AMARIN’S NEW PRODUCT FOR CV RISK REDUCTION

Icosapent ethyl (IPE) is now FDA-approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (CV)* in adults on maximally tolerated statins with triglyceride (TG) levels ≥150 mg/dL and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes and ≥2 CVD risk factors.¹ It is estimated that millions of high-risk patients in the United States could benefit from this one‐of‐a‐kind prescription therapy.² Please see Important Safety Information below.

This new indication is based on results from the CV outcomes trial (REDUCE-IT), which demonstrated unprecedented reductions in CV events across multiple subgroups.¹

Take a look at "Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Beyond the Current Standard of Care" to learn more about this potential shift in the CV therapy landscape.

*Cardiovascular events include myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization.

INDICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF USE

• VASCEPA® (icosapent ethyl) is indicated as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels (≥150 mg/dL) and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and 2 or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease

• VASCEPA is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia

The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• VASCEPA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (eg, anaphylactic reaction) to VASCEPA or any of its components

• VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk (3% vs 2%) of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization in a double‐blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter

• It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish are at an increased risk of an allergic reaction to VASCEPA. Patients with such allergies should discontinue VASCEPA if any reactions occur

• VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk (12% vs 10%) of bleeding in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin

• Common adverse reactions in the cardiovascular outcomes trial (incidence ≥3% and ≥1% more frequent than placebo): musculoskeletal pain (4% vs 3%), peripheral edema (7% vs 5%), constipation (5% vs 4%), gout (4% vs 3%) and atrial fibrillation (5% vs 4%)

• Common adverse reactions in the hypertriglyceridemia trials (incidence ≥1% more frequent than placebo): arthralgia (2% vs 1%) and oropharyngeal pain (1% vs 0.3%)

• Adverse events may be reported by calling 1-855-VASCEPA or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

• Patients receiving VASCEPA and concomitant anticoagulants and/or anti-platelet agents for bleeding should be monitored

Please see the full Prescribing Information for more information on VASCEPA or visit www.vascepahcp.com.

References

1. VASCEPA (icosapent ethyl) capsules, for oral use [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Amarin Pharma Inc; 2019.

2. Fan W, Philip S, Toth PP, et al. Prevalence of United States adults with triglycerides ≥ 135 mg/dL: NHANES 2007–2014. Cardiol J. 2019;26(5).

Follow RXinsider on Social Media