Drug Interactions between dolutegravir / rilpivirine and Sandimmune

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with grapefruit juice (compared to water or orange juice) has been shown to increase blood concentrations of cyclosporine with a relatively high degree of interpatient variability. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with red wine or purple grape juice may decrease blood concentrations of cyclosporine. In 12 healthy volunteers, 12 ounces total of a merlot consumed 15 minutes prior to and during cyclosporine administration (single 8 mg/kg dose of Sandimmune) decreased cyclosporine peak blood concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 38% and 30%, respectively, compared to water. The time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) doubled, and oral clearance increased 50%. Similarly, one study were 12 healthy patients were administered purple grape juice and a single dose of cyclosporine showed a 30% and a 36% decrease in cyclosporine systemic exposure (AUC) and peak blood concentration (Cmax), respectively. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve decreased cyclosporine absorption.

MONITOR: Food has been found to have variable effects on the absorption of cyclosporine. There have been reports of impaired, unchanged, and enhanced absorption during administration with meals relative to the fasting state. The mechanisms are unclear. Some investigators found an association with the fat content of food. In one study, increased fat intake resulted in significantly increased cyclosporine bioavailability and clearance. However, the AUC and pharmacodynamics of cyclosporine were not significantly affected, thus clinical relevance of these findings may be minimal.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving cyclosporine therapy should be advised to either refrain from or avoid fluctuations in the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Until more data are available, the consumption of red wine or purple grape juice should preferably be avoided or limited. All oral formulations of cyclosporine should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals so as to avoid large fluctuations in plasma drug levels.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of rilpivirine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In 15 study subjects given rilpivirine (150 mg once daily) with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg once daily), mean rilpivirine peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and trough plasma concentration (Cmin) were increased by 30%, 49% and 76%, respectively. In 16 study subjects given a single 500 mg dose of a less potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor chlorzoxazone two hours after rilpivirine (150 mg once daily), mean rilpivirine Cmax, AUC, and Cmin were increased by 17%, 25%, and 18%, respectively. Because grapefruit juice inhibits primarily intestinal rather than hepatic CYP450 3A4, the magnitude of interaction is greatest for those drugs that undergo significant presystemic metabolism by CYP450 3A4 (i.e., drugs with low oral bioavailability). 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. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The administration of rilpivirine in a fasting state may decrease its oral absorption. Under fasted conditions, the systemic exposure to rilpivirine was 40% lower compared to normal or high-fat caloric meals (533 to 928 Kcal). The systemic exposure was 50% lower when rilpivirine was taken with a protein-rich nutritional beverage.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of grapefruit or grapefruit juice with rilpivirine should preferably be avoided. For optimal absorption, it is recommended to take rilpivirine on a regular schedule with a meal.

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Food increases the extent of absorption and slows the rate of absorption of dolutegravir. When administered with a low-, moderate- or high-fat meal, dolutegravir peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased by 46%, 52% and 67%, systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 33%, 41% and 66%, and time to reach Cmax (Tmax) increased from 2 hours to 3, 4 and 5 hours, respectively, compared to administration under fasted conditions. Dolutegravir may be taken with or without food.

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