What is Liptruzet and how does it work?
Liptruzet is indicated for the reduction of
- elevated total cholesterol (total-C),
- low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),
- apolipoprotein B (Apo B),
- triglycerides (TG), and
- non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and to
- increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hyperlipidemia or mixed hyperlipidemia.
Liptruzet contains ezetimibe, a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol and related phytosterol absorption, and atorvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor.
What are the side effects of Liptruzet?
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
- Rhabdomyolysis and myopathy
- Liver enzyme abnormalities
The most common adverse reactions in the group treated with Liptruzet that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo were:
- Myalgia (0.8%)
- Abdominal pain (0.8%)
- Increased hepatic enzymes (0.8%)
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo) were:
- increased ALT (5%),
- increased AST (4%), and
- musculoskeletal pain (4%).
What is the dosage for Liptruzet?
- The dosage range of Liptruzet is 10/10 mg/day to 10/80 mg/day.
- The recommended starting dose of Liptruzet is 10/10 mg/day or 10/20 mg/day.
- Liptruzet can be administered as a single dose at any time of the day, with or without food.
- The recommended starting dose for patients who require a larger reduction in LDL-C (greater than 55%) is 10/40 mg/day.
- After initiation and/or upon titration of Liptruzet, lipid levels should be analyzed within 2 or more weeks and dosage adjusted accordingly.
- Patients should swallow Liptruzet tablets whole. Tablets should not be crushed, dissolved, or chewed
What drugs interact with Liptruzet?
The risk of myopathy during treatment with statins is increased with concurrent administration of
- fibric acid derivatives,
- lipid-modifying doses of niacin,
- cyclosporine, or
- strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, and itraconazole).
Is Liptruzet safe to take when pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Liptruzet is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.
- Serum cholesterol and triglycerides increase during normal pregnancy. Lipid-lowering drugs offer no benefit during pregnancy, because cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives are needed for normal fetal development.
- There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Liptruzet use during pregnancy.
- There have been rare reports of congenital anomalies following intrauterine exposure to statins.
- Women who are breastfeeding should be advised to not use Liptruzet.
- Patients who have a lipid disorder and are breastfeeding should be advised to discuss the options with their healthcare professionals.

SLIDESHOW
How to Lower Your Cholesterol & Save Your Heart See SlideshowSummary
Liptruzet is indicated for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol (total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), triglycerides (TG), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
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High cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Getting your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in an optimal range will help protect your heart and blood vessels. Cholesterol management may include lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) as well as medications to get your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides in an optimal range.
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HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or the "good" cholesterol, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or the "bad" cholesterol, are lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the veins and arteries of the body. HDL and LDL combined, is your "total" blood cholesterol. The difference between the two are that high levels of the "good," or HDL cholesterol, may protect against narrowing of the blood vessels in the body, which protects you against heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. But high levels of LDL, or the "bad" cholesterol, may worsen the narrowing of the blood vessels in the body, which puts you at a greater risk of stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular diseases, some of which are life threatening.Triglycerides are found in body fat and from the fats you eat.
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Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.