Drug Interactions between entrectinib and halofantrine

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentration of halofantrine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. After administration of 500 mg with 250 mL regular-strength grapefruit juice daily for 3 days, average halofantrine AUC increased 2.8-fold and peak plasma concentrations increased 3.2-fold, compared to water, in healthy subjects (n=12). QT interval prolongation increased from an average of 17 ms with water to 31 ms with grapefruit juice. Halofantrine, even at recommended doses, can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval, resulting in an elevated risk of potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The presence of food may increase the absorption and toxicity of halofantrine. Peak plasma concentrations increased seven-fold and AUC increased three-fold in healthy subjects when halofantrine was administered with high-fat food.

MANAGEMENT: The authors of the study recommend that grapefruit juice be avoided during halofantrine therapy. The manufacturer recommends performing an ECG before initiating halofantrine therapy and cardiac monitoring during and for 8 to 12 hours after completion of therapy. Halofantrine should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

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.