Drug Interactions between atovaquone / proguanil and pirtobrutinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of pirtobrutinib, which is primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4. 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. When pirtobrutinib (200 mg single dose) was administered with itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, pirtobrutinib systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 49%. Concomitant use of diltiazem or verapamil, moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, is predicted to increase pirtobrutinib AUC by 20% and 30%, respectively. 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 pirtobrutinib may increase the risk of infection, bruising, bleeding, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, edema, and dyspnea.

MANAGEMENT: It may be advisable for patients to avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with pirtobrutinib.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food, particularly high-fat food, significantly enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of atovaquone. In 16 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 750 mg dose of atovaquone suspension following a standard breakfast (23 g fat: 610 kCal) resulted in an approximately 3.4-fold increase in the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 2.5-fold increase in the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of atovaquone compared to administration following an overnight fast. In a study consisting of 19 HIV-infected volunteers receiving atovaquone suspension 500 mg/day, Cmax and AUC of atovaquone increased by 72% and 66%, respectively, in the fed state relative to the fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, atovaquone products (suspension, tablet, or in combination with proguanil) should be administered with a meal or milky drink, or enteral nutrition at the same time(s) each day. Because plasma atovaquone concentrations have been shown to correlate with the likelihood of successful treatment and in some cases, survival, alternative therapies may be appropriate for patients who have difficulty taking atovaquone with food.