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Drug Interactions between dimethyl fumarate and zanubrutinib

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

dimethyl fumarate zanubrutinib

Applies to: dimethyl fumarate and zanubrutinib

GENERALLY AVOID: The use of monomethyl fumarate (MMF) or its prodrugs, dimethyl fumarate and diroximel fumarate, with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infections. Treatment with MMF or its prodrugs can cause lymphopenia as well as serious and potentially life-threatening opportunistic infections (e.g., progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), herpes zoster, herpes simplex, West Nile virus, cytomegalovirus, Candida, Aspergillus, Nocardia, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and the risk may be theoretically potentiated in the presence of other agents that also suppress the immune system or bone marrow function. In multiple sclerosis studies, the concomitant treatment of relapses with a short course of intravenous corticosteroids was not associated with a clinically relevant increase of infection.

MANAGEMENT: The safety and efficacy of monomethyl fumarate (MMF), dimethyl fumarate, or diroximel fumarate in combination with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents have not been evaluated. Until further information is available, concomitant use should be avoided if possible. Short courses of intravenous corticosteroids may be used in combination with MMF or its prodrugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses. When switching patients from one immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agent to another, the half-life and mode of action of each therapy should be considered to avoid unintended additive effects on the immune system while simultaneously reducing the risk of reactivation of multiple sclerosis.

References (7)
  1. (2022) "Product Information. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)." Biogen Australia Pty Ltd
  2. (2023) "Product Information. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)." Biogen Idec Inc, SUPPL-29
  3. (2022) "Product Information. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)." Biogen Idec Ltd
  4. (2022) "Product Information. Skilarence (dimethyl fumarate)." Almirall Ltd
  5. (2022) "Product Information. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)." Biogen Idec Ltd
  6. (2023) "Product Information. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)." Biogen Idec Inc, SUPPL-9
  7. (2022) "Product Information. Furatec (dimethyl fumarate)." Pharmacor Pty Ltd, 03

Drug and food interactions

Major

zanubrutinib food

Applies to: zanubrutinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and/or grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of zanubrutinib. 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 zanubrutinib was coadministered with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor itraconazole (200 mg once daily), zanubrutinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased 157% and 278%, respectively, in healthy volunteers. Data evaluating coadministration of zanubrutinib, in patients with B-cell lymphoma, and several other known CYP450 3A4 inhibitors have been reported. When zanubrutinib was coadministered with another CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, clarithromycin (250 mg twice daily), zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC increased 101% and 92%, respectively. The moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor diltiazem (180 mg once daily) increased both zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC increased by 62%. Another moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, fluconazole (400 mg once daily), increased zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC 81% and 88%, respectively. Clinical data for less potent inhibitors are not available. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (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 zanubrutinib exposure may potentiate the risk of toxicities such as hemorrhage, infection, cytopenias, malignancies, and serious cardiac arrhythmias, primarily atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Food does not affect the oral bioavailability of zanubrutinib. No clinically significant differences in zanubrutinib Cmax or AUC were observed following administration of a high-fat meal (approximately 1000 calories; 50% from fat) in healthy subjects.

MANAGEMENT: Zanubrutinib may be administered with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges (a citrus relative of the grapefruit), and Seville orange juice during treatment with zanubrutinib. Close clinical monitoring for development of zanubrutinib-related toxicities, dosage adjustments, and/or withholding treatment in accordance with product labeling is advised. Additional consultation with individual package labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

References (3)
  1. (2025) "Product Information. Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)." BeiGene USA, Inc
  2. (2024) "Product Information. Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)." Beigene Aus Pty Ltd
  3. beigene switzerland gmbh (2025) Zanubrutinib PRODUCT MONOGRAPH https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00078143.PDF
Minor

dimethyl fumarate food

Applies to: dimethyl fumarate

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.

References (1)
  1. (2013) "Product Information. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)." Biogen

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.