Drug Interactions between budesonide / formoterol and fingolimod

MONITOR CLOSELY: Coadministration of fingolimod with antineoplastic, immunosuppressive, or other immune-modulating therapies is expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression and infection. Life-threatening and sometimes fatal infections have been reported. Fingolimod causes reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues. When administered daily, fingolimod produces a dose-dependent reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count to 20-30% of baseline values, which may increase the risk of infections. In Phase III clinical trials, short courses of corticosteroids (up to 5 days) to treat relapses did not increase the overall rate of infection and so is generally considered acceptable during treatment with fingolimod. A small study of 12 subjects receiving fingolimod 0.5 mg daily found that the lymphocyte count decreased to approximately 60% of baseline within 4 to 6 hours after the first dose. The lymphocyte count continued to decrease over a 2-week period, reaching a nadir count of approximately 500 cells/mcL (30% of baseline). In a placebo-controlled study of 1272 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, 18% of patients on fingolimod 0.5 mg daily (n = 425) reached a nadir of less than 200 cells/mcL on at least one occasion, compared to no patient on placebo (n = 418). Chronic fingolimod dosing leads to a mild decrease in the neutrophil count to approximately 80% of baseline but does not affect monocytes. Decreased lymphocyte counts persist during daily dosing, then generally return to baseline within 1 to 2 months after stopping the medication.

MANAGEMENT: The safety and efficacy of fingolimod in combination with antineoplastic, immunosuppressive, or immune-modulating agents have not been evaluated. Concomitant use is considered contraindicated by some authorities; however, short courses of corticosteroids (up to 5 days) are generally considered acceptable during treatment with fingolimod. A complete blood count is recommended prior to starting fingolimod if a recent one (i.e., within the last 6 months or after discontinuation of prior therapy) is not available. Treatment suspension should be considered in patients who develop a serious infection, and the benefits and risks reassessed prior to restarting treatment. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms of an infection (e.g., fever, body aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache with neck stiffness or confusion) to their doctor. Because fingolimod remains in the blood for up to two months after the last dose, continued monitoring is recommended throughout this period, and initiating other drugs during this period warrants the same considerations needed for concomitant administration. Consult the manufacturer's product labeling for specific recommendations regarding the timing of use of fingolimod in relation to other agents used in the treatment of MS, including beta interferon, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, alemtuzumab, teriflunomide, and mitoxantrone.

MONITOR: Beta-2 adrenergic agonists can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval and potassium loss. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). Clinically significant prolongation of QT interval and hypokalemia occur infrequently when beta-2 agonists are inhaled at normally recommended dosages. However, these effects may be more common when the drugs are administered systemically or when recommended dosages are exceeded.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if beta-2 agonists are used in combination with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

Although they are often combined in clinical practice, the concomitant use of beta-2 adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids may result in additive hypokalemic effects. Since beta-2 agonists can sometimes cause QT interval prolongation, the development of hypokalemia may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes. However, clinical data are limited, and the potential significance is unknown. Patients who are receiving systemic or nebulized formulations of beta-2 agonists, high dosages of inhaled beta-2 agonists, or systemic corticosteroid therapy may be at a greater risk of developing hypokalemia.