Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Additive effects and possible toxicity (e.g., hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and/or hyperphosphatemia) may occur when patients using vitamin D and/or vitamin D analogs ingest a diet high in vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphorus. The biologically active forms of vitamin D stimulate intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. This may be helpful in patients with hypocalcemia and/or hypophosphatemia. However, sudden increases in calcium or phosphorus consumption due to dietary changes could precipitate hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia. Patients with certain disease states, such as impaired renal function, may be more susceptible to toxic side effects like ectopic calcification. On the other hand, if dietary calcium is inadequate for the body's needs, the active form of vitamin D will stimulate osteoclasts to pull calcium from the bones. This may be detrimental in a patient with reduced bone density.

MANAGEMENT: Given the narrow therapeutic index of vitamin D and vitamin D analogs, the amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D present in the patient's diet may need to be taken into consideration. Specific dietary guidance should be discussed with the patient and regular lab work should be monitored as indicated. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels should be kept within the desired ranges, which may differ depending on the patient's condition. Patients should also be counseled on the signs and symptoms of hypervitaminosis D, hypercalcemia, and/or hyperphosphatemia.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of cariprazine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of cariprazine by certain compounds present in grapefruit. When cariprazine (0.5 mg/day) was coadministered with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole (400 mg/day), cariprazine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by approximately 3.5- and 4-fold, respectively, while Cmax and AUC of DDCAR increased by approximately 1.5-fold each. The Cmax and AUC of another active metabolite, desmethyl cariprazine (DCAR), decreased by approximately one-third. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased exposure to cariprazine may increase the risk of adverse effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, cognitive and motor impairment, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, leucopenia, neutropenia, seizures, and dysphagia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with cariprazine.