Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with CYP450 3A4 and/or 2B6 inducers may decrease plasma concentrations of thiotepa and increase concentrations of its active metabolite triethylenephosphoramide (TEPA). Thiotepa is a prodrug that is primarily converted to TEPA by these isoenzymes. In a study involving a 42-year-old male with relapsing germ-cell cancer, the pharmacokinetics of thiotepa and its active metabolite (TEPA) were assessed during two high-dose chemotherapy courses (cyclophosphamide 1500 mg/m2/day, thiotepa 120 mg/m2/day, and carboplatin), with phenytoin initiated five days before the second course for seizure management. In the second course, TEPA exposure increased by 115% and thiotepa exposure decreased by 29%, resulting in a thiotepa dose reduction of nearly 40% on day 3 due to the increased risk of toxicity from higher TEPA exposure. Clinical data for thiotepa use in combination with other less potent CYP450 3A4 inducers or with CYP450 2B6 inducers are not available.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and closer monitoring for adverse effects is advised when thiotepa is used concurrently with CYP450 3A4 and/or 2B6 inducers. Patients should be more closely monitored for thiotepa-related toxicities such as myelosuppression, cutaneous toxicity, and neurotoxicity. A dosage reduction of thiotepa may be necessary. Pretreatment and subsequent blood counts may be used to guide dose adjustments in accordance with product labeling.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Hypoglycemia most frequently occurs during acute consumption of alcohol. Even modest amounts can lower blood sugar significantly, especially when the alcohol is ingested on an empty stomach or following exercise. The mechanism involves inhibition of both gluconeogenesis as well as the counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia. Episodes of hypoglycemia may last for 8 to 12 hours after ethanol ingestion. By contrast, chronic alcohol abuse can cause impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels in patients with well controlled diabetes. A disulfiram-like reaction (e.g., flushing, headache, and nausea) to alcohol has been reported frequently with the use of chlorpropamide and very rarely with other sulfonylureas.

MANAGEMENT: Patients with diabetes should avoid consuming alcohol if their blood glucose is not well controlled, or if they have hypertriglyceridemia, neuropathy, or pancreatitis. Patients with well controlled diabetes should limit their alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with their normal meal plan. Alcohol should not be consumed on an empty stomach or following exercise.