Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The safety and efficacy of hematopoietic growth factors such as colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF and GM-CSF) and stem cell factors (SCF) given simultaneously with cancer chemotherapy have not been established. Theoretical concerns exist regarding their concomitant administration because hematopoietic growth factors stimulate myeloid cell proliferation while antineoplastic agents primarily target rapidly dividing cells.

MANAGEMENT: Because of the potential sensitivity of rapidly dividing myeloid cells to cancer chemotherapy, hematopoietic growth factors should not be used within 24 hours before or 24 hours after administration of antineoplastic agents.

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

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with ixabepilone should avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.