Drug Interactions between efavirenz and lorlatinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of lorlatinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruit. 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.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with lorlatinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. If coadministration is unavoidable, some authorities recommend reducing the initial dosage of lorlatinib from 100 mg orally once daily to 75 mg orally once daily. In patients who have had a dosage reduction to 75 mg orally once daily due to adverse reactions, the lorlatinib dosage should be further reduced to 50 mg orally once daily upon initiation of a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor. After 3 plasma half-lives following discontinuation of the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, the lorlatinib dosage may be increased to that used prior to initiation of the inhibitor.

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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.

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.

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