Drug Interaction Report

CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of CYP450 3A4 substrates that can prolong the QT interval, possibly resulting in QT prolongation and cases of torsade de pointes (TdP). The underlying mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of CYP450 3A4 activity by posaconazole. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of posaconazole with CYP450 3A4 substrates that can prolong the QT interval is considered contraindicated.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of taletrectinib. The proposed mechanism for the interaction is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. In a clinical study, taletrectinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased by 1.8-fold and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 3.3-fold following concomitant administration of itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A inhibitor. According to the product labeling, administration of taletrectinib with a moderate CYP450 3A inhibitor is predicted to increase taletrectinib Cmax and AUC by up to 1.5- and 2.6-fold, respectively. Increased exposure to taletrectinib may increase the risk and/or severity of adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity with liver enzyme elevations, lung toxicities, QT prolongation, hyperuricemia, myalgia with creatine phosphokinase elevation, and skeletal fractures.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Coadministration with high-fat food (1000 calories, 50% fat) increased taletrectinib Cmax and AUC by 1.5-fold, and the predicted increase in the QTc interval is 20.5 msec.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends avoiding food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with taletrectinib. In addition, taletrectinib should be administered on an empty stomach at about the same time each day, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after food intake.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly increases the absorption of posaconazole from the oral suspension but only modestly from the delayed-release tablet. Following single-dose administration, posaconazole mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) are approximately 2.5 to 3 times higher when the oral suspension is given with a nonfat meal or a nutritional supplement (14 grams of fat) than when given under fasting conditions, and approximately 3.5 to 4 times higher when given during or 20 minutes after a high-fat meal (50 grams of fat) than under fasting conditions. Acidic beverages may also increase posaconazole absorption. In 12 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 400 mg dose of posaconazole suspension with 12 ounces of ginger ale increased posaconazole Cmax by 92% and AUC by 70% compared to administration after fasting. In contrast, the Cmax and AUC of posaconazole increased by just 16% and 51%, respectively, when posaconazole tablets were given as a single 300 mg dose to healthy volunteers after a high-fat meal relative to a fasted state.

GENERALLY AVOID Concomitant use of alcohol and posaconazole administered in the form of delayed-release oral suspension may lead to a faster release of posaconazole. An in vitro dissolution study determined a potential for alcohol-induced dose-dumping with the delayed-release oral suspension of posaconazole.

MONITOR: In 5 study subjects, posaconazole Cmax decreased by 27% to 53% and AUC decreased by 33% to 51% when the oral suspension was administered via a nasogastric tube as opposed to orally.

MANAGEMENT: Posaconazole tablets should be taken with food, whereas posaconazole oral suspension should be administered during or immediately (i.e., within 20 minutes) following a full meal to enhance bioavailability. Patients who cannot eat a full meal should take the suspension with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage such as ginger ale. In patients who cannot eat a full meal or tolerate an oral nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage and who do not have the option of taking another formulation of posaconazole, alternative antifungal therapy should be considered; otherwise, monitor patients closely for breakthrough fungal infections. Patients receiving posaconazole via a nasogastric tube should also be closely monitored due to increased risk of treatment failure associated with lower plasma exposure. Administration of alcohol with posaconazole from the delayed-release oral suspension formulation is not recommended.