Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Concomitant use of remdesivir with other agents that are known to induce hepatotoxicity may theoretically increase the risk of liver injury. Data from investigational use and clinical studies suggest that remdesivir may be associated with transaminase elevations. Transient treatment-emergent Grade 1 or Grade 2 elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed during multiple-dose Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers. The mechanism of potential hepatotoxicity is unknown and the contribution of remdesivir is difficult to determine, as transaminase elevations have also been reported as a component of COVID-19, including in patients receiving placebo in clinical trials of remdesivir.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and increased monitoring may be required if remdesivir is given concurrently with other agents associated with liver injury. Hepatic function should be evaluated prior to starting remdesivir and during treatment as clinically appropriate. The manufacturer of remdesivir recommends considering discontinuation of remdesivir if ALT levels increase to greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal. Additionally, the manufacturer recommends discontinuing remdesivir if ALT elevation is accompanied by signs or symptoms of liver inflammation. The labeling of the other agent(s) involved should also be consulted as they may contain dose adjustment or discontinuation recommendations for those agent(s) in the event of hepatotoxicity.

Food does not significantly affect the oral bioavailability of dimethyl fumarate. Administration of dimethyl fumarate with a high-fat, high-calorie meal did not affect the systemic exposure (AUC) to its active metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), but decreased its peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 40% and prolonged the time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) from 2.0 hours to 5.5 hours. In the study, the incidence of flushing was reduced by approximately 25% in the fed state. Dimethyl fumarate may be taken with or without food; however, taking it with food may help reduce flushing.