Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: It is uncertain whether tebentafusp causes clinically significant prolongation of the QT interval. According to the manufacturer, cases of QT interval prolongation were reported following tebentafusp treatment. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. 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, hypocalcemia). Moreover, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Some authorities recommend caution if tebentafusp is coadministered with other agents known to prolong the QT interval. An ECG should be obtained before and after tebentafusp administration during the first 3 weeks of treatment and subsequently as clinically indicated. If the Fridericia-corrected QT interval (QTcF) exceeds 500 ms or increases by 60 ms or more from baseline, tebentafusp should be withheld and patients should be treated for any underlying precipitating factors (e.g., electrolyte abnormalities). Tebentafusp should be resumed once QTcF is less than 500 ms or less than 60 ms above baseline. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

GENERALLY AVOID: Some beverages such as tonic water contain varying amounts of quinine. Coadministration of a single 430 mg dose of quinine has been shown to increase plasma concentrations of astemizole and its metabolite, desmethylastemizole. Elevated levels of these agents may cause a prolongation of the electrocardiographic QT interval and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Although pharmacokinetic data have indicated that the amounts of quinine in beverages (up to 80 mg quinine in 32 oz of tonic water) are not sufficient to produce a significant effect, the potential for an interaction exists if large amounts of tonic water are ingested. Also, grapefruit juice has been shown to inhibit CYP450 enzymes, which may lead to increased serum astemizole concentrations. The risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias may be increased.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled to limit consumption of quinine-containing beverages and avoid grapefruit juice while they are taking astemizole.