Drug Interactions between pemigatinib and Phenytoin Sodium, Extended Release

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of pemigatinib, which is primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4 in vitro. 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. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. When itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, was administered following a single oral pemigatinib dose of 4.5 mg, pemigatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 17% and 88%, respectively. Concomitant use of moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors is predicted to increase pemigatinib exposure by approximately 50% to 80%. 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 pemigatinib may increase the incidence and severity of serious adverse reactions such as hyperphosphatemia (which can cause precipitation of calcium-phosphate crystals over time that can lead to hypocalcemia, soft tissue mineralization such as cutaneous calcification and calcinosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, anemia, muscle cramps, seizures, QT prolongation, and arrhythmias), serous retinal detachment (which may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, visual floaters, or photopsia), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (hand-foot syndrome), arthralgia, stomatitis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Pemigatinib pharmacokinetics were not significantly affected by coadministration of a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 1000 calories; 500 to 600 calories from fat).

MANAGEMENT: Pemigatinib may be administered with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit extract during treatment with pemigatinib.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Phenytoin bioavailability may decrease to subtherapeutic levels when the suspension is given concomitantly with enteral feedings. The mechanism may be related to phenytoin binding to substances in the enteral formula (e.g., calcium, protein) and/or binding to the tube lumen. Data have been conflicting and some studies have reported no changes in phenytoin levels, while others have reported significant reductions.

MONITOR: Acute consumption of alcohol may increase plasma phenytoin levels. Chronic consumption of alcohol may decrease plasma phenytoin levels. The mechanism of this interaction is related to induction of phenytoin metabolism by ethanol during chronic administration. Other hydantoin derivatives may be similarly affected by ethanol.

MANAGEMENT: Some experts have recommended interrupting the feeding for 2 hours before and after the phenytoin dose, giving the phenytoin suspension diluted in water, and flushing the tube with water after administration; however, this method may not entirely avoid the interaction and is not always clinically feasible. Patients should be closely monitored for clinical and laboratory evidence of altered phenytoin efficacy and levels upon initiation and discontinuation of enteral feedings. Dosage adjustments or intravenous administration may be required until therapeutic serum levels are obtained. In addition, patients receiving phenytoin therapy should be warned about the interaction between phenytoin and ethanol and they should be advised to notify their physician if they experience worsening of seizure control or symptoms of toxicity, including drowsiness, visual disturbances, change in mental status, nausea, or ataxia.