Bazedoxifene

Safety and efficacy of bazedoxifene have not been evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment; use in this population is not recommended.

Patients with hepatic impairment showed a 4.3-fold increase in area under the curve (AUC) [on average] compared with controls.

Bazedoxifene has not been sufficiently evaluated in patients with severe renal impairment; caution should be used in this population.

Bazedoxifene undergoes metabolism by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes in the intestinal tract and liver. The metabolism of bazedoxifene may be increased by concomitant use of substances known to induce UGTs, such as rifampicin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, potentially leading to decreased systemic concentrations of bazedoxifene.

The safety of bazedoxifene in patients with breast cancer has not been studied. No data are available on the concomitant use with agents used in the treatment of early or advanced breast cancer. Therefore, bazedoxifene is not recommended for treatment or prevention of breast cancer.

Bazedoxifene has not been studied in women with triglyceride levels >300 mg/dl (>3.4 mmol/litre). It may increase serum triglyceride levels; therefore, caution should be exercised in patients with known hypertriglyceridaemia.

In a 30-day study, bazedoxifene increased hormone-binding globulin concentrations, including corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG).

Bazedoxifene is only for use in postmenopausal women. It is contraindicated in women of child-bearing potential. There are no data from the use of bazedoxifene in pregnant women. Studies in rabbits have shown reproductive toxicity. The potential risk for humans is unknown

It is not known whether bazedoxifene is excreted in human milk. Bazedoxifene is only indicated for use in postmenopausal women and should not be used during breast-feeding.

Bazedoxifene has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

In clinical trials, somnolence was reported as an adverse reaction, and patients should be advised on the potential effect on driving and using machines.

Patients may experience visual symptoms such as visual acuity disturbance or blurred vision. If such symptoms occur, patients should avoid driving or use of machines that requires accurate visual perception until symptoms have resolved, or until they have received medical advice that it is safe to do so.

Summary of the safety profile

The safety of bazedoxifene has been evaluated in two multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-and active-control, Phase 3 trials: 7,492 evaluable postmenopausal women in a three-year osteoporosis treatment trial (1,886 women received bazedoxifene 20 mg; 1,872 women received bazedoxifene 40 mg; 1,849 women received raloxifene; 1,885 women received placebo) and 1,583 evaluable postmenopausal women in a 2-year osteoporosis prevention trial (321 women received bazedoxifene 10 mg; 322 women received bazedoxifene 20 mg; 319 women received bazedoxifene 40 mg; 311 women received raloxifene; 310 women received placebo).

The majority of adverse reactions occurring during the clinical trials were mild to moderate in severity and did not lead to discontinuation of therapy. The most frequent drug-related adverse reactions in double-blind, randomised studies were hot flushes and muscle spasms (includes leg cramps).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The safety data in the following table are derived from both clinical trials and spontaneous post-marketing reporting.

Adverse reactions are categorized according to the following frequencies: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Description of selected adverse reactions

* In the osteoporosis treatment trial in 7,492 evaluable subjects (mean age=66 years), the bazedoxifene-treated women had an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and retinal vein thrombosis). The rate per 1,000 women-years through the 3-year study period was 2.86 in the bazedoxifene 20 mg group and 1.76 in the placebo group, and through the 5-year study period was 2.34 in the bazedoxifene 20 mg group and 1.56 in the placebo group. The rate per 1,000 women-years through the 7 year study period was 2.06 in the bazedoxifene 20 mg group and 1.36 in the placebo group. The rate of VTE was highest in the first year with a relative risk of 2.69. After 3 years the relative risk was 1.63 and after a 5 year study period the relative risk was 1.50. After 7 year study period the relative risk was 1.51. Other venous thromboembolic events could also occur.

# There have been post-marketing reports of ocular events other than retinal vein thrombosis. These reports include visual acuity reduced, blurred vision, photopsia, visual field defect, visual impairment, dry eye, eyelid oedema, blepharospasm, eye pain and eye swelling. The underlying nature of these events is uncertain. If ocular symptoms occur, patients should be advised to seek medical attention.