Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with levacetylleucine may increase the plasma concentrations (AUC) and adverse effects of drugs that are substrates of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter. Levacetylleucine is a P-gp inhibitor in vitro. However, clinical data are not available.

MANAGEMENT: If coadministration is clinically necessary, more frequent clinical monitoring for P-gp substrate related adverse reactions is advised and dose adjustments may be required, particularly when levacetylleucine is initiated or withdrawn from concomitant therapy. Consultation with package labeling of the concomitant medication may be advisable.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of lapatinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food can significantly increase the oral bioavailability of lapatinib. According to the manufacturer, lapatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was approximately 2.5- and 3-fold higher and systemic exposure (AUC) 3- and 4-fold higher when administered with a low fat meal (5% fat; 500 calories) or with a high-fat meal (50% fat; 1000 calories), respectively, compared to fasting. Dividing the daily dose also resulted in an approximately 2-fold higher systemic exposure at steady state compared to the same total dose administered once daily.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with lapatinib should preferably avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. The manufacturer recommends that lapatinib be administered at least one hour before or one hour after a meal. The lapatinib dose is administered once daily and should not be divided.