Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) may lead to changes in hepatic function which may result in altered blood glucose control. Serious symptomatic hypoglycemia has been reported in diabetic patients in postmarketing case reports and published epidemiological studies. These cases required either discontinuation or dose modification of concomitant medications used for diabetes treatment.

MANAGEMENT: Blood glucose should be closely monitored during treatment of HCV with DAAs, particularly during the first 3 months, and appropriate changes made to the antidiabetic drug regimen as needed. The patient as well as the healthcare providers in charge of diabetic care should be apprised of the risk of hypoglycemia. Patients should be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia such as headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, confusion, tremor, hunger, weakness, perspiration, palpitation, and tachycardia. For antidiabetic medications that are not glucose-dependent, reduction in the dosage should be considered to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Taking oral semaglutide with food, beverage, or other oral medications may alter semaglutide absorption and exposure. In a controlled study with healthy volunteers, limited or no measurable semaglutide exposure was observed in subjects that were fed 30 minutes prior to taking oral semaglutide, while all subjects that fasted overnight and 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose had measurable semaglutide exposure. Area under the curve (AUC) and semaglutide peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were approximately 40% greater in subjects that fasted compared to those who did not. AUC and Cmax were also increased with a post-dose fasting period greater than 30 minutes.

MANAGEMENT: It is recommended that oral semaglutide be taken 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day with no more than 4 ounces of plain water to ensure its efficacy. Fasting longer than 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose may lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.