Drug Interactions between belumosudil and lemborexant

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of lemborexant, 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 coadministered with itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, lemborexant peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased approximately 1.4-fold and 3.8-fold, respectively. When coadministered with fluconazole, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, lemborexant Cmax and AUC increased approximately 1.6-fold and 4.2-fold, 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 lemborexant may increase the risk of adverse reactions such as central nervous system (CNS) depression, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, complex sleep behaviors, worsening of depression or suicidal ideation, nightmares, palpitations, or headache.

After administration of a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 1000 calories with 500 to 600 calories from fat), lemborexant Cmax decreased by 23%, AUC increased by 18%, and the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was delayed by 2 hours.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding administration with food; however, the time to sleep onset may be delayed if taken with or soon after a meal. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with lemborexant.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food increases the oral bioavailability of belumosudil. The mechanism has not been described. Administration of belumosudil (200 mg single oral dose) in healthy subjects, with a fatty and calorie-rich meal (approximately half of the calories were contained in the fat) increased the mean belumosudil peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 120% and 100%, respectively, compared to administration under fasting conditions. The time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) was delayed by 30 minutes. Administration of oral belumosudil 200 mg once daily with food in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (chronic GVHD) lead to steady-state concentrations of the drug with an accumulation ration of 1.4.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, belumosudil should be administered with a meal, every day at the same time.