Drug Interactions between Darvon Compound-65 and vemurafenib

GENERALLY AVOID: Vemurafenib can cause concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. The effect of vemurafenib 960 mg administered twice daily on QTc interval was evaluated in a multicenter, open-label, single-arm study consisting of 132 patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic melanoma. No changes in mean QTc interval exceeding 20 ms from baseline were detected in the trial. In the first month of treatment, the largest mean increase from baseline was 12.8 ms, observed at 2 hours post-dose on Day 15. In the first 6 months of treatment, the largest mean increase from baseline was 15.1 ms, which was detected at a predose time point. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia). Moreover, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of vemurafenib with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval is not recommended. ECG and serum electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium and calcium, should be monitored before starting vemurafenib therapy and after dose modification. An ECG should also be obtained 15 days after treatment initiation, monthly during the first 3 months of treatment, and every 3 months thereafter (or more often as clinically indicated). Vemurafenib should not be started in the presence of uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities or a baseline QTc greater than 500 ms. Likewise, treatment should be interrupted if QTc exceeds 500 ms. Any electrolyte abnormalities must then be corrected and cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias) under control prior to resuming treatment. Vemurafenib may be restarted once QTc decreases below 500 ms, but at a reduced dosage as described in the product labeling. Permanent discontinuation of treatment is recommended if, after correction of associated risk factors, both the QTc is greater than 500 ms and the QTc increase is greater than 60 ms from pretreatment values. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

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MONITOR: Coadministration with vemurafenib may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 1A2 and/or 2D6 isoenzymes. The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of CYP450 1A2 and 2D6 activity by vemurafenib. The interaction has been studied with caffeine and dextromethorphan, probe substrates for CYP450 1A2 and 2D6, respectively. In an in vivo phenotypic cocktail drug-drug interaction study in patients with cancer, caffeine systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 2.6-fold when a single dose of the CYP450 probe substrate cocktail was administered following treatment with vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily for 15 days, while dextromethorphan AUC increased by 47%.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if vemurafenib must be used concurrently with drugs that undergo metabolism by CYP450 1A2 and/or 2D6. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever vemurafenib is added to or withdrawn from therapy. Concomitant use of vemurafenib and substrates of CYP450 1A2 and/or 2D6 with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., antiarrhythmics; theophylline) should be avoided if possible.

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One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

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