Drug Interactions between Quinidex Extentabs and selpercatinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of selpercatinib. 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 a single dose of selpercatinib (160 mg) was coadministered with multiple doses of itraconazole (200 mg once daily), a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, selpercatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 30% and 133%, respectively. Based on pharmacokinetic modeling, administration of multiple doses of selpercatinib (160 mg twice daily) with multiple doses of the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors diltiazem (60 mg three times daily), fluconazole (200 mg once daily), or verapamil (80 mg three times daily) is predicted to increase selpercatinib Cmax by 46% to 76% and AUC by 60% to 99%. 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 selpercatinib may increase the risk of serious adverse effects such as QT interval prolongation, liver transaminase and bilirubin elevations, hypertension, hemorrhage, edema, and hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., fever, rash, arthralgias/myalgias with concurrent decreased platelets or transaminitis).

MANAGEMENT: Until further information is available, it may be advisable for patients to limit or avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with selpercatinib.

GENERALLY AVOID: In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of quinidine with grapefruit juice (compared to water) to healthy volunteers significantly prolonged the time to reach peak plasma quinidine concentrations and decreased the plasma concentrations of its major metabolite, 3-hydroxyquinidine. These changes were associated pharmacodynamically with both a delay and a reduction in the maximal effect on QTc interval. The proposed mechanism is delay of gastric emptying as well as inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Given the drug's narrow therapeutic index, patients receiving quinidine therapy should avoid the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels.