Interactions between Methylcotolone and Nintedanib

MONITOR: Concomitant use of systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) with alcohol or products containing alcohol may increase gastrointestinal irritation and the risk of ulceration and bleeding. The proposed mechanism has not been fully elucidated but may involve additive mucosal irritation.

MONITOR: Coadministration with grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of systemic corticosteroids. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. 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.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if corticosteroids and alcohol are used together, especially in patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients should be advised to report signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal ulceration and/or bleeding such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and the appearance of black, tarry stools. Patients who regularly consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be monitored for adverse effects and for changes in corticosteroid plasma concentrations.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of nintedanib. After food intake, nintedanib exposure increased by approximately 20% compared to administration under fasted conditions. Absorption was also delayed, as indicated by an increase in the median time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) from 2 hours in the fasted state to approximately 4 hours under fed conditions, irrespective of the type of food ingested. In an in vitro study, mixing nintedanib capsules with a small amount of apple sauce or chocolate pudding for up to 15 minutes did not have any impact on their pharmaceutical quality, but swelling and deformation of the capsules were observed with longer exposure time due to water uptake of the gelatin capsule shell. Therefore, administration with soft food would not be expected to alter the clinical effect of nintedanib when taken immediately.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of nintedanib, which has been shown to be a substrate of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter and a minor substrate of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of both P-gp-mediated efflux in the gut wall as well as CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the intestinal tract by certain compounds present in grapefruit.

MANAGEMENT: Nintedanib should be administered with food to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal effects. Nintedanib capsules may be taken with water or a small amount (teaspoonful) of cold or room temperature soft food, such as apple sauce or chocolate pudding, and must be swallowed whole (unchewed) immediately, to ensure the capsule stays intact. Food containing grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville orange (a citrus relative of the grapefruit), or Seville orange juice should be avoided during treatment with nintedanib.

The immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids, particularly at higher dosages, may reduce resistance to infectious agents, increase the risk of disseminated infections, mask symptoms of infection, and reactivate or exacerbate latent/resolved infections; fatal cases have been reported. Avoid use of corticosteroids in patients with cerebral malaria. Screen patients for active (or history of) infection with tuberculosis, hepatitis, varicella, measles, and amebiasis, especially prior to prolonged treatment. Closely monitor for reactivation of latent infections; chemoprophylaxis may be required. In general, corticosteroids should not be used in patients with active infections, especially systemic fungal infections, unless medically necessary to control drug reactions. However, for corticosteroid-dependent patients who develop a severe or life-threatening infection, continuation of corticosteroid therapy with at least physiologic replacement dosages should be considered, since these patients may have secondary adrenocortical insufficiency. Removal of external steroid during periods of stress may be detrimental to these patients.

The use of certain parenteral formulations of dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone and triamcinolone is considered by the drug manufacturers to be contraindicated in neonates, particularly premature infants and infants of low birth weight. Some formulations of these drugs contain benzyl alcohol which, when used in bacteriostatic saline intravascular flush and endotracheal tube lavage solutions, has been associated with fatalities and severe respiratory and metabolic complications in low-birth-weight premature infants. However, many experts feel that, in the absence of benzyl alcohol-free equivalents, the amount of the preservative present in these formulations should not necessarily preclude their use if they are clearly indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers benzyl alcohol in low doses (such as when used as a preservative in some medications) to be safe for newborns. Continuous infusions of high dosages of medications containing benzyl alcohol may, however, cause toxicity and should be avoided if possible.

Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose level by antagonizing the action and suppressing the secretion of insulin, which results in inhibition of peripheral glucose uptake and increased gluconeogenesis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, or a predisposition to hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be monitored more closely during corticosteroid therapy, and their antidiabetic regimen adjusted accordingly.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of endogenous cortisol and aldosterone. Use of these agents may aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticalism in a dose-dependent manner.

Nintedanib may increase the risk of bleeding. Nintedanib should only be used in patients with known risk of bleeding if the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk. Close monitoring is recommended.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure, the latter of which may lead to glaucoma and/or damage to the optic nerves. Long-term therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure.

Corticosteroids may have enhanced effects on patients with cirrhosis due to decreased metabolism of these agents. Patients with cirrhosis should be monitored more closely for excessive cortisol effects. Dosage adjustments may be required in these patients.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Corticosteroids may aggravate the symptoms of psychosis and emotional instability. Patients with these conditions should be monitored for increased or worsened symptoms during corticosteroid therapy.

Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose level by antagonizing the action and suppressing the secretion of insulin, which results in inhibition of peripheral glucose uptake and increased gluconeogenesis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, or a predisposition to hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be monitored more closely during corticosteroid therapy, and their antidiabetic regimen adjusted accordingly.

Corticosteroids may cause gastrointestinal perforation and hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. They may also mask symptoms of complications such as peritonitis or intraabdominal sepsis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with diverticulitis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection), or recent intestinal anastomoses.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Nintedanib may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation. Use caution when treating patients who have had recent abdominal surgery or history of diverticular disease. It is recommended to discontinue therapy with nintedanib in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation. Nintedanib should only be used in patients with known risk of gastrointestinal perforation if the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk. Care and close monitoring is recommended.

Nintedanib may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation. Use caution when treating patients who have had recent abdominal surgery or history of diverticular disease. It is recommended to discontinue therapy with nintedanib in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation. Nintedanib should only be used in patients with known risk of gastrointestinal perforation if the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk. Care and close monitoring is recommended.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure, the latter of which may lead to glaucoma and/or damage to the optic nerves. Long-term therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure.

Corticosteroids may cause peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. However, even conventional dosages may aggravate symptoms in patients with a history of peptic ulcers. Delayed healing of ulcers has also been reported. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with active or latent peptic ulcers or other risk factors for GI bleeding. Some clinicians recommend the use of prophylactic antacids or H2-antagonists between meals when large doses of corticosteroids are necessary.

Corticosteroids may increase blood coagulability and have rarely been associated with the development of intravascular thrombosis, thromboembolism, and thrombophlebitis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients who have or may be predisposed to thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders.

Arterial thromboembolic events, including myocardial infarction have been reported in patients taking nintedanib. It is recommended to exercise caution when treating patients at higher cardiovascular risk, including known coronary artery disease and to consider treatment interruption in patients who develop signs or symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia.

In patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, the use of pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids may cause a reactivation of the disease. Close monitoring for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis is recommended if corticosteroid therapy is administered to patients with a history of tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis may be considered.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of endogenous cortisol and aldosterone. Use of these agents may aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticalism in a dose-dependent manner.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of endogenous cortisol and aldosterone. Use of these agents may aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticalism in a dose-dependent manner.

Corticosteroids may elevate serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels if used for longer than brief periods. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during prolonged corticosteroid therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Corticosteroids may have enhanced effects in hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolism of these agents. Patients with hypothyroidism should be monitored more closely for excessive cortisol effects. Dosage adjustments may be required secondary to changes in their thyroid condition.

Corticosteroids may cause gastrointestinal perforation and hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. They may also mask symptoms of complications such as peritonitis or intraabdominal sepsis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with diverticulitis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection), or recent intestinal anastomoses.

Arterial thromboembolic events, including myocardial infarction have been reported in patients taking nintedanib. It is recommended to exercise caution when treating patients at higher cardiovascular risk, including known coronary artery disease and to consider treatment interruption in patients who develop signs or symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia.

Corticosteroids are primarily metabolized by the liver and may have enhanced effects in patients with liver disease. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in these patients.

The use of nintedanib is associated with elevations of liver enzymes. Treatment with nintedanib is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Patients with mild hepatic impairment can be treated with a reduced dose of nintedanib. It is recommended to conduct liver function tests prior to treatment with nintedanib and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated. Dosage modifications or interruption may be necessary for liver enzyme elevations as clinically indicated and according to medical practices.

Although corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis to increase muscle strength, these agents should nevertheless be administered with caution in such setting. Patients should be treated in an intensive care unit and receive respiratory support, since muscle strength may markedly decrease initially, particularly with high dosages. Preferably, therapy should begin with relatively low dosages (15 to 25 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent) and be increased stepwise as tolerated (approximately 5 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent at 2- to 3-day intervals until marked clinical improvement or a dosage of 50 mg/day is reached). Improvement may be delayed and gradual. Thus, it is important not to discontinue therapy prematurely.

The use of corticosteroids may be associated with left ventricular free-wall rupture in patients who have had a recent myocardial infarction. Pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids should be administered with great caution in such patients.

Toxic myopathy has been observed with the chronic use or the administration of large doses of corticosteroids, often in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission such as myasthenia gravis or in patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents. Fluorinated corticosteroids such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone appear to cause more severe muscle atrophy and weakness than the nonfluorinated agents. Moreover, multiple-daily doses are more toxic than once-daily or, preferably, alternate-day morning doses. Steroid myopathy is generalized and sometimes accompanied by respiratory weakness and dyspnea. In some cases, it has resulted in quadriparesis. Elevations of creatine kinase (CK) may also occur, albeit infrequently. After withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy, recovery may be slow and incomplete. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy or myoneural disorders since these conditions may confound the diagnosis of steroid-induced myopathy. The presence of a normal serum CK level, minimal/no changes of myopathy on electromyography, and type 2 muscle fiber atrophy on biopsy are helpful in suggesting steroid-induced weakness. If steroid myopathy is suspected, a dosage reduction or discontinuation of the steroid should be considered.

Toxic myopathy has been observed with the chronic use or the administration of large doses of corticosteroids, often in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission such as myasthenia gravis or in patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents. Fluorinated corticosteroids such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone appear to cause more severe muscle atrophy and weakness than the nonfluorinated agents. Moreover, multiple-daily doses are more toxic than once-daily or, preferably, alternate-day morning doses. Steroid myopathy is generalized and sometimes accompanied by respiratory weakness and dyspnea. In some cases, it has resulted in quadriparesis. Elevations of creatine kinase (CK) may also occur, albeit infrequently. After withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy, recovery may be slow and incomplete. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy or myoneural disorders since these conditions may confound the diagnosis of steroid-induced myopathy. The presence of a normal serum CK level, minimal/no changes of myopathy on electromyography, and type 2 muscle fiber atrophy on biopsy are helpful in suggesting steroid-induced weakness. If steroid myopathy is suspected, a dosage reduction or discontinuation of the steroid should be considered.

Pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of the risk of corneal perforation. Corticosteroids are not recommended for patients with active ocular herpes simplex.

Corticosteroids reduce osteoblastic function and inhibit the absorption of intestinal calcium, which can result in bone resorption and bone loss during prolonged therapy. In addition, bone matrix may be affected by the protein-catabolic effects of corticosteroids, especially when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods, leading to aseptic necrosis and fractures. Long-term or high-dose corticosteroid therapy should be administered cautiously and only if necessary in patients with or at risk for osteoporosis. Adverse skeletal effects may be minimized by alternate-day or intermittent administration. Any patient receiving prolonged therapy with the equivalent of 7.5 mg prednisone/day or more are at risk for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and should be managed according to The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines.

Corticosteroids may cause peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. However, even conventional dosages may aggravate symptoms in patients with a history of peptic ulcers. Delayed healing of ulcers has also been reported. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with active or latent peptic ulcers or other risk factors for GI bleeding. Some clinicians recommend the use of prophylactic antacids or H2-antagonists between meals when large doses of corticosteroids are necessary.

The use of corticosteroids may be associated with left ventricular free-wall rupture in patients who have had a recent myocardial infarction. Pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids should be administered with great caution in such patients.

Corticosteroids may aggravate the symptoms of psychosis and emotional instability. Patients with these conditions should be monitored for increased or worsened symptoms during corticosteroid therapy.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Based on a population pharmacokinetics analysis of nintedanib, exposure to nintedanib is not influenced by mild or moderate renal impairment. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Care and close monitoring is recommended when using this agent in patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease as the safety, efficacy, and, pharmacokinetics of nintedanib have not been studied these patients.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Smoking is associated with decreased exposure to nintedanib. Patients that are smokers might alter the efficacy profile of nintedanib. Encourage patients that are smokers to stop smoking prior to treatment because it might alter the efficacy profile of nintedanib and to avoid smoking while on therapy.

Unlike most helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis has the ability to replicate in the human host. In patients with strongyloidiasis, the use of pharmacologic or immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids may result in Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered with extreme caution, if at all, in these patients. For patients on corticosteroids who develop known or suspected Strongyloides infestation, withdrawal of corticosteroids or reduction of the dose of corticosteroids is recommended.

In patients with scleroderma, corticosteroids may precipitate renal crisis with malignant hypertension, possibly via steroid-induced increases in renin substrate and angiotensin II levels and decreases in vasodilator prostaglandin production. Renal failure may ensue. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with scleroderma. In addition, they should be limited to short-term use.

Arterial thromboembolic events, including myocardial infarction have been reported in patients taking nintedanib. It is recommended to exercise caution when treating patients at higher cardiovascular risk, including known coronary artery disease and to consider treatment interruption in patients who develop signs or symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia.

Corticosteroids may increase blood coagulability and have rarely been associated with the development of intravascular thrombosis, thromboembolism, and thrombophlebitis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients who have or may be predisposed to thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders.

In patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, the use of pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids may cause a reactivation of the disease. Close monitoring for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis is recommended if corticosteroid therapy is administered to patients with a history of tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis may be considered.

Corticosteroids may cause gastrointestinal perforation and hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. They may also mask symptoms of complications such as peritonitis or intraabdominal sepsis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with diverticulitis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection), or recent intestinal anastomoses.