Drug Interactions between Korlym and tasimelteon

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: When mifepristone is used daily to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, it should be taken with food to achieve consistent plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with mifepristone, as it may cause increased adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, adrenal insufficiency, vaginal bleeding, arthralgia, peripheral edema, and hypertension. Because mifepristone is eliminated slowly from the body, the interaction with grapefruit juice may be observed for a prolonged period.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of tasimelteon. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may delay the absorption and onset of action of tasimelteon. According to the product labeling, administration of tasimelteon with a high-fat meal decreased peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 44% and delayed the median time to reach Cmax by approximately 1.75 hours compared to administration in the fasted state.

MONITOR: Smoking induces CYP450 1A2 and may reduce the plasma concentrations of tasimelteon, which is metabolized by the isoenzyme. According to the product labeling, tasimelteon systemic exposure was approximately 40% lower in smokers than in nonsmokers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving tasimelteon should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Tasimelteon should be taken without food. Patients who smoke may have a reduced therapeutic response to tasimelteon.