Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with apalutamide may decrease the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the metabolic enzymes CYP450 3A4, CYP450 2C19, CYP450 2C9, and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), as well as substrates of the membrane transporters organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). According to the prescribing information, coadministration of apalutamide with single oral doses of sensitive CYP450 substrates resulted in a 92% decrease in the systemic exposure (AUC) of midazolam, a CYP450 3A4 substrate; 85% decrease in the AUC of omeprazole, a CYP450 2C19 substrate; and 46% decrease in the AUC of S(-) warfarin, a CYP450 2C9 substrate. These results indicate strong induction of CYP450 3A4 and 2C19 by apalutamide, and weak induction of CYP450 2C9. Coadministration of apalutamide with single oral doses of transporter substrates resulted in a 30% decrease in the AUC of fexofenadine, a P-gp substrate, and 41% decrease in the AUC of rosuvastatin, a BCRP/OATP1B1 substrate. These results suggest that apalutamide is a weak inducer of membrane transporters. Apalutamide may also induce UGT according to the prescribing information; however, no pharmacokinetic data from studies with UGT substrates are available.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when apalutamide is used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4, CYP450 2C19, CYP450 2C9, UGT, OATP1B1, P-gp and/or BCRP, particularly sensitive substrates or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Substitution for these medications is recommended when possible, or monitor for potential loss of therapeutic efficacy if coadministration is required. The prescribing information for concomitant medications should be consulted to assess the benefits versus risks of coadministration of a CYP450 inducer like apalutamide and for any dosage adjustments that may be required.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

MONITOR: Concomitant use of statin medication with substantial quantities of alcohol may increase the risk of hepatic injury. Transient increases in serum transaminases have been reported with statin use and while these increases generally resolve or improve with continued therapy or a brief interruption in therapy, there have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins. Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatic injury. Active liver disease or unexplained transaminase elevations are contraindications to statin use.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled to avoid substantial quantities of alcohol in combination with statin medications and clinicians should be aware of the increased risk for hepatotoxicity in these patients.

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.