Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The safety and efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (rhG-CSF) administered simultaneously with cytotoxic agents, including cancer chemotherapy, have not been established. Theoretical concerns exist regarding their concomitant administration because hematopoietic growth factors stimulate myeloid cell proliferation while antineoplastic agents primarily target rapidly dividing cells.

MANAGEMENT: The prescribing information for pegfilgrastim, eflapegrastim, and efbemalenograstim alfa recommends that these products not be administered between 14 days before and 24 hours after antineoplastic agents.

GENERALLY AVOID: Data from in vitro and animal (mice) studies suggest that green tea may antagonize the cytotoxic effects of bortezomib. Polyphenols in green tea such as (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been shown to block the proteasome inhibitory action of bortezomib in multiple myeloma and glioblastoma cancer cell lines. The mechanism appears to involve a direct chemical reaction between the boronic acid moiety of bortezomib and the 1,2-benzenediol groups present in certain polyphenols leading to inactivation of bortezomib. However, one group of investigators reported that no antagonism of bortezomib was observed in preclinical in vivo experiments where EGCG plasma concentrations are commensurate with dietary or supplemental intake.

MANAGEMENT: Until more data are available, it may be advisable to avoid or limit consumption of green tea and green tea products during treatment with bortezomib. The interaction has not been demonstrated for other, non-boronic acid proteasome inhibitors.