Drug Interactions between emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir alafenamide and rifampin

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with inducers of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) may decrease the oral bioavailability and plasma concentrations of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), which is a substrate of the efflux transporter. In 26 healthy study subjects, administration of TAF (25 mg once daily) with the P-gp inducer carbamazepine (300 mg twice daily) decreased TAF plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by an average of 57% and 55%, respectively, compared to TAF administered alone. It is not known if, and to what extent, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), another prodrug of tenofovir, may interact with P-gp inducers. The interaction has not been studied with TDF, and no information is found in the labeling of various products containing TDF, although it has been reported to be a P-gp substrate also.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of reduced viral susceptibility and resistance development associated with subtherapeutic antiviral drug levels, concomitant use of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate with P-gp inducers is not recommended. Whether this also applies to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has not been established.

CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with potent inducers of CYP450 3A4 may significantly decrease the plasma concentrations of rilpivirine, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In 16 study subjects given rilpivirine (150 mg once daily) with the potent CYP450 3A4 inducer rifampin (600 mg once daily), mean rilpivirine peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and trough plasma concentration (Cmin) were reduced by 69%, 80% and 89%, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of rifampin and its metabolite, 25-desacetylrifampin, were not significantly altered.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of reduced viral susceptibility and resistance development associated with subtherapeutic antiretroviral drug levels, concomitant use of rilpivirine with potent CYP450 3A4 inducers is considered contraindicated.

MONITOR: Coadministration of rifampin with agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. There are various possible mechanisms related to rifampin-associated hepatotoxicity described in product labeling and medical literature, however no consensus has been made. These include increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, apoptotic liver cell injury (in rodent studies), the development of cholestasis, hepatic lipid accumulation, and elevated toxic metabolites caused by rifampin-mediated induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cases of drug-induced liver injury (including fatal cases) have been reported within the first few days to months following rifampin treatment initiation. Additional data suggests that 1-2% of patients receiving rifampin monotherapy for tuberculosis prophylaxis experience hepatotoxicity. The severity of hepatotoxicity from rifampin ranges from asymptomatic elevations in liver enzymes, jaundice and/or hyperbilirubinemia, and symptomatic self-limiting hepatitis to fulminant liver failure and death. In most cases, liver function recovers upon on discontinuation of rifampin treatment, however, progression to acute liver failure requiring liver transplantation is possible. Known risk factors that may predispose the patient to rifampin related hepatotoxicity include: coadministration with other hepatotoxic agents, alcoholism, existing liver disease, malnutrition, extensive liver tuberculosis, liver adenocarcinoma and biliary tract neoplasm. Clinical data have been reported with concurrent use of rifampin with other antituberculosis agents (e.g. isoniazid, pyrazinamide), acetaminophen, antiretroviral agents (e.g., saquinavir/ritonavir) and halothane. Data with other hepatotoxic agents are limited.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close clinical monitoring should be considered if rifampin is coadministered with other hepatotoxic medications. In addition, the manufacturer recommends patients with impaired liver function only be given rifampin in cases of necessity and then under strict medical supervision. Some authorities consider rifampin treatment in patients with existing liver injury contraindicated (Canada). In cases where coadministration of rifampin with hepatotoxic agents is required, careful monitoring of liver function, especially ALT and AST, should be done prior to therapy and then every 2 to 4 weeks during therapy. If hepatic damage is suspected, rifampin should be immediately discontinued. Furthermore, if hepatitis is attributed to rifampin in patients with tuberculosis, alternative agents should be considered. Patients should be instructed to contact their physician immediately if they experience symptoms such as itching, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin or dark urine.