Drug Interaction Report

CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with ethinyl estradiol may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of fezolinetant. The proposed mechanism is ethinyl estradiol-mediated inhibition of CYP450 1A2, which is the primary route of elimination of fezolinetant. In clinical drug interaction studies, coadministration of the potent CYP450 1A2 inhibitor fluvoxamine increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 80% and 840%, respectively. Likewise, the moderate CYP450 1A2 inhibitor, mexiletine, is predicted through physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to increase the Cmax and AUC of fezolinetant by 40% and 360%, respectively. The weak CYP450 1A2 inhibitor cimetidine is also predicted via PBPK to increase the Cmax and AUC of fezolinetant by 30% and 100%, respectively. Data are not available for ethinyl estradiol.

MANAGEMENT: According to the manufacturer, concomitant use of fezolinetant with ethinyl estradiol is considered contraindicated. Therefore, perimenopausal women should be advised against the use of ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptives. According to some authorities, perimenopausal women of childbearing potential should be advised to use effective non-hormonal methods of contraception. Input from a gynecologist or similar expert on adequate contraception, including emergency contraception, should be sought as needed.

CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 such as caffeine may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of fezolinetant, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. The interaction has not been studied with caffeine but has been reported for other CYP450 1A2 inhibitors. Consumption of caffeine-containing food or beverages (e.g., chocolate, coffee, cola drinks, energy drinks, tea) could result in an interaction with fezolinetant. In clinical drug interaction studies, coadministration of the potent CYP450 1A2 inhibitor fluvoxamine increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 80% and 840%, respectively. Likewise, the moderate CYP450 1A2 inhibitor, mexiletine, is predicted through physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to increase the Cmax and AUC of fezolinetant by 40% and 360%, respectively. The weak CYP450 1A2 inhibitor cimetidine is also predicted via PBPK to increase the Cmax and AUC of fezolinetant by 30% and 100%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of fezolinetant with CYP450 1A2 inhibitors such as caffeine, including caffeine-containing food or beverages, is considered contraindicated.

MONITOR: Coadministration of ethinyl estradiol may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are primarily metabolized by CYP450 1A2. In a study of 30 healthy volunteers administered the CYP450 1A2 substrate tizanidine, the systemic exposure (AUC) of tizanidine was 3.9 times greater in women using an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be monitored for increased adverse effects of the CYP450 1A2 substrate during concomitant use with ethinyl estradiol. Product labeling for the specific CYP450 1A2 substrate should be consulted for additional recommendations.

Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the bioavailability of oral estrogens. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of ethinyl estradiol with grapefruit juice (compared to herbal tea) increased peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) by 37% and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 28%. Based on these findings, grapefruit juice is unlikely to affect the overall safety profile of ethinyl estradiol. However, as with other drug interactions involving grapefruit juice, the pharmacokinetic alterations are subject to a high degree of interpatient variability. Also, the effect on other estrogens has not been studied.

The central nervous system effects and blood levels of ethanol may be increased in patients taking oral contraceptives, although data are lacking and reports are contradictory. The mechanism may be due to enzyme inhibition. Consider counseling women about this interaction which is unpredictable.

The central nervous system effects and blood levels of ethanol may be increased in patients taking oral contraceptives, although data are lacking and reports are contradictory. The mechanism may be due to enzyme inhibition. Consider counseling women about this interaction which is unpredictable.