Drug Interactions between abiraterone and rifampin

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of rifampin in patients who ingest alcohol daily may result in an increased incidence of hepatotoxicity. The increase in hepatotoxicity may be due to an additive risk as both alcohol and rifampin are individually associated with this adverse reaction. However, the exact mechanism has not been established.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may reduce oral rifampin absorption, increasing the risk of therapeutic failure or resistance. In a randomized, four-period crossover phase I study of 14 healthy male and female volunteers, the pharmacokinetics of single dose rifampin 600 mg were evaluated under fasting conditions and with a high-fat meal. Researchers observed that administration of rifampin with a high-fat meal reduced rifampin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 36%, nearly doubled the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) but reduced overall exposure (AUC) by only 6%.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of oral forms of rifampin recommends administration on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals. Patients should be encouraged to avoid alcohol or strictly limit their intake. Patients who use alcohol and rifampin concurrently or have a history of alcohol use disorder may require additional monitoring of their liver function during treatment with rifampin.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly increase the oral bioavailability of some formulations of abiraterone acetate. Compared to administration in the fasted state, abiraterone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) were approximately 7- and 5-fold higher, respectively, when a single dose of abiraterone acetate was administered with a low-fat meal (7% fat; 300 calories) and approximately 17- and 10-fold higher, respectively, when it was administered with a high-fat meal (57% fat; 825 calories). Given the normal variation in the content and composition of meals, taking abiraterone acetate with meals has the potential to result in increased and highly variable exposures. The safety of these increased exposures during multiple dosing has not been assessed. However, the abiraterone acetate 125 mg tablet, commonly marketed as Yonsa, was found to have an approximately 6.5-fold higher Cmax and 4.4-fold higher AUC when a single dose of 500 mg (4 tablets) was administered with a high-fat meal (56% - 60% fat, 900 - 1000 calories) compared to overnight fasting in healthy volunteers. These differences were not considered clinically significant for this formulation.

MANAGEMENT: Some formulations of abiraterone acetate must be taken on an empty stomach. No food should be consumed for at least two hours before and one hour after the abiraterone acetate dose. However, the abiraterone acetate 125 mg tablet, commonly marketed as Yonsa, can be taken with or without food. The manufacturer's product labeling should be consulted for specific guidance.