Drug Interaction Report

Crizotinib alone may modestly increase the blood levels of tofacitinib. Usually this is not a problem unless you are also taking other medications that can interfere with the clearance of tofacitinib from your body. You may experience increased side effects such as low blood cell counts, anemia, serious infections, and elevated blood lipid levels. Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms such as paleness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with crizotinib unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of crizotinib to dangerous levels and cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with crizotinib. You may take crizotinib with or without food, but take it the same time each day. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of tofacitinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The extent and clinical significance are unknown. Moreover, pharmacokinetic alterations associated with interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, some authorities recommend avoiding consumption of grapefruit juice during tofacitinib therapy (Canada). Patients receiving tofacitinib therapy who ingest grapefruits or grapefruit juice should be monitored for adverse effects and undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels.