Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant administration of corticosteroids may potentiate the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. The mechanism is unknown. Tendinitis and tendon rupture have most frequently involved the Achilles tendon, although cases involving the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand, the biceps, and the thumb have also been reported. Some have required surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if fluoroquinolones are prescribed in combination with corticosteroids, particularly in patients with other concomitant risk factors (e.g., age over 60 years; recipient of kidney, heart, and/or lung transplant). Patients should be advised to stop taking the fluoroquinolone, avoid exercise and use of the affected area, and promptly contact their physician if they experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon. In general, fluoroquinolones should only be used to treat conditions that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of gefitinib, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. When a single 500 mg dose of gefitinib was administered following pretreatment with the potent CYP450 3A4 inducer rifampin (600 mg once daily for 16 days) in healthy male volunteers, mean gefitinib systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 83% compared to administration of gefitinib alone. The interaction has not been studied with other, less potent inducers.

MANAGEMENT: The potential for diminished pharmacologic effects of gefitinib should be considered during coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Pharmacologic response to gefitinib should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the gefitinib dosage adjusted as necessary.