Drug Interactions between Acetylsalicylic Acid and elbasvir / grazoprevir

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

Food does not appear to have clinically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of elbasvir and grazoprevir. When a single 50 mg-100 mg dose of elbasvir-grazoprevir was administered to healthy study subjects with a high-fat meal (900 kcal; 500 kcal from fat), elbasvir peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 15% and 11%, respectively, while grazoprevir Cmax and AUC increased by 2.8- and 1.5-fold, respectively, compared to administration under fasting conditions. According to the product labeling, elbasvir-grazoprevir may be administered with or without food.

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.