Drug Interactions between ceritinib and regorafenib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of ceritinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because ceritinib is associated with concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval, increased levels may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death. Other, more common side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperglycemia, and bradycardia may also increase.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the oral bioavailability of ceritinib. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. Compared to the fast state, administration of a single 500 mg dose of ceritinib with a high-fat meal (approximately 1000 calories; 58 grams of fat) increased ceritinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 41% and 73%, respectively, and administration with a low-fat meal (approximately 330 calories; 9 grams of fat) increased ceritinib Cmax and AUC by 43% and 58%, respectively. A dose of 600 mg or higher taken with a meal is expected to produce systemic exposure exceeding that from a 750 mg dose taken in the fasted state, which may lead to increased adverse effects.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with ceritinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Ceritinib should be administered on an empty stomach (i.e., avoid administration within 2 hours of a meal).

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Depending on the amount of fat, food may enhance the oral bioavailability of both regorafenib and its active metabolites, M-2 and M-5. In 24 healthy male subjects, administration of regorafenib with a high-fat meal (945 calories; 54.6 g fat) increased the mean systemic exposure (AUC) of regorafenib by 48% but decreased the mean AUC of M-2 and M-5 by 20% and 51%, respectively, compared to administration under the fasted state. In contrast, administration with a low-fat meal (319 calories; 8.2 g fat) increased the mean AUC of regorafenib, M-2 and M-5 by 36%, 40% and 23%, respectively, compared to administration during fasting.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may alter the pharmacokinetics of regorafenib and its active metabolites. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. The interaction has not been studied specifically with grapefruit juice, but has been reported with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole. In 18 healthy male study subjects, administration of a single 160 mg dose of regorafenib on day 5 of treatment with ketoconazole (400 mg daily for 18 days) resulted in a 33% increase in mean regorafenib systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration of regorafenib alone. Additionally, there was a 93% decrease each in the mean AUC of the M-2 and M-5 metabolites. Both have been shown to have similar in vitro pharmacological activity and steady-state concentrations as regorafenib, thus the net clinical effect of these pharmacokinetic changes is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure optimal oral absorption, regorafenib should be administered with a low-fat breakfast that contains less than 30% fat. Examples of a low-fat breakfast include: 2 slices of white toast with 1 tablespoon of low-fat margarine and 1 tablespoon of jelly, plus 8 ounces of skim milk (319 calories; 8.2 g fat); or 1 cup of cereal, 8 ounces of skim milk, 1 slice of toast with jam, apple juice, and 1 cup of coffee or tea (520 calories; 2 g fat). Patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with regorafenib.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'multikinase inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'multikinase inhibitors' category:

• ceritinib
• regorafenib

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.