Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with vadadustat may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 isoenzymes. Vadadustat is an inhibitor of CYP450 3A4 and CYP450 2C8 in vitro. However, clinical data are not available.

MANAGEMENT: Some authorities recommend using caution when vadadustat is used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8, particularly sensitive substrates or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of increased exposure to the CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 substrate should be considered whenever vadadustat is added to or withdrawn from therapy. The prescribing information for concomitant medications may be consulted to assess the benefits versus risks of coadministration, as well as any dosage adjustments that may be required during coadministration and/or following the discontinuation of a CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 inhibitor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentration of halofantrine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. After administration of 500 mg with 250 mL regular-strength grapefruit juice daily for 3 days, average halofantrine AUC increased 2.8-fold and peak plasma concentrations increased 3.2-fold, compared to water, in healthy subjects (n=12). QT interval prolongation increased from an average of 17 ms with water to 31 ms with grapefruit juice. Halofantrine, even at recommended doses, can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval, resulting in an elevated risk of potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The presence of food may increase the absorption and toxicity of halofantrine. Peak plasma concentrations increased seven-fold and AUC increased three-fold in healthy subjects when halofantrine was administered with high-fat food.

MANAGEMENT: The authors of the study recommend that grapefruit juice be avoided during halofantrine therapy. The manufacturer recommends performing an ECG before initiating halofantrine therapy and cardiac monitoring during and for 8 to 12 hours after completion of therapy. Halofantrine should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

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.