Drug Interactions between Akynzeo for Injection and pazopanib

MONITOR: Theoretically, concurrent use of two or more drugs that can cause QT interval prolongation may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. The risk of an individual agent or a combination of these 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). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if multiple agents associated with QT interval prolongation are prescribed together. 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.

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of pazopanib, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In healthy subjects, administration of a single dose of pazopanib eye drop with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole resulted in a 150% increase in pazopanib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 220% increase in systemic exposure (AUC). Although not studied, the interaction may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes arrhythmia as well as severe and fatal hepatotoxicity associated with the use of pazopanib.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if pazopanib is prescribed in combination with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4. Pharmacologic response to pazopanib should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the pazopanib dosage adjusted as necessary. Patients should have liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin), electrocardiograms, and serum electrolyte levels performed at baseline and regular intervals as recommended in the product labeling. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice. In addition, they should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, palpitations, or syncope.