Drug Interactions between efavirenz and encorafenib

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with potent or moderate inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of encorafenib, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. When a single 50 mg dose of encorafenib (equivalent to 0.1 times the recommended dose) was administered with posaconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, encorafenib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased by 68% and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 3-fold. When the same dose of encorafenib was administered with diltiazem, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, encorafenib Cmax increased by 45% and AUC increased by 2-fold. Increased exposure to encorafenib may increase the risk of serious and life-threatening adverse effects such as hemorrhage, uveitis, QT prolongation, hepatotoxicity, dermatologic reactions, and new malignancies.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of encorafenib with grapefruit or grapefruit juice should generally be avoided. If coadministration is required, the manufacturer recommends reducing the encorafenib dose to one-third of the dose used prior to addition of a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor or one-half of the dose used prior to addition of a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor. After the inhibitor has been discontinued for 3 to 5 elimination half-lives, the encorafenib dose that was taken prior to initiating the inhibitor may be resumed.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food increases the plasma concentrations of efavirenz and may increase the frequency of adverse reactions. According to the product labeling, administration of efavirenz capsules (600 mg single dose) with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (894 kcal, 54 g fat, 54% calories from fat) or a reduced-fat/normal-caloric meal (440 kcal, 2 g fat, 4% calories from fat) was associated with mean increases of 39% and 51% in efavirenz peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 22% and 17% in systemic exposure (AUC), respectively, compared to administration under fasted conditions. For efavirenz tablets, administration of a single 600 mg dose with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (approximately 1000 kcal, 500-600 kcal from fat) resulted in a 79% increase in mean Cmax and a 28% increase in mean AUC of efavirenz relative to administration under fasted conditions.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of efavirenz. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.

MANAGEMENT: Efavirenz should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Dosing at bedtime may improve the tolerability of nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, impaired concentration, somnolence, abnormal dreams and hallucinations, although they often resolve on their own after the first 2 to 4 weeks of therapy . Patients should be advised of the potential for additive central nervous system effects when efavirenz is used concomitantly with alcohol or psychoactive drugs, and to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them.