Drug Interactions between mirabegron and saquinavir

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly increases the absorption of saquinavir.

MONITOR: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of saquinavir. The primary mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In eight healthy volunteers, ingestion of 400 mL of grapefruit juice prior to administration of a 600 mg dose of saquinavir mesylate increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve and oral bioavailability of saquinavir by 50% and 100%, respectively, compared to water; however, the increase is not considered clinically relevant. A high degree of intersubject variability in the grapefruit juice effect was also observed. The extent to which this interaction may occur with the saquinavir free base soft gelatin capsule is unknown. However, the saquinavir soft gelatin capsule formulation is no longer commercially available.

MANAGEMENT: Saquinavir mesylate should be taken with meals or within 2 hours after eating to enhance bioavailability. Patients should be advised to avoid the consumption of large amounts of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during saquinavir therapy unless otherwise directed by their doctor, as the interaction is unreliable and subject to a high degree of interpatient variation.

Food reduces the oral absorption and bioavailability of mirabegron. According to the product labeling, administration of a 50 mg tablet with a high-fat meal decreased mirabegron peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 45% and 17%, respectively, whereas administration with a low-fat meal decreased mirabegron Cmax and AUC by 75% and 51%, respectively. In phase 3 clinical studies demonstrating both safety and efficacy, mirabegron was administered without regards to food content and intake. Therefore, mirabegron can be taken with or without food at the recommended dosage.