Drug Interactions between olaparib and propafenone

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of olaparib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In a drug interaction study with 57 patients, mean olaparib systemic exposure (AUC) was increased approximately 2.7-fold by the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor itraconazole. Simulations using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models suggest that a moderate inhibitor (fluconazole) may increase the AUC of olaparib by 2.2-fold. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice. 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. Increased exposure to olaparib may increase the risk of adverse effects such as hematologic toxicity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain or discomfort.

MANAGEMENT: Food containing grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville orange (a citrus relative of the grapefruit), or Seville orange juice should be avoided during treatment with olaparib. Some authorities also recommend avoiding starfruit (carambola) and pomegranate.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of propafenone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. In over 90% of patients, propafenone is rapidly and extensively converted to 2 active metabolites: 5-hydroxypropafenone via CYP450 2D6 and N-depropylpropafenone (norpropafenone) via CYP450 3A4 and 1A2. In less than 10% of patients (approximately 6% of Caucasians in the U.S. population), however, metabolism of propafenone is slower because the 5-hydroxy metabolite is not formed, or minimally formed, due to a genetic deficiency in CYP450 2D6. In these poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6, clearance of propafenone via the CYP450 3A4 and 1A2 metabolic pathways becomes more important, and inhibition of these pathways may substantially increase systemic exposure to propafenone. Likewise, patients taking concomitant inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 and 3A4 may experience similar pharmacokinetic effects. 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. Increased systemic exposure to propafenone may result in proarrhythmic events and exaggerated beta-adrenergic blocking activity.

MANAGEMENT: It may be advisable for patients to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with propafenone.