Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of axitinib, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In a study of 40 healthy, nonsmoking, male volunteers, administration of a single 5 mg dose of axitinib on day 8 of treatment with the potent CYP450 3A4 inducer rifampin (600 mg/day for 9 days) resulted in a 71% decrease in mean axitinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 79% decrease in mean systemic exposure. The extent to which other, less potent inducers of CYP450 3A4 may interact with axitinib is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: The potential for diminished pharmacologic effects of axitinib should be considered during coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Alternative treatments may be required if an interaction is suspected.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

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

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with axitinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Axitinib may be administered with or without food.