Drug Interactions between entrectinib and ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice and Seville oranges may increase the plasma concentrations of entrectinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit and Seville oranges Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but pharmacokinetic data are available for the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, itraconazole. When a single 100 mg dose of entrectinib was administered with itraconazole, entrectinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 1.7- and 6-fold, respectively. Coadministration of entrectinib with a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor is predicted to increase entrectinib Cmax and AUC by 2.9- and 3-fold, 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 entrectinib may increase the risk and/or severity of adverse effects such as cognitive impairment, mood disorders, dizziness, sleep disturbances, liver enzyme elevations, hyperuricemia, congestive heart failure, edema, myocarditis, QT prolongation, vision problems, anemia, and neutropenia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges during treatment with entrectinib.

MONITOR: Coadministration of ethinyl estradiol may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are primarily metabolized by CYP450 1A2. In a study of 30 healthy volunteers administered the CYP450 1A2 substrate tizanidine, the systemic exposure (AUC) of tizanidine was 3.9 times greater in women using an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be monitored for increased adverse effects of the CYP450 1A2 substrate during concomitant use with ethinyl estradiol. Product labeling for the specific CYP450 1A2 substrate should be consulted for additional recommendations.

Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the bioavailability of oral estrogens. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of ethinyl estradiol with grapefruit juice (compared to herbal tea) increased peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) by 37% and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 28%. Based on these findings, grapefruit juice is unlikely to affect the overall safety profile of ethinyl estradiol. However, as with other drug interactions involving grapefruit juice, the pharmacokinetic alterations are subject to a high degree of interpatient variability. Also, the effect on other estrogens has not been studied.

The central nervous system effects and blood levels of ethanol may be increased in patients taking oral contraceptives, although data are lacking and reports are contradictory. The mechanism may be due to enzyme inhibition. Consider counseling women about this interaction which is unpredictable.