Drug Interactions between efavirenz and selumetinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of selumetinib, which undergoes metabolism primarily by CYP450 3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP450 2C19, 1A2, 2C9, 2E1 and 3A5, as well as glucuronidation by UGT1A1 and UGT1A3. 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 coadministered with itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, selumetinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 19% and 49%, respectively. When coadministered with fluconazole, a potent CYP450 2C19 and moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, selumetinib Cmax and AUC increased by 26% and 53%, respectively. Concomitant use of erythromycin, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, is predicted to increase selumetinib Cmax and AUC by 23% and 41%, respectively. 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. Increased exposure to selumetinib may increase the risk and/or severity of serious adverse effects such as cardiomyopathy (decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction by 10% or more below baseline), ocular toxicity (blurred vision, photophobia, cataracts, ocular hypertension, retinal pigment epithelial detachment, retinal vein occlusion), gastrointestinal toxicity (diarrhea, colitis), skin toxicity (dermatitis acneiform, maculopapular rash, eczema), and musculoskeletal toxicity (creatine phosphokinase elevations, myalgia, rhabdomyolysis).

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with selumetinib.

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.