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exposure to the CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 substrate should be considered whenever vadadustat is added to or withdrawn from therapy.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

MONITOR: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of saquinavir. The primary mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In eight healthy volunteers, ingestion of 400 mL of grapefruit juice prior to administration of a 600 mg dose of saquinavir mesylate increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve and oral bioavailability of saquinavir by 50% and 100%, respectively, compared to water; however, the increase is not considered clinically relevant. A high degree of intersubject variability in the grapefruit juice effect was also observed. The extent to which this interaction may occur with the saquinavir free base soft gelatin capsule is unknown. However, the saquinavir soft gelatin capsule formulation is no longer commercially available.

MANAGEMENT: Saquinavir mesylate should be taken with meals or within 2 hours after eating to enhance bioavailability. Patients should be advised to avoid the consumption of large amounts of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during saquinavir therapy unless otherwise directed by their doctor, as the interaction is unreliable and subject to a high degree of interpatient variation.

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.