Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors may increase plasma concentrations of thiotepa, and decrease concentrations of its active metabolite triethylenephosphoramide (TEPA). Thiotepa is a prodrug that is primarily converted to TEPA by the isoenzyme. A pharmacokinetic study evaluating six breast cancer patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide 1,500 mg/m2/day, thiotepa 120 mg/m2/day, and carboplatin AUC 5 mg min/mL/day) with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor aprepitant (125 mg one day before chemotherapy, then 80 mg daily during and for three days after) showed a 15% increase in total thiotepa exposure, a 33% decrease in TEPA formation, and 20% reduction in TEPA exposure. Although clinical evidence is limited, strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors may more significantly increase thiotepa exposure and reduce TEPA exposure, potentially resulting in more thiotepa-related adverse effects and reduced efficacy.

MANAGEMENT: The use of thiotepa in combination with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors should generally be avoided. If concomitant use of a strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitor is required, it is recommended that patients be carefully monitored for reduced efficacy and thiotepa-related toxicities such as myelosuppression, cutaneous toxicity, and neurotoxicity.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of ceritinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because ceritinib is associated with concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval, increased levels may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death. Other, more common side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperglycemia, and bradycardia may also increase.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the oral bioavailability of ceritinib. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. Compared to the fast state, administration of a single 500 mg dose of ceritinib with a high-fat meal (approximately 1000 calories; 58 grams of fat) increased ceritinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 41% and 73%, respectively, and administration with a low-fat meal (approximately 330 calories; 9 grams of fat) increased ceritinib Cmax and AUC by 43% and 58%, respectively. A dose of 600 mg or higher taken with a meal is expected to produce systemic exposure exceeding that from a 750 mg dose taken in the fasted state, which may lead to increased adverse effects.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with ceritinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Ceritinib should be administered on an empty stomach (i.e., avoid administration within 2 hours of a meal).