Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with lenacapavir may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme. According to the manufacturer, lenacapavir is a moderate inhibitor of CYP450 3A4 and due to its long half-life after subcutaneous administration, it may increase the exposure to and risk of adverse reactions to drugs primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4 that are initiated within 9 months after the last subcutaneous lenacapavir dose. In pharmacokinetic studies in fed subjects without HIV, coadministration of oral lenacapavir (600 mg twice daily for 2 days, then a single 600 mg dose) with the sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate midazolam (single 2.5 mg dose orally at the same time as the single lenacapavir dose) led to an increase in midazolam peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 1.9-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if lenacapavir is coadministered with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4, particularly sensitive substrates or those with a narrow therapeutic index. Due to its long half-life, the effect may persist for up to 9 months after the last subcutaneous dose, so caution and monitoring for adverse effects are also advised during this time. The prescribing information for the coadministered drug should also be consulted for specific dosing recommendations.

GENERALLY AVOID: Theoretically, the coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of pimozide. The mechanism is decreased clearance of pimozide due to inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The use of pimozide alone has been associated with dose-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Although clinical data are lacking, this interaction may result in potentiation of the proarrhythmic effect of pimozide and consequently an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes. In addition, alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of pimozide. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends avoiding grapefruit juice (and probably grapefruits) during therapy with pimozide. Patients should also be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol.