin significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to statin alone. 390 -2 -4 -3 -3 On-going Statin + Ezetimibe 379 -17 -25 -19 -23 Combination with Statins: Ezetimibe Initiated Concurrently with a Statin In four multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week trials, in 2,382 patients (age range 18 to 87 years, 57% female; 88% White, 5% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 5% other races mostly identified as Hispanic or Latino) with hyperlipidemia, ezetimibe or placebo was administered alone or with various doses of atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, or lovastatin. When all patients receiving ezetimibe with a statin were compared to all those receiving the corresponding statin alone, ezetimibe significantly lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to the statin administered alone. LDL-C reductions induced by ezetimibe were generally consistent across all statins. (See footnote ‡ , Tables 9 to 12 .) TABLE 9: Response to Ezetimibe and Atorvastatin Initiated Concurrently in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean % Change from Untreated Baseline Baseline - on no lipid-lowering drug ) Treatment (Daily Dose) N Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C Placebo 60 +4 +4 +3 +4 Ezetimibe 65 -14 -20 -15 -18 Atorvastatin 10 mg 60 -26 -37 -28 -34 Ezetimibe + Atorvastatin 10 mg 65 -38 -53 -43 -49 Atorvastatin 20 mg 60 -30 -42 -34 -39 Ezetimibe + Atorvastatin 20 mg 62 -39 -54 -44 -50 Atorvastatin 40 mg 66 -32 -45 -37 -41 Ezetimibe + Atorvastatin 40 mg 65 -42 -56 -45 -52 Atorvastatin 80 mg 62 -40 -54 -46 -51 Ezetimibe + Atorvastatin 80 mg 63 -46 -61 -50 -58 Pooled data (All Atorvastatin Doses) Ezetimibe + all doses of atorvastatin pooled (10 to 80 mg) significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to all doses of atorvastatin pooled (10 to 80 mg). 248 -32 -44 -36 -41 Pooled data (All Ezetimibe + Atorvastatin Doses) 255 -41 -56 -45 -52 TABLE 10: Response to Ezetimibe and Simvastatin Initiated Concurrently in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean % Change from Untreated Baseline Baseline - on no lipid-lowering drug ) Treatment (Daily Dose) N Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C Placebo 70 -1 -1 0 -1 Ezetimibe 61 -13 -19 -14 -17 Simvastatin 10 mg 70 -18 -27 -21 -25 Ezetimibe + Simvastatin 10 mg 67 -32 -46 -35 -42 Simvastatin 20 mg 61 -26 -36 -29 -33 Ezetimibe + Simvastatin 20 mg 69 -33 -46 -36 -42 Simvastatin 40 mg 65 -27 -38 -32 -35 Ezetimibe + Simvastatin 40 mg 73 -40 -56 -45 -51 Simvastatin 80 mg 67 -32 -45 -37 -41 Ezetimibe + Simvastatin 80 mg 65 -41 -58 -47 -53 Pooled data (All Simvastatin Doses) Ezetimibe + all doses of simvastatin pooled (10 to 80 mg) significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to all doses of simvastatin pooled (10 to 80 mg). 263 -26 -36 -30 -34 Pooled data (All Ezetimibe + Simvastatin Doses) 274 -37 -51 -41 -47 TABLE 11: Response to Ezetimibe and Pravastatin Initiated Concurrently in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean % Change from Untreated Baseline Baseline - on no lipid-lowering drug ) Treatment (Daily Dose) N Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C Placebo 65 0 -1 -2 0 Ezetimibe 64 -13 -20 -15 -17 Pravastatin 10 mg 66 -15 -21 -16 -20 Ezetimibe + Pravastatin 10 mg 71 -24 -34 -27 -32 Pravastatin 20 mg 69 -15 -23 -18 -20 Ezetimibe + Pravastatin 20 mg 66 -27 -40 -31 -36 Pravastatin 40 mg 70 -22 -31 -26 -28 Ezetimibe + Pravastatin 40 mg 67 -30 -42 -32 -39 Pooled data (All Pravastatin Doses) Ezetimibe + all doses of pravastatin pooled (10 to 40 mg) significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to all doses of pravastatin pooled (10 to 40 mg). 205 -17 -25 -20 -23 Pooled data (All Ezetimibe + Pravastatin Doses) 204 -27 -39 -30 -36 TABLE 12: Response to Ezetimibe and Lovastatin Initiated Concurrently in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean% Change from Untreated Baseline Baseline - on no lipid-lowering drug ) Treatment (Daily Dose) N Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C Placebo 64 +1 0 +1 +1 Ezetimibe 72 -13 -19 -14 -16 Lovastatin 10 mg 73 -15 -20 -17 -19 Ezetimibe + Lovastatin 10 mg 65 -24 -34 -27 -31 Lovastatin 20 mg 74 -19 -26 -21 -24 Ezetimibe + Lovastatin 20 mg 62 -29 -41 -34 -39 Lovastatin 40 mg 73 -21 -30 -25 -27 Ezetimibe + Lovastatin 40 mg 65 -33 -46 -38 -43 Pooled data (All Lovastatin Doses) Ezetimibe + all doses of lovastatin pooled (10 to 40 mg) significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non HDL-C compared to all doses of lovastatin pooled (10 to 40 mg). 220 -18 -25 -21 -23 Pooled data (All Ezetimibe + Lovastatin Doses) 192 -29 -40 -33 -38 Combination with Fenofibrate In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia, 625 patients were treated for up to 12 weeks and 576 for up to an additional 48 weeks. Patients were randomized to receive placebo, ezetimibe alone, 160 mg fenofibrate alone, or ezetimibe and 160 mg fenofibrate in the 12-week trial. After completing the 12-week trial, eligible patients were assigned to ezetimibe coadministered with fenofibrate or fenofibrate monotherapy for an additional 48 weeks. Ezetimibe coadministered with fenofibrate significantly lowered total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to fenofibrate administered alone (see Table 13 ). TABLE 13: Response to Ezetimibe and Fenofibrate Initiated Concurrently in Patients with Mixed Hyperlipidemia (Mean % Change from Untreated Baseline Baseline - on no lipid-lowering drug. at 12 weeks) Treatment (Daily Dose) N Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C Placebo 63 0 0 -1 0 Ezetimibe 185 -12 -13 -11 -15 Fenofibrate 160 mg 188 -11 -6 -15 -16 Ezetimibe + Fenofibrate 160 mg 183 -22 -20 -26 -30 The changes in lipid endpoints after an additional 48 weeks of treatment with ezetimibe coadministered with fenofibrate or with fenofibrate alone were consistent with the 12-week data displayed above. HeFH in Pediatric Patients The effects of ezetimibe coadministered with simvastatin (n=126) compared to simvastatin monotherapy (n=122) have been evaluated in males and females with HeFH. In a multicenter, double-blind, controlled trial followed by an open-label phase, 142 males and 106 postmenarchal females, 10 to 17 years of age (mean age 14.2 years, 43% females, 82% White, 4% Asian, 2% Black or African American, 13% multiracial; 14% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) with HeFH were randomized to receive either ezetimibe coadministered with simvastatin or simvastatin monotherapy. Inclusion in the trial required 1) a baseline LDL-C level between 160 and 400 mg/dL and 2) a medical history and clinical presentation consistent with HeFH. The mean baseline LDL-C value was 225 mg/dL (range: 161 to 351 mg/dL) in the ezetimibe coadministered with simvastatin group compared to 219 mg/dL (range: 149 to 336 mg/dL) in the simvastatin monotherapy group. The patients received coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) or simvastatin monotherapy (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) for 6 weeks, coadministered ezetimibe and 40mg simvastatin or 40-mg simvastatin monotherapy for the next 27 weeks, and open-label coadministered ezetimibe and simvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) for 20 weeks thereafter. The results of the trial at Week 6 are summarized in Table 14 . Results at Week 33 were consistent with those at Week 6. TABLE 14: Mean Percent Difference at Week 6 Between the Pooled Ezetimibe Coadministered with Simvastatin Group and the Pooled Simvastatin Monotherapy Group in Adolescent Patients with HeFH Total-C LDL-C Apo B Non-HDL-C Mean percent difference between treatment groups -12% -15% -12% -14% 95% Confidence Interval (-15%, -9%) (-18%, -12%) (-15%, -9%) (-17%, -11%) HoFH in Adults and Pediatric Patients A trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of ezetimibe in the treatment of HoFH. This double-blind, randomized, 12-week trial enrolled 50 patients (age range 11 to 74 years, 58% female; 90% White, 2% Black or African American, 8% other races identified as Hispanic or Latino) with a clinical and/or genotypic diagnosis of HoFH, with or without concomitant LDL apheresis, already receiving atorvastatin or simvastatin (40 mg). Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups, atorvastatin or simvastatin (80 mg), ezetimibe administered with atorvastatin or simvastatin (40 mg), or ezetimibe administered with atorvastatin or simvastatin (80 mg). Due to decreased bioavailability of ezetimibe in patients concomitantly receiving cholestyramine [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] , ezetimibe was dosed at least 4 hours before or after administration of resins. Mean baseline LDL-C was 341 mg/dL in those patients randomized to atorvastatin 80 mg or simvastatin 80 mg alone and 316 mg/dL in the group randomized to ezetimibe plus atorvastatin 40 or 80 mg or simvastatin 40 or 80 mg. Ezetimibe, administered with atorvastatin or simvastatin (40- and 80-mg statin groups, pooled), significantly reduced LDL-C (21%) compared with increasing the dose of simvastatin or atorvastatin monotherapy from 40 to 80 mg (7%). In those treated with ezetimibe plus 80-mg atorvastatin or with ezetimibe plus 80-mg simvastatin, LDL-C was reduced by 27%. Homozygous Sitosterolemia (Phytosterolemia) in Adults and Pediatric Patients A trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of ezetimibe in the treatment of homozygous sitosterolemia. In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trial, 37 patients (age range 9 to 72 years, 65% females; 89% White, 3% Asian, 8% other races identified as Hispanic or Latino) with homozygous sitosterolemia with elevated plasma sitosterol levels (>5 mg/dL) on their current therapeutic regimen (diet, bile-acid-binding resins, statins, ileal bypass surgery and/or LDL apheresis), were randomized to receive ezetimibe (n=30) or placebo (n=7). Due to decreased bioavailability of ezetimibe in patients concomitantly receiving cholestyramine [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] , ezetimibe was dosed at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after resins were administered. Excluding the one subject receiving LDL apheresis, ezetimibe significantly lowered plasma sitosterol and campesterol, by 21% and 24% from baseline, respectively. In contrast, patients who received placebo had increases in sitosterol and campesterol of 4% and 3% from baseline, respectively. For patients treated with ezetimibe, mean plasma levels of plant sterols were reduced progressively over the course of the trial. Reductions in sitosterol and campesterol were consistent between patients taking ezetimibe concomitantly with bile acid sequestrants (n=8) and patients not on concomitant bile acid sequestrant therapy (n=21).

    Clinical Studies Table

    TABLE 7: Response to Ezetimibe in Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia (Mean % Change from Untreated BaselineBaseline – on no lipid-lowering drug)
    Treatment GroupNTotal-CLDL-CApo BNon-HDL-C

    Trial 1Ezetimibe significantly reduced total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C compared to placebo.

    Placebo

    205

    +1

    +1

    -1

    +1

    Ezetimibe

    622

    -12

    -18

    -15

    -16

    Trial 2

    Placebo

    226

    +1

    +1

    -1

    +2

    Ezetimibe

    666

    -12

    -18

    -16

    -16

    Pooled Data (Trials1 & 2)

    Placebo

    431

    0

    +1

    -2

    +1

    Ezetimibe

    1288

    -13

    -18

    -16

    -16

    Geriatric Use

    8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 2,396 patients who received ezetimibe 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 ezetimibe 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 ezetimibe 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 )] .

    Pediatric Use

    8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe in combination with a statin as an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with HeFH. Use of ezetimibe for this indication is based on a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 248 pediatric patients (142 males and 106 postmenarchal females) 10 years of age and older with HeFH [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . In this limited controlled trial, there was no significant effect on growth or sexual maturation in the adolescent males or females, or on menstrual cycle length in females. The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe in combination with a statin, and other LDL-C lowering therapies, to reduce LDL-C have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with HoFH. Use of ezetimibe for this indication is based on a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial followed by an uncontrolled extension period in 7 pediatric patients 11 years of age and older with HoFH [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe as an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels have been established in adults and pediatric patients 9 years of age and older with homozygous familial sitosterolemia. Use of Ezetimibe for this indication is based on an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 4 patients 9 years of age and older with homozygous sitosterolemia with elevated plasma sitosterol levels (>5 mg/dL) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 10 years of age with HeFH or HoFH, in pediatric patients younger than 9 years of age with homozygous familial sitosterolemia, or in pediatric patients with other types of hyperlipidemia.

    Pregnancy

    8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are insufficient data on ezetimibe use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits orally administered ezetimibe during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in up to 10 and 150 times, respectively, the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC (see Data) . Ezetimibe should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. When ezetimibe is administered with a statin, refer to the Prescribing Information for the statin. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats (gestation days 6-15) and rabbits (gestation days 7-19), there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryolethal effects at the doses tested (250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg/day). In rats, increased incidences of common fetal skeletal findings (extra pair of thoracic ribs, unossified cervical vertebral centra, shortened ribs) were observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day (~10 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). In rabbits treated with ezetimibe, an increased incidence of extra thoracic ribs was observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day (150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). The animal-to-human exposure multiple for total ezetimibe at the no-observed effect level was 6 times for rat and 134 times for rabbit. Fetal exposure to ezetimibe (conjugated and unconjugated) was confirmed in subsequent placental transfer studies conducted using a maternal dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day. The fetal maternal plasma exposure ratio (total ezetimibe) was 1.5 for rats on gestation day 20 and 0.03 for rabbits on gestation day 22. The effect of ezetimibe on prenatal and postnatal development and maternal function was evaluated in pregnant rats at doses of 100, 300 or 1,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21. No maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes were observed up to and including the highest dose tested (17 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). Multiple-dose studies of ezetimibe given in combination with statins in rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in higher ezetimibe and statin exposures. Reproductive findings occurred at lower doses in combination therapy compared to monotherapy.

    Teratogenic Effects

    Risk Summary There are insufficient data on ezetimibe use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits orally administered ezetimibe during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in up to 10 and 150 times, respectively, the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC (see Data) . Ezetimibe should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. When ezetimibe is administered with a statin, refer to the Prescribing Information for the statin. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats (gestation days 6-15) and rabbits (gestation days 7-19), there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryolethal effects at the doses tested (250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg/day). In rats, increased incidences of common fetal skeletal findings (extra pair of thoracic ribs, unossified cervical vertebral centra, shortened ribs) were observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day (~10 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). In rabbits treated with ezetimibe, an increased incidence of extra thoracic ribs was observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day (150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). The animal-to-human exposure multiple for total ezetimibe at the no-observed effect level was 6 times for rat and 134 times for rabbit. Fetal exposure to ezetimibe (conjugated and unconjugated) was confirmed in subsequent placental transfer studies conducted using a maternal dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day. The fetal maternal plasma exposure ratio (total ezetimibe) was 1.5 for rats on gestation day 20 and 0.03 for rabbits on gestation day 22. The effect of ezetimibe on prenatal and postnatal development and maternal function was evaluated in pregnant rats at doses of 100, 300 or 1,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21. No maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes were observed up to and including the highest dose tested (17 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). Multiple-dose studies of ezetimibe given in combination with statins in rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in higher ezetimibe and statin exposures. Reproductive findings occurred at lower doses in combination therapy compared to monotherapy.

    Use In Specific Populations

    8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are insufficient data on ezetimibe use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits orally administered ezetimibe during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in up to 10 and 150 times, respectively, the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC (see Data) . Ezetimibe should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. When ezetimibe is administered with a statin, refer to the Prescribing Information for the statin. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats (gestation days 6-15) and rabbits (gestation days 7-19), there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryolethal effects at the doses tested (250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg/day). In rats, increased incidences of common fetal skeletal findings (extra pair of thoracic ribs, unossified cervical vertebral centra, shortened ribs) were observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day (~10 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). In rabbits treated with ezetimibe, an increased incidence of extra thoracic ribs was observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day (150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). The animal-to-human exposure multiple for total ezetimibe at the no-observed effect level was 6 times for rat and 134 times for rabbit. Fetal exposure to ezetimibe (conjugated and unconjugated) was confirmed in subsequent placental transfer studies conducted using a maternal dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day. The fetal maternal plasma exposure ratio (total ezetimibe) was 1.5 for rats on gestation day 20 and 0.03 for rabbits on gestation day 22. The effect of ezetimibe on prenatal and postnatal development and maternal function was evaluated in pregnant rats at doses of 100, 300 or 1,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21. No maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes were observed up to and including the highest dose tested (17 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC 0-24hr for total ezetimibe). Multiple-dose studies of ezetimibe given in combination with statins in rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in higher ezetimibe and statin exposures. Reproductive findings occurred at lower doses in combination therapy compared to monotherapy. 8.2 Lactation 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. Ezetimibe 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 The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe in combination with a statin as an adjunct to diet to reduce LDL-C have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with HeFH. Use of ezetimibe for this indication is based on a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 248 pediatric patients (142 males and 106 postmenarchal females) 10 years of age and older with HeFH [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . In this limited controlled trial, there was no significant effect on growth or sexual maturation in the adolescent males or females, or on menstrual cycle length in females. The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe in combination with a statin, and other LDL-C lowering therapies, to reduce LDL-C have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with HoFH. Use of ezetimibe for this indication is based on a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial followed by an uncontrolled extension period in 7 pediatric patients 11 years of age and older with HoFH [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe as an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels have been established in adults and pediatric patients 9 years of age and older with homozygous familial sitosterolemia. Use of Ezetimibe for this indication is based on an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 4 patients 9 years of age and older with homozygous sitosterolemia with elevated plasma sitosterol levels (>5 mg/dL) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 10 years of age with HeFH or HoFH, in pediatric patients younger than 9 years of age with homozygous familial sitosterolemia, or in pediatric patients with other types of hyperlipidemia. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 2,396 patients who received ezetimibe 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 ezetimibe 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 ezetimibe 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 No dosage adjustment of ezetimibe is necessary in patients with renal impairment. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment Ezetimibe 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 )] .

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Ezetimibe tablets, USP 10 mg, are white to almost white, oval tablets debossed with "SZ" on one side and '499' on other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 0781-5690-31 bottles of 30 NDC 0781-5690-92 bottles of 90 NDC 0781-5690-05 bottles of 500 NDC 0781-5690-10 bottles of 1000 NDC 0781-5690-13 unit dose packages of 100 Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from moisture.

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