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.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of ticagrelor, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In 14 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 180 mg oral dose of ticagrelor on day 12 of treatment with the potent CYP450 3A4 inducer rifampin (600 mg once daily for 14 days) decreased mean ticagrelor peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and plasma half-life by 73%, 86% and 67%, respectively, compared to administration of ticagrelor alone. Mean Cmax of the major active metabolite was unchanged in the presence of rifampin, but mean AUC decreased by 46% and plasma half-life by 50%. Inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) was also assessed in the study. Mean IPA at 12 hours was 87% with ticagrelor alone versus 63% in combination with rifampin; corresponding values at 24 hours were 70% and 15%, respectively. It is not known to what extent ticagrelor may interact with weak and moderate CYP450 3A4 inducers.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of ticagrelor with CYP450 3A4 inducers should generally be avoided. Otherwise, caution is advised, and patients should be closely monitored for diminished clinical response to ticagrelor therapy. Alternative treatment may be required if an interaction is suspected.