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 cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Hypoglycemia most frequently occurs during acute consumption of alcohol. Even modest amounts can lower blood sugar significantly, especially when the alcohol is ingested on an empty stomach or following exercise. The mechanism involves inhibition of both gluconeogenesis as well as the counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia. Episodes of hypoglycemia may last for 8 to 12 hours after ethanol ingestion. By contrast, chronic alcohol abuse can cause impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels in patients with well controlled diabetes. A disulfiram-like reaction (e.g., flushing, headache, and nausea) to alcohol has been reported frequently with the use of chlorpropamide and very rarely with other sulfonylureas.

MANAGEMENT: Patients with diabetes should avoid consuming alcohol if their blood glucose is not well controlled, or if they have hypertriglyceridemia, neuropathy, or pancreatitis. Patients with well controlled diabetes should limit their alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with their normal meal plan. Alcohol should not be consumed on an empty stomach or following exercise.

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.