Drug Interactions between dimethyl fumarate and lurbinectedin

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and Seville oranges may increase the plasma concentrations of lurbinectedin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit and Seville oranges. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit or Seville oranges, but pharmacokinetic data are available for potent and moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. In a clinical drug interaction study, coadministration of itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, increased the systemic exposure (AUC) of total lurbinectedin by 2.7-fold and unbound lurbinectedin by 2.4-fold. In a Phase 1 study, coadministration of aprepitant, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, decreased lurbinectedin plasma clearance by 33% compared to lurbinectedin alone. In general, the effect of grapefruit and Seville oranges is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice and Seville oranges (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 may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of lurbinectedin, such as myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges during treatment with lurbinectedin.

Food does not significantly affect the oral bioavailability of dimethyl fumarate. Administration of dimethyl fumarate with a high-fat, high-calorie meal did not affect the systemic exposure (AUC) to its active metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), but decreased its peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 40% and prolonged the time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) from 2.0 hours to 5.5 hours. In the study, the incidence of flushing was reduced by approximately 25% in the fed state. Dimethyl fumarate may be taken with or without food; however, taking it with food may help reduce flushing.