Drug Interactions between fezolinetant and interferon beta-1b

CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 such as caffeine may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of fezolinetant, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. The interaction has not been studied with caffeine but has been reported for other CYP450 1A2 inhibitors. Consumption of caffeine-containing food or beverages (e.g., chocolate, coffee, cola drinks, energy drinks, tea) could result in an interaction with fezolinetant. In clinical drug interaction studies, fezolinetant was coadministered with fluvoxamine, mexiletine, and cimetidine (potent, moderate, and weak CYP450 1A2 inhibitors, respectively). Fezolinetant peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased by 80%, 40%, and 30%, respectively, while its systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 840%, 360%, and 100%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of fezolinetant with CYP450 1A2 inhibitors such as caffeine, including caffeine-containing food or beverages, is considered contraindicated.

MONITOR: Coadministration of beta interferons with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Use of beta interferons has been associated with rare cases of liver injury, including autoimmune hepatitis and severe liver damage leading to hepatic failure, some of which required transplantation. In some cases, these events have occurred in the presence of other drugs that have been associated with hepatic injury. Symptoms of liver dysfunction typically began from 1 to 6 months following the initiation of therapy. Asymptomatic elevation of hepatic transaminases (particularly SGPT) have also been reported but is common with interferon therapy.

MANAGEMENT: The risk of hepatic injury should be considered when beta interferons are used with other potentially hepatotoxic agents (e.g., acetaminophen; alcohol; androgens and anabolic steroids; antituberculous agents; azole antifungal agents; ACE inhibitors; cyclosporine (high dosages); disulfiram; endothelin receptor antagonists; other interferons; ketolide and macrolide antibiotics; kinase inhibitors; minocycline; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; proteasome inhibitors; retinoids; sulfonamides; tamoxifen; thiazolidinediones; tolvaptan; vincristine; zileuton; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, felbamate, and valproic acid; lipid-lowering medications such as fenofibrate, lomitapide, mipomersen, niacin, and statins; herbals and nutritional supplements such as black cohosh, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, kava, pennyroyal oil, and red yeast rice). Liver function tests should be monitored at regular intervals and the interferon dosage reduced if SGPT rises above 5 times the upper limit of normal. The dosage may be gradually re-escalated when enzyme levels return to normal. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, itching, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, malaise, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice. If liver injury is suspected, interferon therapy should be promptly discontinued due to the potential for rapid progression to liver failure.