Drug Interactions between Agamree and finerenone

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of finerenone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. Pharmacokinetic modeling simulations suggest that concomitant use of finerenone with 200 mg twice daily itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, increases finerenone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 137% and 531%, respectively. Clarithromycin, another potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, given at 500 mg twice daily is predicted to increase finerenone Cmax by 125% and AUC by 428%. Additionally, drug interaction studies showed that concomitant use of finerenone with 500 mg thrice daily erythromycin, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, increased mean finerenone Cmax and AUC by 88% and 248%, respectively. Verapamil, another moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, given as a 240 mg controlled-release tablet once daily increased mean finerenone Cmax by 120% and AUC by 170%. 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. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict. High exposure to finerenone may potentiate the risk of hyperkalemia, and the risk may be further increased with decreasing kidney function and higher baseline potassium levels.

MONITOR CLOSELY: Dietary intake of excess potassium, especially via salt substitutes, may increase the risk of hyperkalemia in patients who are using finerenone. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, dehydration, or renal insufficiency have a greater risk of developing hyperkalemia.

Administration of finerenone with high-fat, high-calorie food decreased finerenone Cmax by 19%, increased AUC by 21%, and prolonged the time to reach Cmax to 2.5 hours. These changes are not considered clinically relevant.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving finerenone therapy should be instructed to avoid consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. In addition, patients should receive dietary counseling and be advised not to use potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without consulting their physician. If salt substitutes or supplements are used concurrently, more frequent monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, listlessness, tingling of the extremities, paralysis, confusion, weak pulse, and a slow or irregular heartbeat. Finerenone may be taken with or without food.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of vamorolone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. The metabolism of vamorolone is mediated by the isoenzymes CYP450 3A4/5, and CYP450 2C8, and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) 1A3, 2B7, and 2B17. 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. Increased systemic exposure to vamorolone may increase the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects such as hypercorticism, hyperglycemia, adrenal suppression, immunosuppression, hypertension, salt and water retention, electrolyte abnormalities, behavioral and mood disturbances, posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma, bone loss, and growth retardation in children and adolescents.

MANAGEMENT: Until further information is available, it may be advisable for patients to avoid the consumption of large amounts of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during vamorolone therapy unless otherwise directed by their doctor, as the interaction is unreliable and subject to a high degree of interpatient variation. If coadministration is considered necessary, patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of corticosteroid adverse effects. Patients should also be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypercorticism such as acne, striae, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, moon facies, dorsocervical "buffalo" hump, truncal obesity, increased appetite, acute weight gain, edema, hypertension, hirsutism, hyperhidrosis, proximal muscle wasting and weakness, glucose intolerance, exacerbation of preexisting diabetes, and depression. Signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include anorexia, hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, postural hypotension, depression, and adrenal crisis manifested as an inability to respond to stress (e.g., illness, infection, surgery, trauma). Consultation with product labeling for specific recommendations is advisable.