Drug Interactions between carbamazepine and taletrectinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of taletrectinib. The proposed mechanism for the interaction 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. In a clinical study, taletrectinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased by 1.8-fold and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 3.3-fold following concomitant administration of itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A inhibitor. According to the product labeling, administration of taletrectinib with a moderate CYP450 3A inhibitor is predicted to increase taletrectinib Cmax and AUC by up to 1.5- and 2.6-fold, respectively. Increased exposure to taletrectinib may increase the risk and/or severity of adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity with liver enzyme elevations, lung toxicities, QT prolongation, hyperuricemia, myalgia with creatine phosphokinase elevation, and skeletal fractures.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Coadministration with high-fat food (1000 calories, 50% fat) increased taletrectinib Cmax and AUC by 1.5-fold, and the predicted increase in the QTc interval is 20.5 msec.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends avoiding food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with taletrectinib. In addition, taletrectinib should be administered on an empty stomach at about the same time each day, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after food intake.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of carbamazepine. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of carbamazepine with grapefruit juice (compared to water) increased plasma drug concentrations by approximately 40%. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving carbamazepine should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Given the drug's narrow therapeutic index, patients receiving carbamazepine therapy should preferably avoid the regular consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to report signs of carbamazepine toxicity (nausea, visual disturbances, dizziness, or ataxia) to their physicians.