Drug Interactions between Breztri Aerosphere and hydroxychloroquine

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the systemic bioavailability of budesonide, which undergoes extensive first-pass and systemic metabolism via intestinal and hepatic CYP450 3A4. In pharmacokinetic studies, 6- to 8-fold increases in budesonide systemic exposure (AUC) have been observed during coadministration of the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole with different oral formulations of budesonide. When ketoconazole was administered 12 hours after budesonide in one study, the AUC increase was approximately half that reported during simultaneous administration. In a prospective study of a cystic fibrosis center patient population, 11 of 25 patients receiving high-dose itraconazole (400 to 600 mg/day) and budesonide oral inhalation therapy (800 to 1600 mcg/day) were found to have adrenal insufficiency, including one who developed Cushing's syndrome, compared to none in a group of 12 patients treated with itraconazole alone. There was also no adrenal insufficiency in a group of 30 cystic fibrosis patients retrospectively included as controls, 24 of whom had been treated with high-dose inhaled budesonide for several years. Adrenal function improved, but did not normalize, in 10 of the 11 patients during a follow-up of two to ten months after discontinuation of itraconazole and institution of hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Limited pharmacokinetic data indicate that itraconazole (200 mg once daily) may increase the plasma levels of budesonide by about 4-fold following inhalation of a single 1000 mcg dose, which may be mainly due to increased bioavailability of the swallowed portion of the dose.

MANAGEMENT: The possibility of increased systemic adverse effects of budesonide should be considered during coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, the dosing times between budesonide and the CYP450 3A4 inhibitor should be separated by as much as possible. In addition, the lowest effective dosage of budesonide should be prescribed, and further adjustments made as necessary according to therapeutic response and tolerance. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypercorticism such as acne, striae, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, moon facies, dorsocervical "buffalo" hump, truncal obesity, increased appetite, acute weight gain, edema, hypertension, hirsutism, hyperhidrosis, proximal muscle wasting and weakness, glucose intolerance, exacerbation of preexisting diabetes, depression, and menstrual disorders. Other systemic glucocorticoid effects may include adrenal suppression, immunosuppression, posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma, bone loss, and growth retardation in children and adolescents.

Using formoterol together with hydroxychloroquine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). The risk may exist even when formoterol or similar medications are given by oral inhalation directly into the lungs, and more so if these products are overused. Do not exceed the dose and frequency of use recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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