Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with apalutamide may decrease the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the metabolic enzymes CYP450 3A4, CYP450 2C19, CYP450 2C9, and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), as well as substrates of the membrane transporters organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). According to the prescribing information, coadministration of apalutamide with single oral doses of sensitive CYP450 substrates resulted in a 92% decrease in the systemic exposure (AUC) of midazolam, a CYP450 3A4 substrate; 85% decrease in the AUC of omeprazole, a CYP450 2C19 substrate; and 46% decrease in the AUC of S(-) warfarin, a CYP450 2C9 substrate. These results indicate strong induction of CYP450 3A4 and 2C19 by apalutamide, and weak induction of CYP450 2C9. Coadministration of apalutamide with single oral doses of transporter substrates resulted in a 30% decrease in the AUC of fexofenadine, a P-gp substrate, and 41% decrease in the AUC of rosuvastatin, a BCRP/OATP1B1 substrate. These results suggest that apalutamide is a weak inducer of membrane transporters. Apalutamide may also induce UGT according to the prescribing information; however, no pharmacokinetic data from studies with UGT substrates are available.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when apalutamide is used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4, CYP450 2C19, CYP450 2C9, UGT, OATP1B1, P-gp and/or BCRP, particularly sensitive substrates or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Substitution for these medications is recommended when possible, or monitor for potential loss of therapeutic efficacy if coadministration is required. The prescribing information for concomitant medications should be consulted to assess the benefits versus risks of coadministration of a CYP450 inducer like apalutamide and for any dosage adjustments that may be required.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. When a single 40 mg dose of atorvastatin was coadministered with 240 mL of grapefruit juice, atorvastatin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 16% and 37%, respectively. Greater increases in Cmax (up to 71%) and/or AUC (up to 2.5 fold) have been reported with excessive consumption of grapefruit juice (>=750 mL to 1.2 liters per day). Clinically, high levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal toxicity. Myopathy manifested as muscle pain and/or weakness associated with grossly elevated creatine kinase exceeding ten times the upper limit of normal has been reported occasionally. Rhabdomyolysis has also occurred rarely, which may be accompanied by acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria and may result in death.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Fibres such as oat bran and pectin may diminish the pharmacologic effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors by interfering with their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving therapy with atorvastatin should limit their consumption of grapefruit juice to no more than 1 liter per day. Patients should be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever, malaise and/or dark colored urine. Therapy should be discontinued if creatine kinase is markedly elevated in the absence of strenuous exercise or if myopathy is otherwise suspected or diagnosed. In addition, patients should either refrain from the use of oat bran and pectin or, if concurrent use cannot be avoided, to separate the administration times by at least 2 to 4 hours.