Drug Interactions between cimetidine and pemigatinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of pemigatinib, which is primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4 in vitro. 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 itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, was administered following a single oral pemigatinib dose of 4.5 mg, pemigatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 17% and 88%, respectively. Concomitant use of moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors is predicted to increase pemigatinib exposure by approximately 50% to 80%. 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 pemigatinib may increase the incidence and severity of serious adverse reactions such as hyperphosphatemia (which can cause precipitation of calcium-phosphate crystals over time that can lead to hypocalcemia, soft tissue mineralization such as cutaneous calcification and calcinosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, anemia, muscle cramps, seizures, QT prolongation, and arrhythmias), serous retinal detachment (which may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, visual floaters, or photopsia), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (hand-foot syndrome), arthralgia, stomatitis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Pemigatinib pharmacokinetics were not significantly affected by coadministration of a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 1000 calories; 500 to 600 calories from fat).

MANAGEMENT: Pemigatinib may be administered with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit extract during treatment with pemigatinib.

Concurrent use of cimetidine and ethanol may result in increased ethanol concentrations. The mechanism appears to be due to inhibition of gastric alcohol dehydrogenase by cimetidine, leading to increased bioavailability of the alcohol and inhibition of hepatic metabolism of alcohol. The clinical significance of this interaction is limited. More importantly, patients requiring cimetidine for gastrointestinal disease should be counseled to avoid alcohol to prevent worsening of their disease. The other H-2 receptor antagonists appear to have minimal effects on the concentrations of alcohol.

Caffeine effects may be increased in patients also taking cimetidine. The mechanism may be due to decreased caffeine metabolism induced by cimetidine. Although adequate clinical data are lacking, a reduction in dose or elimination of caffeine may be needed if excess CNS stimulation is observed.

H2 antagonists may reduce the clearance of nicotine. Cimetidine, 600 mg given twice a day for two days, reduced clearance of an intravenous nicotine dose by 30%. Ranitidine, 300 mg given twice a day for two days, reduced clearance by 10%. The clinical significance of this interaction is not known. Patients should be monitored for increased nicotine effects when using the patches or gum for smoking cessation and dosage adjustments should be made as appropriate.