Drug Interactions between lapatinib and naproxen

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.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

MONITOR: Smoking cessation may lead to elevated plasma concentrations and enhanced pharmacologic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 (and possibly CYP450 1A1) and/or certain drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., flecainide, pentazocine). One proposed mechanism is related to the loss of CYP450 1A2 and 1A1 induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke; when smoking cessation agents are initiated and smoking stops, the metabolism of certain drugs may decrease leading to increased plasma concentrations. The mechanism by which smoking cessation affects narrow therapeutic index drugs that are not known substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 is unknown. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown as clinical data are lacking.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, caution is advisable if smoking cessation agents are used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 and/or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Patients receiving smoking cessation agents may require periodic dose adjustments and closer clinical and laboratory monitoring of medications that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1.