Drug Interactions between asparaginase escherichia coli and tipranavir

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food does not appear to substantially alter the pharmacokinetics of tipranavir. When tipranavir capsules or oral solution was coadministered with ritonavir capsules at steady-state, no clinically significant changes in tipranavir peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) were observed under fed conditions (500 to 682 kcal, 23% to 25% calories from fat) relative to fasted conditions. The effect of food on tipranavir exposure during coadministration with ritonavir tablets has not been evaluated. High-fat foods may enhance the gastrointestinal absorption of tipranavir. In a multiple-dose study, administration of tipranavir capsules with a high-fat meal (868 kcal, 53% from fat, 31% from carbohydrates) increased the oral bioavailability of tipranavir by 31% compared to administration with toast and skimmed milk, but did not significantly affect tipranavir Cmax. Thus, tipranavir may be safely taken with standard or high-fat meals.

MANAGEMENT: Tipranavir coadministered with low-dose ritonavir should be taken with food to improve the gastrointestinal tolerability of ritonavir. According to the product labeling, tipranavir coadministered with ritonavir capsules or solution can be taken with or without meals, whereas tipranavir coadministered with ritonavir tablets must be taken with meals.

MONITOR: Concomitant use of asparaginase with other hepatotoxic agents may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Asparaginase-associated hepatotoxicity has been reported more commonly in adults than in children and has been strongly associated with obesity. Hepatomegaly, acute severe hepatotoxicity, and fatal liver failure have been reported with asparaginase treatment in adults. Also, asparaginase may increase the toxicity of drugs bound to plasma proteins or metabolized by the liver.

MANAGEMENT: The risk of additive hepatotoxicity should be considered when asparaginase is used with other hepatotoxic agents (e.g., alcohol, androgens, antituberculosis agents, azole antifungal agents, ACE inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, sulfonamides, thiazolidinediones, and statins). Liver function tests should be monitored at regular intervals during asparaginase treatment with or without other hepatotoxic drugs. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as right upper quadrant pain, increasing abdominal size, fever, rash, itching, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, malaise, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice.