Drug Interactions between ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and mavacamten

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of mavacamten. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. According to the prescribing information, mavacamten is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2C19 (74%) and to a lesser extent by CYP450 3A4 (18%) and 2C9 (8%). When mavacamten (25 mg) was coadministered with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor verapamil (sustained-release 240 mg) in intermediate and normal metabolizers of CYP450 2C19, mavacamten systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 15% and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased by 52%. Concomitant use of mavacamten with diltiazem, another moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, in CYP450 2C19 poor metabolizers is predicted to increase mavacamten AUC and Cmax by up to 55% and 42%, respectively. Concomitant use of mavacamten (15 mg) with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg once daily) is predicted to increase mavacamten AUC and Cmax by up to 130% and 90%, respectively. Because mavacamten reduces systolic contraction and left ventricular ejection fraction, increased exposure may potentiate the risk of heart failure. 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.

Food does not affect the extent of absorption of mavacamten. No clinically significant difference in mavacamten exposure was observed following administration with a high-fat meal. However, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) was increased by 4 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Mavacamten may be administered with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with mavacamten.

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.