Drug Interactions between asciminib and mefloquine

MONITOR: It is uncertain whether asciminib causes clinically significant prolongation of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. In clinical studies, prolongation of the Fridericia-corrected QT interval (QTcF) was reported in 3 of 356 (0.8%) of patients, with one report of QTcF greater than 500 msec together with more than 60 msec QTcF increase from baseline. Asciminib is not reported to prolong the corrected QT (QTc) interval by greater than 20 msec at the maximum recommended clinical dosage (200 mg twice daily); however, a prolongation of up to 10 msec cannot be excluded. 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: Some authorities recommend caution and clinical monitoring when asciminib is used with drugs that are known to cause QT interval prolongation. An ECG should be obtained at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated, particularly in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease (including bradycardia), or congenital or family history of long QT syndrome. Serum electrolytes, including potassium and magnesium should also be corrected prior to starting asciminib therapy and monitored during treatment as clinically indicated. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.