Drug Interactions between ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and odevixibat

MONITOR: Odevixibat may affect absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (FSV) including vitamin A, D, E, and K. In clinical studies, new onset or worsening of existing FSV deficiency was reported in 5% of placebo-treated patients, and in 16% of odevixibat-treated 120 mcg/kg/day patients. However, none of the odevixibat-treated 40 mcg/kg/day patients had new onset or worsening of existing FSV deficiency.

MANAGEMENT: Clinical and laboratory monitoring of FSV levels is recommended at baseline and during treatment with odevixibat. If FSV deficiency is diagnosed, supplement with FSV. Odevixibat should be discontinued if FSV deficiency persists or worsens despite adequate FSV supplementation.

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.