Drug Interactions between aspirin / calcium carbonate and avapritinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of avapritinib. 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. Based on pharmacokinetic modeling, administration of avapritinib (300 mg once daily) in combination with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor itraconazole (200 mg once daily) is predicted to increase avapritinib systemic exposure (AUC) by 600% at steady state, while administration with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor fluconazole (200 mg once daily) is predicted to increase avapritinib systemic exposure (AUC) by 210% at steady state. 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 exposure to avapritinib may increase the risk and/or severity of serious adverse effects such as intracranial hemorrhage, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, hallucinations, edema, and decreases in hemoglobin, leukocytes, neutrophils, and platelets.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may increase the oral absorption of avapritinib. When avapritinib was administered with a high-calorie, high-fat meal (approximately 909 calories; 58 g carbohydrate, 56 g fat, 43 g protein), avapritinib Cmax and AUC increased by 59% and 29%, respectively, compared to administration in the fasted state.

MANAGEMENT: Avapritinib should be administered on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with avapritinib.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may increase the absorption of calcium. However, foods high in oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb), or phytic acid (bran and whole grains) may decrease calcium absorption.

MANAGEMENT: Calcium may be administered with food to increase absorption. Consider withholding calcium administration for at least 2 hours before or after consuming foods high in oxalic acid or phytic acid.

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.

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.