Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Ribociclib can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MONITOR CLOSELY: Coadministration with ribociclib may increase the plasma concentrations and pharmacologic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is decreased clearance due to ribociclib-mediated inhibition of CYP450 3A4 metabolism. In healthy study subjects, administration of midazolam, a sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate, with multiple 400 mg daily doses of ribociclib increased the midazolam peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 2.1-fold and 3.8-fold, respectively, compared to midazolam administered alone. When given at a clinically relevant dose of 600 mg daily, ribociclib is predicted to increase midazolam Cmax and AUC by 2.4-fold and 5.2-fold, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of ribociclib with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval and are substrates of CYP450 3A4, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range, should generally be avoided. Since the magnitude of QT prolongation may increase with increasing plasma concentrations of these drugs, caution and close clinical monitoring are recommended if concomitant use with these drugs is unavoidable. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever ribociclib is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

MONITOR: Coadministration with ribociclib may increase the plasma concentrations and pharmacologic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is decreased clearance due to ribociclib-mediated inhibition of CYP450 3A4 metabolism. In healthy study subjects, administration of midazolam, a sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate, with multiple 400 mg daily doses of ribociclib increased the midazolam peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 2.1-fold and 3.8-fold, respectively, compared to midazolam administered alone. When given at a clinically relevant dose of 600 mg daily, ribociclib is predicted to increase midazolam Cmax and AUC by 2.4-fold and 5.2-fold, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when ribociclib is used concomitantly with drugs that undergo metabolism by CYP450 3A4, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever ribociclib is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may theoretically increase the plasma concentrations of toremifene. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because toremifene is associated with dose- and concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval, increased levels may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death.

GENERALLY AVOID: Due to their estrogenic effect, isoflavones present in soy such as genistein and daidzein may stimulate breast tumor growth and antagonize the antiproliferative action of toremifene. Supportive data are derived primarily from in vitro and animal studies. In vitro, low concentrations of these phytoestrogens have been found to promote DNA synthesis and reverse the inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on oestrogen-dependent breast cancer cell proliferation. In contrast, high concentrations of genistein greater than 10 microM/L have been found to enhance tamoxifen effects by inhibiting breast cancer cell growth. It is not known if these high concentrations are normally achieved in humans. Plasma concentrations below 4 microM/L have been observed in healthy volunteers given a soy diet for one month or large single doses of genistein. These concentrations are comparable to the low plasma concentrations associated with tumor stimulation reported in animals. In a study of 155 female breast cancer survivors with substantially bothersome hot flashes, a product containing 50 mg of soy isoflavones (40% to 45% genistein; 40% to 45% daidzein; 10% to 20% glycitein) taken three times a day was found to be no more effective than placebo in reducing hot flashes. No toxicity or recurrence of breast cancer was reported during the 9-week study period.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, patients treated with toremifene should consider avoiding the consumption of grapefruit juice and soy-containing products. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience vaginal bleeding or potential signs of blood clots such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden loss of vision, and pain, redness or swelling in an extremity. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, palpitations, or syncope.

GENERALLY AVOID: Pomegranates and grapefruit may increase the systemic exposure to ribociclib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in these fruits. Increased exposure to ribociclib may increase the risk of adverse effects such as infections, neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, alopecia, fatigue, headache, and abnormal liver function may be increased.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving ribociclib should avoid consumption of pomegranates or pomegranate juice and grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antineoplastic hormones' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'antineoplastic hormones' category:

• letrozole / ribociclib
• toremifene

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.