Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Givinostat can cause prolongation of the QTc interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can also prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects and adverse reactions associated with QT prolongation (e.g., other serious arrhythmias, torsade de pointes, sudden death). The largest mean increase observed in the QTc interval of healthy subjects receiving givinostat at approximately 5 times the dose recommended for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients weighing 60 kg or more was 13.6 ms (upper confidence interval of 17.1 ms) and occurred 5 hours after dose administration. Clinical trials evaluating the use of givinostat in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms like polycythemia vera have also documented cases of QTc prolongation. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors including, but not limited to, cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation may vary depending on the dosage(s) and specific drug(s) involved.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of givinostat with other agents that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. The manufacturer of givinostat recommends avoiding its use in patients at an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias, including those with congenital long QT syndrome, coronary artery disease, and/or electrolyte disturbances. If concurrent administration cannot be avoided, electrocardiograms (ECGs) should be obtained at baseline and during concomitant use as clinically indicated. Givinostat should be withheld if the QTc interval is greater than 500 ms or if there is a change from baseline of greater than 60 ms. The labeling of any other QTc prolonging medication(s) should also be consulted for additional guidance on therapeutic management in the event of QTc prolongation.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the systemic exposure of givinostat. An open-label, randomized, crossover, single dose food effect study conducted in 12 healthy males used givinostat liquid filled capsules. Subjects received a single oral dose of givinostat (100 mg) in the fasting state or after a high-fat standard meal, with a washout period of at least 1 week in between. The high-fat standard meal resulted in an increase in systemic exposure (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of about 40% and 23%, respectively, when compared to the fasted state. Additionally, the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was delayed slightly from 2 to 3 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Givinostat should be administered with food to increase its absorption. In the case of the oral suspension, this can also help mask its bitter taste.