FDA approves lomitapide (Juxtapid) for treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia

Source: BioSpace Area: News The FDA has approved lomitapide (Juxtapid) to reduce LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and non-HDL cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Lomitapide is intended for use in combination with a low fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments. It is taken as a capsule once a day, without food, and at least two hours after the evening meal. Patients should take supplements that contain fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids daily while on this treatment.   The safety and effectiveness of lomitapide have been evaluated in a clinical trial of 29 patients with HoFH which noted a fall in  LDL cholesterol by approximately 50% during the first 26 weeks among those who tolerated the drug. The most common adverse reactions in the clinical trial included diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal pain.   Lomitapide carries a Boxed Warning regarding a serious risk of liver toxicity because ...
Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: news