Drug Interactions between encorafenib and hydrochlorothiazide / olmesartan

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.

GENERALLY AVOID: Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium, especially salt substitutes, may increase the risk of hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, dehydration, or renal insufficiency have a greater risk of developing hyperkalemia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should receive dietary counseling and be advised to not use potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without consulting their physician. If salt substitutes are used concurrently, regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hyperkalemia such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs.

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.