Drug Interactions between avapritinib and sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

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: Coadministration with a high-fat meal may reduce the rate and extent of absorption of sodium phenylbutyrate. When a single 3 g-1 g dose of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (sodium phenylbutyrate-ursodoxicoltaurine) was administered to healthy volunteers in the presence of a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 800 to 1000 calories; 500 to 600 calories from fat, 250 calories from carbohydrate, 150 calories from protein), sodium phenylbutyrate peak plasma concentration (Cmax) decreased by 75% and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 55%. The Cmax for taurursodiol was not significantly affected, but AUC was increased by 46%. The clinical significance of these changes has not been established. In premarketing studies, patients were advised to take the drug before a meal.

MANAGEMENT: The prescribing information recommends administration of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol before a meal or snack, particularly in patients of low body weight (less than 70 kg).