Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) may increase the plasma concentrations of mitoxantrone, which is a substrate of the efflux transporter also known as ABCB1 or MDR1. The interaction has been studied with cyclosporine, a potent P-gp inhibitor. In a pharmacokinetic study of 38 children with de novo acute myeloid leukemia, mitoxantrone 6 mg/m2 administered daily in combination with cyclosporine resulted in a 42% decrease in mean mitoxantrone clearance and 12% increase in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2 administered daily without cyclosporine. There were no differences in the rates of stomatitis or infection between the two groups, but an increased incidence of hyperbilirubinemia was observed in the cyclosporine group, which rapidly reversed upon conclusion of treatment. Therefore, it appears a 40% dose reduction of mitoxantrone given with cyclosporine produced statistically similar systemic exposure and toxicity as mitoxantrone given alone.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if mitoxantrone is prescribed in combination with a P-gp inhibitor. Patients should be closely monitored for increased adverse effects including cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of nilotinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Because nilotinib 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.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the oral bioavailability of nilotinib. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. Compared to the fast state, nilotinib systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 82% when the dose was given 30 minutes after a high-fat meal. Because nilotinib 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.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with nilotinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. In addition, no food should be consumed for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after a nilotinib dose.