Drug Interactions between eltrombopag and vadadustat

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may reduce the oral bioavailability of eltrombopag. In healthy volunteers, a standard high-fat breakfast significantly decreased plasma eltrombopag peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 65% and systemic exposure (AUC) by 59% and delayed Tmax by one hour. The calcium content of this meal may have also contributed to this decrease in exposure. In another study, adult subjects administered a single 25 mg dose of eltrombopag for oral suspension with a high-calcium, moderate-fat, moderate-calorie meal exhibited a 79% decrease in Cmax and 75% decrease in AUC of eltrombopag. Administration of eltrombopag 2 hours after the high-calcium meal decreased eltrombopag Cmax by 48% and AUC by 47%, while administration 2 hours before the high-calcium meal decreased eltrombopag Cmax by 14% and AUC by 20%.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Polyvalent cations such as aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc can significantly reduce the gastrointestinal absorption of eltrombopag due to chelation. In one clinical trial, administration of a single 75 mg dose of eltrombopag with an antacid containing 1524 mg aluminum hydroxide and 1425 mg magnesium carbonate resulted in an approximately 70% decrease in eltrombopag Cmax and AUC.

MANAGEMENT: Eltrombopag should be taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal. Additionally, eltrombopag should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after any products that contain polyvalent cations such as antacids, mineral supplements, dairy products, and fortified juices.

MONITOR: Smoking and alcohol consumption during therapy with vadadustat may increase the risk of gastrointestinal erosions. Serious erosions, including gastrointestinal bleeding and the need for red blood cell transfusions, have been reported during vadadustat clinical trials. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal erosion, peptic ulcer disease, and current tobacco smokers and alcohol drinkers may be at higher risk of gastrointestinal injury.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if vadadustat is prescribed to current tobacco smokers or alcohol drinkers. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they develop potential signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal injury such as abdominal pain, hematemesis, trouble swallowing, chest or throat pain, and/or black, tarry stools.