Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with vadadustat may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 isoenzymes. Vadadustat is an inhibitor of CYP450 3A4 and CYP450 2C8 in vitro. However, clinical data are not available.

MANAGEMENT: Some authorities recommend using caution when vadadustat is used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8, particularly sensitive substrates or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of increased exposure to the CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 substrate should be considered whenever vadadustat is added to or withdrawn from therapy. The prescribing information for concomitant medications may be consulted to assess the benefits versus risks of coadministration, as well as any dosage adjustments that may be required during coadministration and/or following the discontinuation of a CYP450 3A4 and/or CYP450 2C8 inhibitor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of carbamazepine. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of carbamazepine with grapefruit juice (compared to water) increased plasma drug concentrations by approximately 40%. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving carbamazepine should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Given the drug's narrow therapeutic index, patients receiving carbamazepine therapy should preferably avoid the regular consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to report signs of carbamazepine toxicity (nausea, visual disturbances, dizziness, or ataxia) to their physicians.

MONITOR: Smoking and alcohol consumption during therapy with vadadustat may increase the risk of gastrointestinal erosions. Serious erosions, including gastrointestinal bleeding and the need for red blood cell transfusions, have been reported during vadadustat clinical trials. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal erosion, peptic ulcer disease, and current tobacco smokers and alcohol drinkers may be at higher risk of gastrointestinal injury.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if vadadustat is prescribed to current tobacco smokers or alcohol drinkers. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they develop potential signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal injury such as abdominal pain, hematemesis, trouble swallowing, chest or throat pain, and/or black, tarry stools.