Drug Interactions between posaconazole and zanubrutinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and/or grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of zanubrutinib. 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 zanubrutinib was coadministered with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor itraconazole (200 mg once daily), zanubrutinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased 157% and 278%, respectively, in healthy volunteers. Data evaluating coadministration of zanubrutinib, in patients with B-cell lymphoma, and several other known CYP450 3A4 inhibitors have been reported. When zanubrutinib was coadministered with another CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, clarithromycin (250 mg twice daily), zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC increased 101% and 92%, respectively. The moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor diltiazem (180 mg once daily) increased both zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC increased by 62%. Another moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, fluconazole (400 mg once daily), increased zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC 81% and 88%, respectively. Clinical data for less potent inhibitors are not available. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (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 zanubrutinib exposure may potentiate the risk of toxicities such as hemorrhage, infection, cytopenias, malignancies, and serious cardiac arrhythmias, primarily atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Food does not affect the oral bioavailability of zanubrutinib. No clinically significant differences in zanubrutinib Cmax or AUC were observed following administration of a high-fat meal (approximately 1000 calories; 50% from fat) in healthy subjects.

MANAGEMENT: Zanubrutinib may be administered with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges (a citrus relative of the grapefruit), and Seville orange juice during treatment with zanubrutinib. Close clinical monitoring for development of zanubrutinib-related toxicities, dosage adjustments, and/or withholding treatment in accordance with product labeling is advised. Additional consultation with individual package labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly increases the absorption of posaconazole from the oral suspension but only modestly from the delayed-release tablet. Following single-dose administration, posaconazole mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) are approximately 2.5 to 3 times higher when the oral suspension is given with a nonfat meal or a nutritional supplement (14 grams of fat) than when given under fasting conditions, and approximately 3.5 to 4 times higher when given during or 20 minutes after a high-fat meal (50 grams of fat) than under fasting conditions. Acidic beverages may also increase posaconazole absorption. In 12 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 400 mg dose of posaconazole suspension with 12 ounces of ginger ale increased posaconazole Cmax by 92% and AUC by 70% compared to administration after fasting. In contrast, the Cmax and AUC of posaconazole increased by just 16% and 51%, respectively, when posaconazole tablets were given as a single 300 mg dose to healthy volunteers after a high-fat meal relative to a fasted state.

GENERALLY AVOID Concomitant use of alcohol and posaconazole administered in the form of delayed-release oral suspension may lead to a faster release of posaconazole. An in vitro dissolution study determined a potential for alcohol-induced dose-dumping with the delayed-release oral suspension of posaconazole.

MONITOR: In 5 study subjects, posaconazole Cmax decreased by 27% to 53% and AUC decreased by 33% to 51% when the oral suspension was administered via a nasogastric tube as opposed to orally.

MANAGEMENT: Posaconazole tablets should be taken with food, whereas posaconazole oral suspension should be administered during or immediately (i.e., within 20 minutes) following a full meal to enhance bioavailability. Patients who cannot eat a full meal should take the suspension with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage such as ginger ale. In patients who cannot eat a full meal or tolerate an oral nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage and who do not have the option of taking another formulation of posaconazole, alternative antifungal therapy should be considered; otherwise, monitor patients closely for breakthrough fungal infections. Patients receiving posaconazole via a nasogastric tube should also be closely monitored due to increased risk of treatment failure associated with lower plasma exposure. Administration of alcohol with posaconazole from the delayed-release oral suspension formulation is not recommended.