Drug Interactions between repotrectinib and rufinamide

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations and adverse effects of repotrectinib. According to prescribing information, repotrectinib is primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4, and is also a substrate of P-gp 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 repotrectinib and grapefruit juice but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. Drug interaction studies have shown that the administration of repotrectinib with itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 and P-gp inhibitor, increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) of repotrectinib by 1.7-fold and 5.9-fold, respectively. 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 repotrectinib may increase the risk of adverse reactions such as dizziness, fatigue, cognitive disorders, ataxia, dysgeusia, peripheral neuropathy, muscular weakness, and dyspnea as well as more serious adverse effects such as interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, liver transaminase elevations, myalgia with creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation, hyperuricemia, and skeletal fractures.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer advises that concomitant use of repotrectinib with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit should be avoided.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of rufinamide. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of rufinamide. In healthy volunteers, administration of a single 400 mg dose of rufinamide with food resulted in an approximately 56% increase in mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 34% increase in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration during a fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, it is preferable to administer rufinamide with food. Patients receiving rufinamide should be advised to avoid consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how rufinamide affects them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.