Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of ceritinib, which is a substrate of the isoenzyme. In 19 healthy subjects, administration of a single 750 mg dose of ceritinib with the potent CYP450 3A4 inducer rifampin (600 mg daily for 14 days) decreased ceritinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 44% and systemic exposure (AUC) by 70%. Data are not available for ceritinib in combination with other, less potent CYP450 3A4 inducers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving ceritinib with CYP450 3A4 inducers should be monitored for potentially diminished pharmacologic response to ceritinib. Concomitant use should be avoided if an interaction is suspected.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of ceritinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because ceritinib is associated with concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval, increased levels may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death. Other, more common side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperglycemia, and bradycardia may also increase.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the oral bioavailability of ceritinib. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. Compared to the fast state, administration of a single 500 mg dose of ceritinib with a high-fat meal (approximately 1000 calories; 58 grams of fat) increased ceritinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 41% and 73%, respectively, and administration with a low-fat meal (approximately 330 calories; 9 grams of fat) increased ceritinib Cmax and AUC by 43% and 58%, respectively. A dose of 600 mg or higher taken with a meal is expected to produce systemic exposure exceeding that from a 750 mg dose taken in the fasted state, which may lead to increased adverse effects.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with ceritinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Ceritinib should be administered on an empty stomach (i.e., avoid administration within 2 hours of a meal).