Drug Interactions between Armour Thyroid and midostaurin

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of midostaurin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, has been shown to increase midostaurin systemic exposure (AUC) by greater than 10-fold in healthy volunteers. Increased exposure to midostaurin may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, edema, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, QT prolongation, neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of midostaurin. Relative to fasting conditions, midostaurin systemic exposure (AUC) increased by approximately 1.2-fold when administered with a standard meal (457 calories; 50 g fat, 21 g proteins, 18 g carbohydrates) and 1.6-fold when administered with a high-fat meal (1007 calories; 66 g fat, 32 g proteins, 64 g carbohydrates), while midostaurin peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) decreased by 20% and 27%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends taking midostaurin with food. Midostaurin was administered with food in clinical trials. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with midostaurin.

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ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Consumption of certain foods as well as the timing of meals relative to dosing may affect the oral absorption of T4 thyroid hormone (i.e., levothyroxine). T4 oral absorption is increased by fasting and decreased by foods such as soybean flour (e.g., infant formula), cotton seed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, calcium, and calcium fortified juices. Grapefruit or grapefruit products may delay the absorption of T4 thyroid hormone and reduce its bioavailability. The mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood.

MANAGEMENT: Some manufacturers recommend administering oral T4 as a single daily dose, on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. In general, oral preparations containing T4 thyroid hormone should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals to avoid large fluctuations in serum levels. Foods that may affect T4 absorption should be avoided within several hours of dosing if possible. Consult local guidelines for the administration of T4 in patients receiving enteral feeding.

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ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concurrent administration of calcium-containing products may decrease the oral bioavailability of levothyroxine by one-third in some patients. Pharmacologic effects of levothyroxine may be reduced. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve nonspecific adsorption of levothyroxine to calcium at acidic pH levels, resulting in an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In one study, 20 patients with hypothyroidism who were taking a stable long-term regimen of levothyroxine demonstrated modest but significant decreases in mean free and total thyroxine (T4) levels as well as a corresponding increase in mean thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH) level following the addition of calcium carbonate (1200 mg/day of elemental calcium) for 3 months. Four patients had serum TSH levels that were higher than the normal range. Both T4 and TSH levels returned to near-baseline 2 months after discontinuation of calcium, which further supported the likelihood of an interaction. In addition, there have been case reports suggesting decreased efficacy of levothyroxine during calcium coadministration. It is not known whether this interaction occurs with other thyroid hormone preparations.

MANAGEMENT: Some experts recommend separating the times of administration of levothyroxine and calcium-containing preparations by at least 4 hours. Monitoring of serum TSH levels is recommended. Patients with gastrointestinal or malabsorption disorders may be at a greater risk of developing clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism due to this interaction.

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