Drug Interactions between Gleevec and ospemifene

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of imatinib with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors such as grapefruit juice, may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of imatinib, a known substrate of CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of imatinib by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Because grapefruit juice inhibits primarily intestinal rather than hepatic CYP450 3A4, the magnitude of interaction is greatest for those drugs that undergo significant presystemic metabolism by CYP450 3A4 (i.e., drugs with low oral bioavailability). 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. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict. In a single-dose study, coadministration of imatinib with ketoconazole (a strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitor) increased imatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 26% and 40%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with imatinib should preferably avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, monitor for prolonged and/or increased pharmacologic effects of imatinib, including edema, hematologic toxicity and immunosuppression.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly enhances the oral bioavailability of ospemifene. In a cross-study comparison, administration of a single 60 mg dose of ospemifene with a high-fat/high-calorie meal (860 kcal) in postmenopausal women increased ospemifene peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 2.3- and 1.7-fold, respectively, compared to administration under fasted condition. Elimination half-life and time to maximum concentration (Tmax) were not altered. In two separate food effect studies where different ospemifene tablet formulations were given to healthy male volunteers, ospemifene Cmax and AUC increased by 2.3- and 1.8-fold, respectively, with a low-fat/low-calorie meal (300 kcal) and 3.6- and 2.7-fold, respectively, with a high-fat/high-calorie meal (860 kcal) relative to fasting.

MANAGEMENT: Ospemifene should be taken once daily with food.