| There is no data on the use of fluvastatin in patients with the rare disease known as homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Consequently, fluvastatin is not currently indicated for this condition. There has been no experience in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinaemia with severely raised triglyceride values. Hepatic function Fluvastatin should be used with caution in patients with a history of hepatic disease or heavy alcohol ingestion.Since fluvastatin is eliminated primarily via the biliary route and is subject to significant pre-systemic metabolism, the potential exists for drug accumulation in patients with hepatic insufficiency.It is recommended that liver function tests be performed before the initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter in all patients. Should an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) exceed 3 times the upper limit of normal and persist, therapy should be discontinued. In very rare cases, possibly drug-related hepatitis was observed that resolved upon discontinuation of treatment. Musculoskeletal system During treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, myopathies, including myositis and rhabdomyolysis, have occurred.In patients with unexplained diffuse myalgias, muscle tenderness or weakness, and/or a marked rise in creatine kinase (CK), the possibility of myopathy, myositis or rhabdomyolysis should be considered. Patients should thus be advised to report immediately any unexplained myalgias, muscle tenderness or weakness, particularly if these symptoms are accompanied by malaise or fever.Measuring creatine kinase There are currently no indications that total CK or other plasma muscle enzymes should be regularly monitored in asymptomatic patients on statin therapy. If CK has to be determined, this should not be performed after any energetic activity or if there is any other plausible explanation for a rise in CK, as this would impair correct interpretation of the values.Prior to treatment As with all statins, fluvastatin should be used with caution in patients with a tendency to rhabdomyolysis and its complications. Under the following circumstances, CK should be determined prior to treatment with fluvastatin:- renal insufficiency;- hypothyroidism; - a family history of hereditary muscle disease;- previous history of muscular toxicity with statins or fibrates;- alcohol abuse;- elderly patients (> 70 years of age). The need to determine CK should be considered in the light of other risk factors for rhabdomyolysis.The benefit versus risk ratio should be carefully considered in the above situations. Medical supervision is recommended. If, in these patients, CK values are clearly elevated prior to treatment (more than 5 times the upper limit of normal), repeat tests should be performed after 5 to 7 days to confirm the results. If significantly elevated CK values persist (at more than 5 times the upper limit of normal), treatment should not be started.During treatment If muscular complaints, such as pain, weakness or cramps, occur in patients undergoing fluvastatin therapy, CK values should be determined. Treatment should be discontinued if CK values are significantly increased (more than 5 times the upper limit of normal).If severe muscular complaints occur on a daily basis, therapy withdrawal should be considered, even if CK values are less than 5 times the upper limit of normal.If muscular symptoms subside and CK values return to normal, resumption of treatment with fluvastatin or another statin can be considered. The lowest dose should be used and treatment should be closely supervised.The risk of myopathy is known to be increased in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs (including ciclosporin), fibrates, nicotinic acid or erythromycin together with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Fluvastatin should be used with caution in patients receiving such concomitant medication. (see section 4.5) Pregnancy (see sections 4.3 & 4.6):Women of childbearing potential should take adequate contraceptive precautions. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking this class of drug, therapy should be discontinued.Patients receiving Warfarin or other coumarin derivatives (see section 4.5):It is recommended that prothrombin times are monitored when fluvastatin therapy is initiated, discontinued or the dosage changed. Excipient: The presence of Castor oil may cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. Children and adolescents with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia In patients aged <18 years, efficacy and safety have not been studied for treatment periods longer than two years. No data are available about the physical, intellectual and sexual maturation for prolonged treatment period. The long-term efficacy of fluvastatin therapy in childhood to reduce morbidity and mortality in adulthood has not been established. (see Section 5.1).Fluvastatin has only been investigated in children of 9 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (for details see section 5.1). In the case of pre-pubertal children, as experience is very limited in this group, the potential risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated before the initiation of treatment. Interstitial lung disease Exceptional cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported with some statins, especially with long-term therapy (see section 4.8). Presenting features can include dyspnoea, non productive cough and deterioration in general health (fatigue, weight loss and fever). If it is suspected a patient has developed interstitial lung disease, statin therapy should be discontinued | |