Drug Interactions between Azor and ivacaftor

GENERALLY AVOID: Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium, especially salt substitutes, may increase the risk of hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, dehydration, or renal insufficiency have a greater risk of developing hyperkalemia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should receive dietary counseling and be advised to not use potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without consulting their physician. If salt substitutes are used concurrently, regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hyperkalemia such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of ivacaftor. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Elexacaftor and tezacaftor are also CYP450 3A4 substrates in vitro and may interact similarly with grapefruit juice, whereas lumacaftor is not expected to interact.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: According to prescribing information, systemic exposure to ivacaftor increased approximately 2.5- to 4-fold, systemic exposure to elexacaftor increased approximately 1.9- to 2.5-fold, and systemic exposure to lumacaftor increased approximately 2-fold following administration with fat-containing foods relative to administration in a fasting state. Tezacaftor exposure is not significantly affected by administration of fat-containing foods.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with ivacaftor-containing medications should avoid consumption of grapefruit juice and any food that contains grapefruit or Seville oranges. All ivacaftor-containing medications should be administered with fat-containing foods such as eggs, avocados, nuts, meat, butter, peanut butter, cheese pizza, and whole-milk dairy products. A typical cystic fibrosis diet will satisfy this requirement.

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MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

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MONITOR: Calcium-containing products may decrease the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by saturating calcium channels with calcium. Calcium chloride has been used to manage acute severe verapamil toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Management consists of monitoring the effectiveness of calcium channel blocker therapy during coadministration with calcium products.

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The consumption of grapefruit juice may slightly increase plasma concentrations of amlodipine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Data have been conflicting and the clinical significance is unknown. Monitoring for calcium channel blocker adverse effects (e.g., headache, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, edema) is recommended.

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