Bendeka and Alcohol/Food Interactions

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 may increase the plasma concentrations of bendamustine, which has been shown in vitro to be metabolized by the isoenzyme.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if bendamustine is used in combination with CYP450 1A2 inhibitors. Close monitoring for toxicity (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, infections, bleeding complications) is recommended, and the bendamustine dosage adjusted as necessary.

MONITOR: Smoking cessation may lead to elevated plasma concentrations and enhanced pharmacologic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 (and possibly CYP450 1A1) and/or certain drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., flecainide, pentazocine). One proposed mechanism is related to the loss of CYP450 1A2 and 1A1 induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke; when smoking cessation agents are initiated and smoking stops, the metabolism of certain drugs may decrease leading to increased plasma concentrations. The mechanism by which smoking cessation affects narrow therapeutic index drugs that are not known substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 is unknown. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown as clinical data are lacking.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, caution is advisable if smoking cessation agents are used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 and/or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Patients receiving smoking cessation agents may require periodic dose adjustments and closer clinical and laboratory monitoring of medications that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1.