Drug Interactions between telaprevir and vadadustat

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly enhances the oral bioavailability of telaprevir. When given with a meal containing 533 kcal and 21 g fat, telaprevir systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 237% compared to administration under fasting conditions. The type of meal also affects the exposure to telaprevir. Relative to fasting, telaprevir AUC increased by approximately 117% with a low-fat meal (249 kcal; 3.6 g fat) and 330% with a high-fat meal (928 kcal; 56 g fat). In Phase 3 clinical trials, telaprevir doses were administered within 30 minutes of completing a meal or snack containing approximately 20 grams of fat.

MANAGEMENT: Telaprevir should be administered with food containing approximately 20 grams of fat. Patients should be advised that the fat content of the meal or snack is critical to the absorption of telaprevir. Food taken with telaprevir should be ingested within 30 minutes prior to each dose. Examples of some foods that could be taken with telaprevir include: bagel with cream cheese; half cup of nuts; 3 tablespoons of peanut butter; 1 cup of ice cream; 2 ounces of American or cheddar cheese; 2 ounces of potato chips; or half cup of trail mix.

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.