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Interactions between Paclitaxel and Vfend

1 drug interaction and 19 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

PACLitaxel voriconazole

Applies to: paclitaxel and Vfend (voriconazole)
Monitor

Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 2C8 and/or 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of paclitaxel, which has been found in vitro to be a substrate of these isoenzymes. Formal clinical drug interaction studies have not been conducted. However, in a case report involving a 77-year-old woman with HER2-positive invasive ductal breast cancer on long-term amiodarone therapy, 4 cycles of paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 weekly) and trastuzumab led to development of increasing abdominal discomfort and skin lesions and a diagnosis of paclitaxel-induced skin toxicity. Switching to reduced dose docetaxel (100 mg or 75 mg/m2 weekly) led to the development of severe skin and mucosal toxicity, requiring hospitalization 8 days after the first docetaxel dose was administered. Analysis of two blood samples taken 9 and 10 days after docetaxel administration showed an approximately fivefold increase in its AUC as well as the presence of paclitaxel in unquantifiable levels, 20 and 21 days after it was last administered. The authors of this case study propose that, in addition to CYP450 3A4 inhibition, CYP450 2C8 and P-glycoprotein inhibition due to amiodarone may also contribute to the interaction.

Management

Clinicians should consider the potential for interaction with drugs that inhibit CYP450 2C8 and/or 3A4 and monitor for evidence of dose-related toxicities of paclitaxel during coadministration, including diarrhea, mucositis, myelosuppression, and peripheral neuropathy.

References (8)
  1. Spencer CM, Faulds D (1994) "Paclitaxel. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer." Drugs, 48, p. 794-847
  2. Jamis-Dow CA, Klecker RW, Katki AG, Collins JM (1993) "Metabolism of Taxol by human liver microsomes and effect of inhibitors (Meeting abstract)." Proc Annu Meet Am Assoc Cancer Res, 34, a21981993
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Taxol (paclitaxel)." Bristol-Myers Squibb
  4. Bun SS, Ciccolini J, Bun H, Aubert C, Catalin J (2003) "Drug interactions of paclitaxel metabolism in human liver microsomes." J Chemother, 15, p. 266-74
  5. "Product Information. Abraxane (PACLitaxel protein-bound)." American Pharmaceutical Partners
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  7. Bergmann TK, Filppula AM, Launiainen T, Nielsen F, Backman J, Brosen K (2015) "Neurotoxicity and low paclitaxel clearance associated with concomitant clopidogrel therapy in a 60 year old Caucasian woman with ovarian carcinoma." Br J Clin Pharmacol
  8. Starr SP, Hammann F, Gotta V, et al. (2016) "Pharmacokinetic interaction between taxanes and amiodarone leading to severe toxicity." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 450, p. 22-27

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

PACLitaxel Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: paclitaxel
Monitor

Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4, such as grapefruit juice, may increase the plasma concentrations of paclitaxel, which is a substrate of the isoenzyme. Current data suggest that consumption of large quantities of grapefruit juice inhibit both intestinal and hepatic CYP450 3A4 due to certain compounds present in grapefruit. Specific data for paclitaxel are lacking; however, in a case report of a 52-year-old woman with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving a twice weekly chemotherapy regimen including intravenous docetaxel (40 mg/m2) reported that docetaxel systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 65% compared with the AUC target of 1.96 mg*h/L and clearance decreased by 63%, with a 71% reduction in the patient's neutrophil count. In the absence of other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, these effects were attributed to daily consumption of 250 mL of grapefruit juice, which the patient had been consuming for at least 3 months. Two weeks after the patient ceased the grapefruit juice, the docetaxel AUC was closer to the target value and the neutrophil count reduction was less than 35%. In addition, in a pharmacokinetic study consisting of 7 cancer patients, mean dose-normalized docetaxel AUC increased by 2.2-fold and clearance decreased by 49% when intravenous docetaxel was given at a reduced dosage of 10 mg/m2 in combination with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg orally once daily for 3 days) compared to docetaxel administered alone at 100 mg/m2.

Management

Caution is recommended if paclitaxel is to be used in combination with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of paclitaxel toxicity, including diarrhea, mucositis, myelosuppression, and peripheral neuropathy and dose adjustment considered per local treatment protocols.

References (9)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Taxotere (docetaxel)." Rhone Poulenc Rorer
  2. Aronson JK, Grahame-Smith DG (1981) "Clinical pharmacology: adverse drug interactions." Br Med J, 282, p. 288-91
  3. McInnes GT, Brodie MJ (1988) "Drug interactions that matter: a critical reappraisal." Drugs, 36, p. 83-110
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  5. Yong WP, Wang LZ, Tham LS, et al. (2008) "A phase I study of docetaxel with ketoconazole modulation in patients with advanced cancers." Cancer Chemother Pharmacol, 62, p. 243-51
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  7. Engels FK, Mathot RA, Loos WJ, van Schaik RH, Verweij J (2006) "Influence of high-dose ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel." Cancer Biol Ther, 5, p. 833-9
  8. Valenzuela B, Rebollo J, Perez T, Brugarolas A, Perez-Ruixo JJ (2011) "Effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in cancer patients: a case report." Br J Clin Pharmacol
  9. Starr SP, Hammann F, Gotta V, et al. (2016) "Pharmacokinetic interaction between taxanes and amiodarone leading to severe toxicity." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 450, p. 22-27
Moderate:

voriconazole Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Vfend (voriconazole)
Adjust dosing interval

Food reduces the oral absorption and bioavailability of voriconazole. According to the product labeling, administration of multiple doses of voriconazole with high-fat meals decreased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 34% and 24%, respectively, when the drug is administered as a tablet, and by 58% and 37%, respectively, when administered as the oral suspension.

Management

To ensure maximal oral absorption, voriconazole tablets and oral suspension should be taken at least one hour before or after a meal.

References (2)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. VFEND (voriconazole)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals
  2. Wohlt PD, Zheng L, Gunderson S, Balzar SA, Johnson BD, Fish JT (2009) "Recommendations for the use of medications with continuous enteral nutrition." Am J Health Syst Pharm, 66, p. 1438-67

Disease interactions

17 potential interactions Applies to: 15 conditions, including Peripheral Neuropathy, Arrhythmia, Fever, Anaphylaxis, and Lactose Intolerance.

Anaphylaxis

Moderate:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a moderate potential interaction with Anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions characterized by dyspnea and hypotension requiring treatment, angioedema, and generalized urticaria have occurred in patients receiving paclitaxel. It is recommended that all patients should be pretreated with corticosteroids, diphenhydramine, and H2 antagonists. Patients who have developed severe hypersensitivity reactions should not be rechallenged with paclitaxel injection.

Arrhythmia

Major:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Severe conduction abnormalities, some requiring pacemaker placement, have been reported during paclitaxel therapy. Therapy with paclitaxel should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to conduction disorders. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function is recommended during subsequent paclitaxel therapy.

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Some azole antifungals have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Rare cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing experience; such reports usually involved seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors, such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities, and concomitant medications. These drugs should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions, such as congenital/acquired QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy (especially when heart failure is present), sinus bradycardia, and existing symptomatic arrhythmias. Concomitant use with other medications that have potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity should be avoided.

Bleeding Disorder

Major:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a major potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

Paclitaxel induces dose-dependent myelosuppression, primarily affecting neutrophils. Anemia characterized as a red blood cell count <11 g/dl has been reported in 78% of patients administered paclitaxel. Thrombocytopenia is uncommon and rarely severe. Therapy with paclitaxel should be administered cautiously in patients whose bone marrow reserve may be severely depressed and should be withheld when neutrophil counts fall below 1500/mm3 and/or platelet counts fall below 100,000/mm3. Paclitaxel injection should not be used in patients with solid tumors with baseline neutrophil counts less than 1500/mm3 or in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma with baseline neutrophil counts of less than 1000/mm3. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Paclitaxel induces dose-dependent myelosuppression, primarily affecting neutrophils. Anemia characterized as a red blood cell count <11 g/dl has been reported in 78% of patients administered paclitaxel. Thrombocytopenia is uncommon and rarely severe. Therapy with paclitaxel should be administered cautiously in patients whose bone marrow reserve may be severely depressed and should be withheld when neutrophil counts fall below 1500/mm3 and/or platelet counts fall below 100,000/mm3. Paclitaxel injection should not be used in patients with solid tumors with baseline neutrophil counts less than 1500/mm3 or in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma with baseline neutrophil counts of less than 1000/mm3. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Patients with risk factors for acute pancreatitis (e.g., recent chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) should be monitored for the development of pancreatitis during voriconazole therapy.

Cardiomyopathy

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiomyopathy.

Some azole antifungals have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Rare cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing experience; such reports usually involved seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors, such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities, and concomitant medications. These drugs should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions, such as congenital/acquired QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy (especially when heart failure is present), sinus bradycardia, and existing symptomatic arrhythmias. Concomitant use with other medications that have potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity should be avoided.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

Electrolyte disturbances (such as hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia) should be monitored and corrected before and during voriconazole therapy.

Fever

Major:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a major potential interaction with Fever.

Paclitaxel induces dose-dependent myelosuppression, primarily affecting neutrophils. Anemia characterized as a red blood cell count <11 g/dl has been reported in 78% of patients administered paclitaxel. Thrombocytopenia is uncommon and rarely severe. Therapy with paclitaxel should be administered cautiously in patients whose bone marrow reserve may be severely depressed and should be withheld when neutrophil counts fall below 1500/mm3 and/or platelet counts fall below 100,000/mm3. Paclitaxel injection should not be used in patients with solid tumors with baseline neutrophil counts less than 1500/mm3 or in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma with baseline neutrophil counts of less than 1000/mm3. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Galactosemia

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Galactosemia.

Voriconazole tablets contain lactose and should not be given to patients with galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Voriconazole oral suspension contains sucrose.

Infection

Major:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a major potential interaction with Infection.

Because of their cytotoxic effects on rapidly proliferating tissues, antineoplastic agents frequently can, to varying extent, induce myelosuppression. The use of these drugs may be contraindicated in patients with known infectious diseases. All patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting infection such as fever, sore throat, or local infection during antineoplastic therapy. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Lactose Intolerance

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Lactose Intolerance.

Voriconazole tablets contain lactose and should not be given to patients with galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Voriconazole oral suspension contains sucrose.

Liver Disease

Major:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Paclitaxel is extensively metabolized by the liver. Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment may be at increased risk for hepatotoxicity. Additionally, myelotoxicity of paclitaxel may be exacerbated in patients with serum total bilirubin >2 times ULN. Therapy with paclitaxel should be administered cautiously and at a reduced dosage in patients with compromised hepatic function.

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Serious hepatic reactions (including clinical hepatitis, cholestasis, fulminant hepatic failure [including fatalities]) have been reported infrequently during voriconazole therapy. Hepatic reactions have primarily occurred in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (mainly hematological malignancy). Serum transaminase levels and bilirubin should be measured at the start of and during voriconazole therapy, according to the manufacturer product information.

Voriconazole is primarily metabolized by the liver and has been shown to accumulate significantly in patients with impaired hepatic function. Adult patients with baseline liver function tests (ALT, AST) of up to 5 times the upper limit of normal do not require dose adjustments; however, liver function tests should continue to be monitored for further elevations. The manufacturer recommends that the maintenance dose be halved in adult patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction/cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B). Voriconazole has not been studied in adult patients with severe liver dysfunction/cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) or in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C; no dosing recommendations are available for patients with severe liver dysfunction. Voriconazole should only be used in patients with severe liver dysfunction if the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Patients with liver dysfunction must be carefully monitored for drug toxicity. Dosage adjustment has not been established in pediatric patients with liver dysfunction.

Myeloproliferative Disorders

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Myeloproliferative Disorders.

Serious hepatic reactions (including clinical hepatitis, cholestasis, fulminant hepatic failure [including fatalities]) have been reported infrequently during voriconazole therapy. Hepatic reactions have primarily occurred in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (mainly hematological malignancy). Serum transaminase levels and bilirubin should be measured at the start of and during voriconazole therapy, according to the manufacturer product information.

Voriconazole is primarily metabolized by the liver and has been shown to accumulate significantly in patients with impaired hepatic function. Adult patients with baseline liver function tests (ALT, AST) of up to 5 times the upper limit of normal do not require dose adjustments; however, liver function tests should continue to be monitored for further elevations. The manufacturer recommends that the maintenance dose be halved in adult patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction/cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B). Voriconazole has not been studied in adult patients with severe liver dysfunction/cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) or in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C; no dosing recommendations are available for patients with severe liver dysfunction. Voriconazole should only be used in patients with severe liver dysfunction if the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Patients with liver dysfunction must be carefully monitored for drug toxicity. Dosage adjustment has not been established in pediatric patients with liver dysfunction.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Major:

paclitaxel

PACLitaxel has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Dose-dependent peripheral neuropathy has been reported in 60% of patients during paclitaxel therapy. Severe peripheral neuropathy is rare and requires a 20% reduction in dosage of paclitaxel. Therapy with paclitaxel should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to peripheral neuropathy.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Vfend

The voriconazole in Vfend has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The pharmacokinetics of voriconazole are not significantly altered by impaired renal function. However, accumulation of the IV vehicle, sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin sodium (SBECD), occurs in patients with moderate or severe renal dysfunction (CrCl less than 50 mL/min). The mean systemic exposure (AUC) and Cmax of SBECD were increased 4-fold and almost 50%, respectively, in moderately impaired patients compared to controls with normal renal function. The manufacturer recommends that oral voriconazole be used in patients with moderate to severe renal dysfunction, unless after assessing the benefit/risk to the patient, use of IV voriconazole is justified; serum creatinine levels should be monitored closely in these patients, and if increases occur, switching to oral voriconazole should be considered. No dosage adjustment is necessary when using oral voriconazole. Monitoring of renal function (including laboratory evaluation of serum creatinine) is recommended. Dosage adjustment has not been established in pediatric patients with renal dysfunction.

More resources

paclitaxel

A total of 554 drugs are known to interact with paclitaxel.

Vfend

A total of 726 drugs are known to interact with Vfend.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.