Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The safety and efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (rhG-CSF) administered simultaneously with cytotoxic agents, including cancer chemotherapy, have not been established. Theoretical concerns exist regarding their concomitant administration because hematopoietic growth factors stimulate myeloid cell proliferation while antineoplastic agents primarily target rapidly dividing cells.

MANAGEMENT: The prescribing information for pegfilgrastim, eflapegrastim, and efbemalenograstim alfa recommends that these products not be administered between 14 days before and 24 hours after antineoplastic agents.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may enhance the oral bioavailability of bexarotene. In one clinical study, bexarotene peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) resulting from a 75 to 300 mg dose were 35% and 48% higher, respectively, when administered after a fat-containing meal relative to a glucose solution. In all clinical trials, patients were instructed to take bexarotene with or immediately following a meal.

Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 such as grapefruit juice may theoretically increase the plasma concentrations of bexarotene. In vitro studies suggest that bexarotene is metabolized by CYP450 3A4. However, concomitant administration with multiple doses of ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, did not alter bexarotene plasma concentrations, which would imply that bexarotene elimination is not substantially dependent on CYP450 3A4 metabolism in vivo.

MANAGEMENT: Because safety and efficacy data are based upon administration with food, bexarotene should be administered once daily with a meal. Patients may want to avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.