Drug Interactions between selumetinib and sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of selumetinib, which undergoes metabolism primarily by CYP450 3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP450 2C19, 1A2, 2C9, 2E1 and 3A5, as well as glucuronidation by UGT1A1 and UGT1A3. 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 coadministered with itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, selumetinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 19% and 49%, respectively. When coadministered with fluconazole, a potent CYP450 2C19 and moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, selumetinib Cmax and AUC increased by 26% and 53%, respectively. Concomitant use of erythromycin, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, is predicted to increase selumetinib Cmax and AUC by 23% and 41%, 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 selumetinib may increase the risk and/or severity of serious adverse effects such as cardiomyopathy (decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction by 10% or more below baseline), ocular toxicity (blurred vision, photophobia, cataracts, ocular hypertension, retinal pigment epithelial detachment, retinal vein occlusion), gastrointestinal toxicity (diarrhea, colitis), skin toxicity (dermatitis acneiform, maculopapular rash, eczema), and musculoskeletal toxicity (creatine phosphokinase elevations, myalgia, rhabdomyolysis).

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with selumetinib.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Coadministration with a high-fat meal may reduce the rate and extent of absorption of sodium phenylbutyrate. When a single 3 g-1 g dose of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (sodium phenylbutyrate-ursodoxicoltaurine) was administered to healthy volunteers in the presence of a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 800 to 1000 calories; 500 to 600 calories from fat, 250 calories from carbohydrate, 150 calories from protein), sodium phenylbutyrate peak plasma concentration (Cmax) decreased by 75% and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 55%. The Cmax for taurursodiol was not significantly affected, but AUC was increased by 46%. The clinical significance of these changes has not been established. In premarketing studies, patients were advised to take the drug before a meal.

MANAGEMENT: The prescribing information recommends administration of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol before a meal or snack, particularly in patients of low body weight (less than 70 kg).