Drug Interactions between Femcet and Tarceva

GENERALLY AVOID: Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, which has included rare cases of fatal hepatitis and frank hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. The proposed mechanism is induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes during chronic alcohol use, which may result in accelerated metabolism of acetaminophen and increased production of potentially hepatotoxic metabolites.

MANAGEMENT: In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid regular or excessive use of acetaminophen. Alternative analgesic/antipyretic therapy may be appropriate in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day. However, if acetaminophen is used, these patients should be cautioned not to exceed the recommended dosage (maximum 4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older).

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GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent acute use of barbiturates and ethanol may result in additive CNS effects, including impaired coordination, sedation, and death. Tolerance of these agents may occur with chronic use. The mechanism is related to inhibition of microsomal enzymes acutely and induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes chronically.

MANAGEMENT: The combination of ethanol and barbiturates should be avoided.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of erlotinib. 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 ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor that increased erlotinib systemic exposure (AUC) by 67%. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (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.

GENERALLY AVOID: Cigarette smoking reduces erlotinib exposure due to induction of hepatic CYP450 1A2, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolic clearance of erlotinib. Induction of CYP450 1A1 in the lungs may also contribute. In one pharmacokinetic study of healthy subjects given a single 150 mg dose of erlotinib, mean erlotinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and plasma concentration at 24 hours were decreased by 35%, 64% and 88%, respectively, in current smokers compared to former/never smokers. Likewise, in a phase 3 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trial, the steady-state trough plasma concentrations of erlotinib in current smokers were approximately 2-fold less than in former/never smokers, accompanied by a 24% increase in apparent erlotinib plasma clearance. In a phase 1 dose-escalation study that analyzed the steady-state pharmacokinetics of erlotinib in current smokers with NSCLC, there was a dose-proportional increase in erlotinib exposure when the dose was increased from 150 mg to 300 mg, the maximum tolerated dose in the study population. Median steady-state trough plasma concentration at the 300 mg dose was approximately 3-fold higher than at the 150 mg dose. The clinical impact of smoking on erlotinib efficacy has not been studied.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral absorption of erlotinib. According to the product labeling, administration with food increased the oral bioavailability of erlotinib from approximately 60% to almost 100% compared to administration in the fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: Consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided or limited during treatment with erlotinib. Patients who currently smoke cigarettes are advised to stop smoking as soon as possible. If cigarette smoking is continued while taking erlotinib, the manufacturer recommends increasing the dosage of erlotinib by 50 mg increments at 2-week intervals up to a maximum of 300 mg as tolerated. However, the efficacy and long-term safety of dosages higher than 150 mg daily have not been established. Data from a double-blind, randomized phase 3 study (MO22162, CURRENTS) demonstrated no benefit in progression free survival or overall survival with an erlotinib dosage of 300 mg daily relative to the recommended dosage of 150 mg daily in active smokers (average of 38 pack years) with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have failed chemotherapy, although patients in the study were not selected based on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status. Safety data were comparable between the two dosages, but a numerical increase in the incidence of rash, interstitial lung disease and diarrhea was observed with the higher dosage. Patients who have received a dosage increase should immediately revert to the recommended dosage of 150 mg or 100 mg once daily (depending on indication) upon cessation of smoking. Erlotinib should be administered on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food.

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The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

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