145-mg tab: Treat secondary cause of hypercholesterolemia prior to initiation. Ascertain whether the hyperlipidaemia is of primary or secondary nature in concurrent use w/ estrogens or estrogen-containing contraceptives. May increase transaminase levels. Potential pancreatitis occurrence. Muscle toxicity including rhabdomyolysis may occur; higher incidence in patients w/ history of hypoalbuminemia & renal insufficiency. Interrupt treatment in increased creatinine levels (>50%) & upper limit of normal; measure creatinine during 1st 3 mth after initiation & periodically, thereafter. Not for patients w/ galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption; fructose intolerance, sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency; allergy to soya lecithin or related products. 160-mg FC tab: Discontinue use w/ blockers, thiazides, estrogens. Determine serum lipid levels periodically during initiation. Avoid use w/ fenofibrate, gemfibrozil & clofibrate. Potential acute hypersensitivity reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome & toxic epidermal necrolysis. Thrombocytopenia & agranulocytosis may occur; perform periodic blood counts during 1st 12 mth. Perform regular periodic monitoring of liver function including SGPT duration therapy; discontinue if enzyme levels persist >3 x normal limit. May be associated w/ myopathy. May increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to cholelithiasis; discontinued if gallstones are found. Pregnancy. Childn. Elderly.
Sign Out
