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exposure to the CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 substrate should be considered whenever vadadustat is added to or withdrawn from therapy.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.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: When mifepristone is used daily to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, it should be taken with food to achieve consistent plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with mifepristone, as it may cause increased adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, adrenal insufficiency, vaginal bleeding, arthralgia, peripheral edema, and hypertension. Because mifepristone is eliminated slowly from the body, the interaction with grapefruit juice may be observed for a prolonged period.

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.