LOVAZA
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omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsule, liquid filled
GlaxoSmithKline LLC
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LOVAZA® (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.
Usage Considerations: Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving LOVAZA and should continue this diet during treatment with LOVAZA.
Laboratory studies should be done to ascertain that the lipid levels are consistently abnormal before instituting LOVAZA therapy. Every attempt should be made to control serum lipids with appropriate diet, exercise, weight loss in obese patients, and control of any medical problems such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism that are contributing to the lipid abnormalities. Medications known to exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia (such as beta blockers, thiazides, estrogens) should be discontinued or changed if possible prior to consideration of triglyceride-lowering drug therapy.
Limitations of Use: The effect of LOVAZA on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with elevated triglycerides has not been determined.
The daily dose of LOVAZA is 4 grams per day. The daily dose may be taken as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or as two 2-gram doses (2 capsules given twice daily).
Patients should be advised to swallow LOVAZA capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve or chew LOVAZA.
LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) capsules are supplied as 1-gram transparent soft-gelatin capsules filled with light-yellow oil and bearing the designation LOVAZA.
LOVAZA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to LOVAZA or any of its components.
In patients with hepatic impairment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with LOVAZA. In some patients, increases in ALT levels without a concurrent increase in AST levels were observed.
In some patients, LOVAZA increases LDL-C levels. LDL-C levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with LOVAZA.
Laboratory studies should be performed periodically to measure the patient’s TG levels during therapy with LOVAZA.
LOVAZA contains ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) obtained from the oil of several fish sources. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish, are at increased risk of an allergic reaction to LOVAZA. LOVAZA should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 663 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (n=542) or persistent AF (n=121), recurrent AF or flutter was observed in patients randomized to LOVAZA who received 8 grams/day for 7 days and 4 grams/day thereafter for 23 weeks at a higher rate relative to placebo. Patients in this trial had median baseline triglycerides of 127 mg/ dL , had no substantial structural heart disease, were taking no anti-arrhythmic therapy (rate control permitted), and were in normal sinus rhythm at baseline.
At 24 weeks, in the paroxysmal AF stratum, there were 129 (47%) first recurrent symptomatic AF or flutter events on placebo and 141 (53%) on LOVAZA [primary endpoint, HR 1.19; 95% CI 0.93, 1.35]. In the persistent AF stratum, there were 19 (35%) events on placebo and 34 (52%) events on LOVAZA [HR 1.63; 95% CI 0.91, 2.18]. For both strata combined, the HR was 1.25; 95% CI 1.00, 1.40. Although the clinical significance of these results is uncertain, there is a possible association between LOVAZA and more frequent recurrences of symptomatic atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, particularly within the first 2 to 3 months of initiating therapy.
LOVAZA is not indicated for the treatment of AF or flutter.
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Adverse reactions reported in at least 3% and at a greater rate than placebo for patients treated with LOVAZA based on pooled data across 23 clinical studies are listed in Table 1.
BODY SYSTEM Adverse Reaction* |
LOVAZA (N = 655) |
Placebo (N = 370) |
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n |
% |
n |
% |
|
Eructation |
29 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
Dyspepsia |
22 |
3 |
6 |
2 |
Taste perversion |
27 |
4 |
1 |
<1 |
* Studies included subjects with HTG and severe HTG.
Additional adverse reactions from clinical studies are listed below:
Digestive System: Constipation, gastrointestinal disorder and vomiting.
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Increased ALT and increased AST.
Skin: Pruritus and rash.
In addition to adverse reactions reported from clinical trials, the events described below have been identified during post-approval use of LOVAZA. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to always establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
The following events have been reported: anaphylactic reaction, hemorrhagic diathesis.
Some studies with omega-3-acids demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. The prolongation of bleeding time reported in these studies has not exceeded normal limits and did not produce clinically significant bleeding episodes. Clinical studies have not been done to thoroughly examine the effect of LOVAZA and concomitant anticoagulants. Patients receiving treatment with LOVAZA and an anticoagulant or other drug affecting coagulation should be monitored periodically (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDS, warfarin, coumarin).
Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is unknown whether LOVAZA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. LOVAZA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the patient justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters have been shown to have an embryocidal effect in pregnant rats when given in doses resulting in exposures 7 times the recommended human dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison.
In female rats given oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day beginning 2 weeks prior to mating and continuing through gestation and lactation, no adverse effects were observed in the high dose group (5 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on body surface area comparison).
In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 1,000, 3,000, and 6,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through 15, no adverse effects were observed (14 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison).
In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 14 through lactation day 21, no adverse effects were seen at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times the human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). However, decreased live births (20% reduction) and decreased survival to postnatal day 4 (40% reduction) were observed in a dose-ranging study using higher doses of 3,000 mg/kg/day (7 times the human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison).
In pregnant rabbits given oral gavage doses of 375, 750, and 1,500 mg/kg/day from gestation day 7 through 19, no findings were observed in the fetuses in groups given 375 mg/kg/day (2 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). However, at higher doses, evidence of maternal toxicity was observed (4 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison).
In the event of an overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically, and general supportive care measures instituted, as required.
LOVAZA, a lipid-regulating agent, is supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration. Each 1-gram capsule of LOVAZA contains at least 900 mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils. These are predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA - approximately 375 mg).
The empirical formula of EPA ethyl ester is C22H34O2, and the molecular weight of EPA ethyl ester is 330.51. The structural formula of EPA ethyl ester is:
The empirical formula of DHA ethyl ester is C24H36O2, and the molecular weight of DHA ethyl ester is 356.55. The structural formula of DHA ethyl ester is:
LOVAZA capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: 4 mg α-tocopherol (in a carrier of soybean oil), and gelatin, glycerol, and purified water (components of the capsule shell).
The mechanism of action of LOVAZA is not completely understood. Potential mechanisms of action include inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase, increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation in the liver, decreased lipogenesis in the liver, and increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity. LOVAZA may reduce the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver because EPA and DHA are poor substrates for the enzymes responsible for TG synthesis, and EPA and DHA inhibit esterification of other fatty acids.
In healthy volunteers and in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, EPA and DHA were absorbed when administered as ethyl esters orally. Omega-3-acids administered as ethyl esters (LOVAZA) induced significant, dose-dependent increases in serum phospholipid EPA content, though increases in DHA content were less marked and not dose-dependent when administered as ethyl esters.
Uptake of EPA and DHA into serum phospholipids in subjects treated with LOVAZA was independent of age (<49 years versus ≥49 years).
Females tended to have more uptake of EPA into serum phospholipids than males. The clinical significance of this is unknown.
In a 14-day study of 24 healthy adult subjects, daily co-administration of simvastatin 80 mg with LOVAZA 4 grams did not affect the extent (AUC) or rate (Cmax) of exposure to simvastatin or the major active metabolite, beta-hydroxy simvastatin at steady state.
In a 14-day study of 50 healthy adult subjects, daily co-administration of atorvastatin 80 mg with LOVAZA 4 grams did not affect AUC or Cmax of exposure to atorvastatin, 2-hydroxyatorvastatin, or 4-hydroxyatorvastatin at steady state.
In a 14-day study of 48 healthy adult subjects, daily co-administration of rosuvastatin 40 mg with LOVAZA 4 grams did not affect AUC or Cmax of exposure to rosuvastatin at steady state.
In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicated that clinically significant cytochrome P450 mediated inhibition by EPA/DHA combinations are not expected in humans.
In a rat carcinogenicity study with oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day, males were treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters for 101 weeks and females for 89 weeks without an increased incidence of tumors (up to 5 times human systemic exposures following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). Standard lifetime carcinogenicity bioassays were not conducted in mice.
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters were not mutagenic or clastogenic with or without metabolic activation in the bacterial mutagenesis (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli or in the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster V79 lung cells or human lymphocytes. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters were negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.
In a rat fertility study with oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day, males were treated for 10 weeks prior to mating and females were treated for 2 weeks prior to and throughout mating, gestation, and lactation. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison).
The effects of LOVAZA 4 grams per day were assessed in 2 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group studies of 84 adult patients (42 on LOVAZA, 42 on placebo) with very high triglyceride levels. Patients whose baseline triglyceride levels were between 500 and 2,000 mg/dL were enrolled in these 2 studies of 6 and 16 weeks duration. The median triglyceride and LDL-C levels in these patients were 792 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL, respectively. Median HDL-C level was 23.0 mg/dL.
The changes in the major lipoprotein lipid parameters for the groups receiving LOVAZA or placebo are shown in Table 2.
Parameter |
LOVAZA N = 42 |
Placebo N = 42 |
Difference |
||
BL |
% Change |
BL |
% Change |
||
TG |
816 |
-44.9 |
788 |
+6.7 |
-51.6 |
Non-HDL-C |
271 |
-13.8 |
292 |
-3.6 |
-10.2 |
TC |
296 |
-9.7 |
314 |
-1.7 |
-8.0 |
VLDL-C |
175 |
-41.7 |
175 |
-0.9 |
-40.8 |
HDL-C |
22 |
+9.1 |
24 |
0.0 |
+9.1 |
LDL-C |
89 |
+44.5 |
108 |
-4.8 |
+49.3 |
BL = Baseline (mg/dL); % Change = Median Percent Change from Baseline; Difference = LOVAZA Median % Change – Placebo Median % Change
LOVAZA 4 grams per day reduced median TG, VLDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels and increased median HDL-C from baseline relative to placebo. Treatment with LOVAZA to reduce very high TG levels may result in elevations in LDL-C and non-HDL-C in some individuals. Patients should be monitored to ensure that the LDL-C level does not increase excessively.
The effect of LOVAZA on the risk of pancreatitis in patients with very high TG levels has not been evaluated.
The effect of LOVAZA on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with elevated TG levels has not been determined.
The effects of LOVAZA 4 grams per day as add-on therapy to treatment with simvastatin were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study of 254 adult patients (122 on LOVAZA and 132 on placebo) with persistent high triglycerides (200 to 499 mg/dL) despite simvastatin therapy. Patients were treated with open-label simvastatin 40 mg per day for 8 weeks prior to randomization to control their LDL-C to no greater than 10% above NCEP ATP III goal and remained on this dose throughout the study. Following 8 weeks of open-label treatment with simvastatin, patients were randomized to either LOVAZA 4 grams per day or placebo for an additional 8 weeks with simvastatin co-therapy. The median baseline triglyceride and LDL-C levels in these patients were 268 mg/dL and 89 mg/dL, respectively. Median baseline non-HDL-C and HDL-C levels were 138 mg/dL and 45 mg/dL, respectively.
The changes in the major lipoprotein lipid parameters for the groups receiving LOVAZA plus simvastatin or placebo plus simvastatin are shown in Table 3.
Parameter |
LOVAZA + Simvastatin N = 122 |
Placebo + Simvastatin N = 132 |
Difference |
P-Value |
||||
BL |
EOT |
Median % Change |
BL |
EOT |
Median % Change |
|||
Non-HDL-C |
137 |
123 |
-9.0 |
141 |
134 |
-2.2 |
-6.8 |
<0.0001 |
TG |
268 |
182 |
-29.5 |
271 |
260 |
-6.3 |
-23.2 |
<0.0001 |
TC |
184 |
172 |
-4.8 |
184 |
178 |
-1.7 |
-3.1 |
<0.05 |
VLDL-C |
52 |
37 |
-27.5 |
52 |
49 |
-7.2 |
-20.3 |
<0.05 |
Apo-B |
86 |
80 |
-4.2 |
87 |
85 |
-1.9 |
-2.3 |
<0.05 |
HDL-C |
46 |
48 |
+3.4 |
43 |
44 |
-1.2 |
+4.6 |
<0.05 |
LDL-C |
91 |
88 |
+0.7 |
88 |
85 |
-2.8 |
+3.5 |
=0.05 |
BL = Baseline (mg/dL); EOT = End of Treatment (mg/dL); Median % Change = Median Percent Change from Baseline; Difference = LOVAZA Median % Change – Placebo Median % Change
LOVAZA 4 grams per day significantly reduced non-HDL-C, TG, TC, VLDL-C, and Apo-B levels and increased HDL-C and LDL-C from baseline relative to placebo.
LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) capsules are supplied as 1-gram transparent soft-gelatin capsules filled with light-yellow oil and bearing the designation LOVAZA.
Bottles of 120: NDC 0173-0783-02
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (17.2).
Patient labeling is provided as a tear-off leaflet at the end of this full prescribing information.
Manufactured for GlaxoSmithKline by:
Catalent Pharma Solutions
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Distributed by:
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
LOVAZA is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
©2012, GlaxoSmithKline. All rights reserved.
LVZ:8PI
PHARMACIST-DETACH HERE AND GIVE INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENT
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PATIENT INFORMATION
LOVAZA® (lō-vā-ză)
(omega-3-acid ethyl esters)
Capsules
Read this Patient Information before you start taking LOVAZA, and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is LOVAZA?
LOVAZA is a prescription medicine used along with a low fat and low cholesterol diet to lower very high triglyceride (fat) levels in adults.
It is not known if LOVAZA prevents you from having a heart attack or stroke.
It is not known if LOVAZA is safe and effective in children.
Who should not take LOVAZA?
Do not take LOVAZA if you are allergic to omega-3-acid ethyl esters or any of the ingredients in LOVAZA. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in LOVAZA.
What should I tell my doctor before taking LOVAZA?
Before you take LOVAZA, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
LOVAZA can interact with certain other medicines that you are taking. Using LOVAZA with medicines that affect blood clotting (anticoagulants or blood thinners) may cause serious side effects.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take LOVAZA?
What are the possible side effects of LOVAZA?
LOVAZA may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of LOVAZA include:
Talk to your doctor if you have a side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of LOVAZA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store LOVAZA?
Keep LOVAZA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of LOVAZA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use LOVAZA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give LOVAZA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This Patient Information Leaflet summarizes the most important information about LOVAZA. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about LOVAZA that is written for health professionals.
For more information go to www.LOVAZA.com or call 1-888-825-5249.
What are the ingredients in LOVAZA?
Active Ingredient: omega-3-acid ethyl esters, mostly EPA and DHA
Inactive Ingredients: alpha-tocopherol (in soybean oil), gelatin, glycerol, purified water
This patient labeling has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured for GlaxoSmithKline by:
Catalent Pharma Solutions
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Distributed by:
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
©2012, GlaxoSmithKline. All rights reserved.
August 2012
LVZ:6PIL
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 0173-0783-02
Lovaza®
(omega-3-acid ethyl esters)
Capsules
Rx only
Swallow capsules whole.
120 Capsules
Each capsule contains 1 gram omega-3-acid ethyl ester liquid concentrate consisting of at least 900 mg omega-3-acid ethyl esters.
Each capsule provides: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ethyl ester: 465 mg
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ethyl ester: 375 mg
Usual Dosage: See accompanying prescribing information.
Store at 25oC (77oF); excursions permitted to 15o-30oC (59o-86oF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze.
Mfd for:
GlaxoSmithKline, RTP, NC 27709
Mfd by:
CatalentPharma Solutions
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Made in Norway
Rev. 2/12
A103419
LOVAZA
omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsule, liquid filled |
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Marketing Information | |||
Marketing Category | Application Number or Monograph Citation | Marketing Start Date | Marketing End Date |
NDA | NDA021654 | 10/21/2008 |
Labeler - GlaxoSmithKline LLC (167380711) |
Revised: 08/2012 GlaxoSmithKline LLC