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Drug Interactions between gefitinib and lapatinib

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

gefitinib lapatinib

Applies to: gefitinib and lapatinib

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of gefitinib, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. According to the product labeling, administration of gefitinib (250 mg single dose) with the potent inhibitor itraconazole (200 mg once a day for 12 days) increased the mean gefitinib systemic exposure (AUC) by 88% in healthy male volunteers. This increase may be clinically significant, as adverse events of gefitinib are related to dose and exposure.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if gefitinib is administered with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, particularly potent ones like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, conivaptan, idelalisib, nefazodone, cobicistat, delavirdine, and most protease inhibitors. Pharmacologic response to gefitinib should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the dosage adjusted as necessary. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience possible symptoms of gefitinib toxicity such as severe diarrhea, nausea, dyspnea, cough, and fever.

References (2)
  1. (2003) "Product Information. Iressa (gefitinib)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
  2. Li J, Zhao M, He P, Hidalgo M, Baker SD (2007) "Differential metabolism of gefitinib and erlotinib by human cytochrome p450 enzymes." Clin Cancer Res, 13, p. 3731-7

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

lapatinib food

Applies to: lapatinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of lapatinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food can significantly increase the oral bioavailability of lapatinib. According to the manufacturer, lapatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was approximately 2.5- and 3-fold higher and systemic exposure (AUC) 3- and 4-fold higher when administered with a low fat meal (5% fat; 500 calories) or with a high-fat meal (50% fat; 1000 calories), respectively, compared to fasting. Dividing the daily dose also resulted in an approximately 2-fold higher systemic exposure at steady state compared to the same total dose administered once daily.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with lapatinib should preferably avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. The manufacturer recommends that lapatinib be administered at least one hour before or one hour after a meal. The lapatinib dose is administered once daily and should not be divided.

References (1)
  1. (2007) "Product Information. Tykerb (lapatinib)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Egfr inhibitors

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'EGFR inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'EGFR inhibitors' category:

  • gefitinib
  • lapatinib

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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