Drug Interaction Report

Coadministration with mild or moderate inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may modestly increase the plasma concentrations of ruxolitinib, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In healthy subjects, administration of a single 10 mg dose of ruxolitinib following pretreatment with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor erythromycin (500 mg twice daily for four days) resulted in an 8% increase in ruxolitinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 27% increase in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration of ruxolitinib alone. The change in the pharmacodynamic marker, pSTAT3 inhibition, was consistent with the corresponding exposure information. No dosage adjustment is recommended when ruxolitinib is coadministered with mild or moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. However, clinical data for topical ruxolitinib are not available. Consultation with individual package labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

GENERALLY AVOID: Taking stiripentol on an empty stomach may reduce its oral bioavailability. Stiripentol degrades rapidly when exposed to gastric acid in an empty stomach.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the depressant effects of stiripentol on the central nervous system. Concomitant use may result in increased sedation and dizziness as well as impairment of psychomotor skills.

GENERALLY AVOID: It is not known whether stiripentol may reduce theophylline and caffeine metabolism, as data on the potential for inhibition of CYP450 1A2 are limited. Consumption of foods and nutritional products such as cola drinks (which contain significant quantities of caffeine) and chocolate (which contains caffeine and trace amounts of theophylline) may be unsafe during treatment with stiripentol, particularly in children.

MANAGEMENT: Stiripentol should be taken during a meal for optimal absorption; however, it should not be taken with milk, dairy products (e.g., yogurt, soft cream cheese), fruit juice, or carbonated beverages. Patients should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Food and beverages that may contain caffeine or theophylline such as colas, chocolate, coffee, tea, or energy drinks should also be avoided during treatment with stiripentol.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of ruxolitinib. 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 ruxolitinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Ruxolitinib may be administered with or without food.