Drug Interactions between Halfan and mavorixafor

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentration of halofantrine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. After administration of 500 mg with 250 mL regular-strength grapefruit juice daily for 3 days, average halofantrine AUC increased 2.8-fold and peak plasma concentrations increased 3.2-fold, compared to water, in healthy subjects (n=12). QT interval prolongation increased from an average of 17 ms with water to 31 ms with grapefruit juice. Halofantrine, even at recommended doses, can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval, resulting in an elevated risk of potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The presence of food may increase the absorption and toxicity of halofantrine. Peak plasma concentrations increased seven-fold and AUC increased three-fold in healthy subjects when halofantrine was administered with high-fat food.

MANAGEMENT: The authors of the study recommend that grapefruit juice be avoided during halofantrine therapy. The manufacturer recommends performing an ECG before initiating halofantrine therapy and cardiac monitoring during and for 8 to 12 hours after completion of therapy. Halofantrine should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit products may significantly increase the plasma concentrations and effects of mavorixafor, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. A study examining mavorixafor in combination with the strong CYP450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitor, itraconazole, suggests an increase in mavorixafor's systemic exposure (AUC) of approximately 2-fold. Clinical data with grapefruit products are not available. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit are subject to a high degree of interpatient variability and can also be affected by the product and amount consumed; therefore, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict. Additionally, since mavorixafor is associated with concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval, increased levels may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly reduce the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) of mavorixafor. When a single-dose of mavorixafor (400 mg) was administered with a high-fat meal (1000 calories, 50% fat) to healthy subjects, the Cmax and AUC decreased by 66% and 55%, respectively. Similarly, when the same dose was given with a low-fat meal (500 calories, 25% fat) to healthy subjects, mavorixafor's Cmax and AUC decreased by 55% and 51%, respectively. Additionally, a single dose of mavorixafor (400 mg) administered with a low-fat meal to healthy subjects following an overnight fast resulted in a 14% higher Cmax and an 18% lower AUC than those obtained from subjects who fasted for an additional 4 hours after the dose.

MANAGEMENT: Mavorixafor should be taken on an empty stomach after an overnight fast, 30 minutes before food. Patients should be advised to avoid eating or drinking products containing grapefruit, as this could increase the risk of experiencing adverse effects from mavorixafor such as QT prolongation.