Drug Interactions between pemigatinib and vadadustat

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.

MONITOR: Smoking and alcohol consumption during therapy with vadadustat may increase the risk of gastrointestinal erosions. Serious erosions, including gastrointestinal bleeding and the need for red blood cell transfusions, have been reported during vadadustat clinical trials. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal erosion, peptic ulcer disease, and current tobacco smokers and alcohol drinkers may be at higher risk of gastrointestinal injury.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if vadadustat is prescribed to current tobacco smokers or alcohol drinkers. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they develop potential signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal injury such as abdominal pain, hematemesis, trouble swallowing, chest or throat pain, and/or black, tarry stools.