Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Cobicistat may increase the plasma concentrations of antiretroviral agents. The plasma concentrations of cobicistat may also be increased or reduced in the presence of antiretroviral agents. The proposed mechanism is cobicistat inhibition of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme, of which antiretroviral agents may be substrates, and the inhibition or induction of CYP450 3A4 by concomitant antiretroviral medications. Cobicistat is a mechanism-based inhibitor and substrate of CYP450 3A4 with no antiretroviral activity of its own. Rather, it is indicated in its capacity as a pharmacokinetic booster of CYP450 3A4 to increase the systemic exposure of some antiretroviral medications such as atazanavir, darunavir, and elvitegravir, which are substrates of this isoenzyme. Concomitant use of other antiretroviral agents with cobicistat may also increase the plasma levels and risk of side effects associated with these medicines. In contrast, concomitant use of cobicistat-boosted atazanavir or darunavir with CYP450 3A4 inducers nevirapine, etravirine, or efavirenz may reduce the plasma concentrations of cobicistat, darunavir, and atazanavir, leading to a potential loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance to darunavir and atazanavir. Pharmacokinetic data are not available.

MANAGEMENT: Cobicistat is not intended for use with more than one antiretroviral medication that requires pharmacokinetic enhancement, such as two protease inhibitors or elvitegravir in combination with a protease inhibitor. In addition, cobicistat should not be used concomitantly with ritonavir due to their similar effects on CYP450 3A4. According to some authorities, use of the antiretroviral combinations of atazanavir-cobicistat or darunavir-cobicistat concomitantly with the CYP450 3A4 inducers efavirenz, etravirine, or nevirapine is also not recommended. Other authorities consider the administration of atazanavir-cobicistat with efavirenz or nevirapine to be contraindicated. Since dosing recommendations have only been established for a number of antiretroviral medications, product labeling and current antiretroviral treatment guidelines should be consulted.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may reduce the systemic bioavailability of amprenavir from fosamprenavir oral suspension. The mechanism of interaction has not been described. According to the product labeling, administration of fosamprenavir oral suspension (1400 mg single dose) with a high-fat meal (967 kcal, 67 g fat, 33 g protein, 58 g carbohydrate) reduced amprenavir peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 46% and systemic exposure (AUC) by 28% compared to administration in a fasted state. The time to reach peak plasma level (Tmax) was delayed by 0.72 hours. In contrast, the same high-fat meal did not affect the pharmacokinetics of amprenavir from fosamprenavir tablets.

MANAGEMENT: Fosamprenavir suspension should be administered on an empty stomach in adults, but with food in pediatric patients to aid palatability and compliance. If emesis occurs within 30 minutes after dosing the suspension, the dose should be repeated. Fosamprenavir tablets may be taken with or without food.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the absorption and oral bioavailability of darunavir administered in combination with low-dose ritonavir. The mechanism is unknown. When administered with food, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of darunavir were approximately 30% higher than when administered in the fasting state. Darunavir exposure was similar for the range of meals studied. The total caloric content of the various meals evaluated ranged from 240 Kcal (12 grams fat) to 928 Kcal (56 grams fat).

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, darunavir coadministered with ritonavir should be taken with food. The type of food is not important.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'protease inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'protease inhibitors' category:

• fosamprenavir
• Prezcobix (cobicistat / darunavir)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.