Drug Interactions between avapritinib and ritonavir

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 modestly affect the bioavailability of ritonavir from the various available formulations. When the oral solution was given under nonfasting conditions, peak ritonavir concentrations decreased 23% and the extent of absorption decreased 7% relative to fasting conditions. Dilution of the oral solution (within one hour of dosing) with 240 mL of chocolate milk or a nutritional supplement (Advera or Ensure) did not significantly affect the extent and rate of ritonavir absorption. When a single 100 mg dose of the tablet was administered with a high-fat meal (907 kcal; 52% fat, 15% protein, 33% carbohydrates), approximately 20% decreases in mean peak concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) were observed relative to administration after fasting. Similar decreases in Cmax and AUC were reported when the tablet was administered with a moderate-fat meal. In contrast, the extent of absorption of ritonavir from the soft gelatin capsule formulation was 13% higher when administered with a meal (615 KCal; 14.5% fat, 9% protein, and 76% carbohydrate) relative to fasting.

MANAGEMENT: Ritonavir should be taken with meals to enhance gastrointestinal tolerability.