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 isoenzymes may reduce the plasma concentrations of elvitegravir, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of reduced viral susceptibility and resistance development associated with subtherapeutic antiretroviral drug levels, the manufacturers of elvitegravir single-ingredient and combination products recommend avoiding concomitant use. Alternative treatment combinations that do not include metabolic inducers should be considered whenever possible.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailabilities of both elvitegravir and tenofovir. When a single dose of cobicistat/elvitegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir (trade name Stribild) was given with a light meal (approximately 373 kcal; 20% fat), mean elvitegravir and tenofovir systemic exposures (AUCs) increased by 34% and 24%, respectively, relative to fasting conditions. When administered with a high-fat meal (approximately 800 kcal; 50% fat), the mean AUC of elvitegravir and tenofovir increased by 87% and 23%, respectively, relative to fasting conditions. The alterations in mean AUCs of cobicistat and emtricitabine were not clinically significant with either the light or high-fat meal.

MANAGEMENT: Cobicistat/elvitegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir as a fixed-dose preparation should be administered once daily with food. Elvitegravir as a single-ingredient preparation should also be administered once daily with food.