Brilinta (ticagrelor)

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Ticagrelor is administered orally without regard to meals.

If a dose is missed, the next dose should be taken at the regularly scheduled time.

Ticagrelor tablets may be crushed and mixed with water if a patient is unable to swallow the tablet whole. The mixture also may be administered via a nasogastric tube (CH8 or greater).

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Anticoagulant;Antiplatelet;Thrombolytic/Alipogene Tiparvovec

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Alipogene tiparvovec is given as a one-time series of intramuscular (IM)injections. Depending upon patient weight 27 to 60 injections are given, each at a different site.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents increase bleeding risk at IM injection sites.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Antiplatelet or other anticoagulant agents must not be taken for at least one week prior to alipogene tiparvovec therapy. Assure that abnormal bleeding parameters have been corrected prior to administration. Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy may be resumed one day after alipogene tiparvovec administration. If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Alipogene tiparvovec is given as a one-time series of intramuscular (IM)injections for the treatment of familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency. Depending upon patient weight 27 to 60 injections are given, each at a different site. Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents increase bleeding risk at IM injection sites.

Bcrp Inhibitors/Topotecan

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of the BCRP transporter may increase the intestinal absorption and hepatic uptake of topotecan.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of topotecan with an inhibitor of BCRP may result in elevated levels of topotecan and signs of toxicity. These signs may include but are not limited to anemia, diarrhea, and thrombocytopenia.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of topotecan states that the use of topotecan and BCRP inhibitors should be avoided. If concurrent use is warranted, carefully monitor patients for adverse effects.(1)

DISCUSSION: In clinical studies, the combined use of elacridar (100 mg to 1000 mg), a BCRP and P-gp inhibitor, increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of topotecan approximately 2.5-fold.(1) BCRP inhibitors linked to this monograph include: capmatinib, clopidogrel, curcumin, danicopan, dasabuvir, elbasvir, enasidenib, ensitrelvir, febuxostat, fostamatinib, fostemsavir, glecaprevir, grazoprevir, lazertinib, oteseconazole, pacritinib, paritaprevir, pibrentasvir, pirtobrutinib, regorafenib, resmetirom, ritonavir, roxadustat, tafamidis, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, turmeric, vadadustat, velpatasvir, voxilaprevir, and zongertinib.(2,3)

Select Bcrp Inhibitors/Aumolertinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Aumolertinib is a substrate for BCRP. Inhibitors of the BCRP transporter may increase the intestinal absorption and decrease hepatic elimination of aumolertinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use with selected BCRP inhibitors may result in higher systemic concentrations of aumolertinib, which may increase the risk for cardiac failure, rhabdomyolysis, thrombosis, elevated LFTs, hyponatremia, hematologic toxicity, and QT prolongation, which may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like torsade de pointes (TdP).(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Patients with risk factors for thrombosis may be at higher risk of adverse events, including those with advanced age, obesity (BMI >30), smoking, prolonged immobilization, heart failure, hypercoagulable state, history of venous thromboembolism, malignancy, and major surgery. The risk for rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of rhabdomyolysis.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of aumolertinib states concomitant administration of aumolertinib should be avoided with BCRP inhibitors.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: Based on in vitro data, aumolertinib is a substrate of BCRP.(1) BCRP inhibitors linked to this monograph include: asciminib, clopidogrel, darolutamide, elbasvir/grazoprevir, eltrombopag, enasidenib, febuxostat, fostemsavir, lazertinib, leniolisib, momelotinib, oteseconazole, regorafenib, rolapitant, roxadustat, tafamidis, ticagrelor, vadadustat, and zongertinib.(3,4)

Selected Inhibitors Of P-Gp Or Bcrp/Pazopanib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or BCRP may increase the absorption of pazopanib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of pazopanib with an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein or BCRP may result in elevated levels of pazopanib and signs of toxicity.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of pazopanib states concurrent use of P-gp inhibitors or BCRP inhibitors should be avoided.(1) Monitor patients for increased side effects from pazopanib. The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(5) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: Pazopanib is a substrate of P-gp and BCRP. Inhibitors of these transporters are expected to increase pazopanib levels.(1) BCRP inhibitors linked to this monograph include: asciminib, belumosudil, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, curcumin, darolutamide, eltrombopag, enasidenib, febuxostat, fostemsavir, grazoprevir, lazertinib, leflunomide, leniolisib, momelotinib, oteseconazole, pirtobrutinib, regorafenib, resmetirom, ritonavir, rolapitant, roxadustat, tafamidis, teriflunomide, tolvaptan, turmeric, vadadustat, and zongertinib.(1,3-5) P-glycoprotein inhibitors linked to this monograph include: asunaprevir, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cyclosporine, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, diltiazem, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, imlunestrant, isavuconazonium, ivacaftor, ledipasvir, neratinib, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, tepotinib, tezacaftor, ticagrelor, valbenazine, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(3,4)

Ticagrelor/Lovastatin (> 40 Mg); Simvastatin (> 40 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ticagrelor may inhibit the metabolism of lovastatin and simvastatin by CYP3A4.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ticagrelor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from lovastatin and simvastatin, including rhabdomyolysis.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients with a SLCO1B1 polymorphism that leads to decreased function of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 may have increased statin concentrations and be predisposed to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of doses of lovastatin and simvastatin greater than 40 mg in patients receiving ticagrelor.(1,2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs and symptoms of myopathy.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent ticagrelor increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of simvastatin by 81% and 56%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of simvastatin acid increased 64% and 52%, respectively, with some individual increases equal to 2-fold to 3-fold.(1)

Ticagrelor/Rosuvastatin (> 20 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Rosuvastatin is a substrate of the BCRP transporter.(1,2) Ticagrelor may inhibit this transporter and may result in increased absorption and decreased hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ticagrelor with rosuvastatin may result in increased levels and side effects from rosuvastatin, including rhabdomyolysis.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients with a SLCO1B1 polymorphism that leads to decreased function of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 may have increased statin concentrations and be predisposed to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients on rosuvastatin with ABCG2 polymorphisms leading to decreased or poor BCRP transporter function may have increased rosuvastatin concentrations and risk of myopathy.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of rosuvastatin states that the dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 20 mg daily when used concurrently with ticagrelor. In patients at risk for rhabdomyolysis, consider dosages less than 20 mg daily.(1) Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of toxicity from increased rosuvastatin concentrations.(1,2)

DISCUSSION: In a study, ticagrelor increased rosuvastatin area-under-curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration by 2.3-fold and 2.6-fold, respectively, and prolonged its half-life from 3.1 to 6.6 hours. Ticagrelor also decreased the renal clearance of rosuvastatin by 11%.(1,3,4) In a study, reports of rhabdomyolysis with combined administration of ticagrelor and rosuvastatin had a reporting odds ratio of 1.9 compared to rosuvastatin alone.(5)

Ticagrelor/Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors; Protease Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of ticagrelor.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in a substantial increase in exposure to and effects from ticagrelor, including increased risk of bleeding.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of ticagrelor states that concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated.(1) The US manufacturer of ticagrelor states that concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.(2) The US manufacturer of itraconazole states that concurrent use of ticagrelor is contraindicated during and two weeks after itraconazole treatment.(3)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent ketoconazole increased ticagrelor maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 2.4-fold and 7.3-fold, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of the active ticagrelor metabolite decreased by 89% and 56%, respectively.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors linked include: adagrasib, atazanavir, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, darunavir, ensitrelvir, fosamprenavir, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, paritaprevir/ritonavir, posaconazole, relacorilant, ribociclib, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(4,5)

Ticagrelor/Tipranavir

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of ticagrelor.(1,2) Tipranavir is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4.(3) In addition, tipranavir has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro in human platelets(4-6) and in rodents.(4,5) The mechanism behind this platelet aggregation is unknown.(4,5)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in a substantial increase in exposure to and effects from ticagrelor.(1,2) Concurrent use of tipranavir with ticagrelor may also result in additive or synergistic effects on inhibition of platelet aggregation, including fatal and non-fatal intracranial hemorrhage.(4-6)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of intracranial hemorrhage may be increased by CNS lesions, head trauma, neurosurgery, coagulopathy, hypertension, or alcohol abuse.(4-6) The risk for bleeding episodes may also be greater in patients with other disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of ticagrelor states that concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated.(1) The US manufacturer of ticagrelor states that concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.(2) Tipranavir should be administered with caution in patients receiving anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Patients should be warned that tipranavir has been associated with fatal and non-fatal intracranial hemorrhage and instructed to report any unusual or unexplained bleeding to their physician.(4-6) Signs or symptoms of bleeding may include unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent ketoconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased ticagrelor maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 2.4-fold and 7.3-fold, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of the active ticagrelor metabolite decreased by 89% and 56%, respectively.(1) As of June 7, 2006,(4) the manufacturer of tipranavir has has identified 14 cases of intracranial hemorrhage, including 8 fatalities, in 13 out of 6,840 HIV+ subjects in clinical trials.(4,6) No pattern of abnormal coagulation parameters has been noted in patients receiving tipranavir in general or preceding the development of intracranial hemorrhage.(4-6) In vitro tests showed that tipranavir inhibits human platelet aggregation at concentrations consistent with normal exposure during therapy. In rodents, tipranavir resulted in increased prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. At higher doses and in extreme cases, these changes resulted in bleeding in multiple organs and death. This effect was not seen in studies in dogs.(4,5)

Ticagrelor; Vorapaxar/Strong Cyp3a4 Inducers

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of ticagrelor(1,2) and vorapaxar.(3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent or recent use of strong CYP3A4 inducers may result in decreased levels and loss of efficacy of ticagrelor(1,2) and vorapaxar.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers of ticagrelor and vorapaxar state concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided due to the substantially reduced levels which may result in loss of ticagrelor and vorapaxar efficacy.(1,3) If therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inducer is needed, it would be prudent to select an alternative antiplatelet agent. If concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, consider performing platelet reactivity measurements to determine patient-specific risk for treatment failure. Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of rifampin (600 mg once daily) decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of ticagrelor by 73% and 86%, respectively. The AUC of ticagrelor's active metabolite decreased 46%.(1,4) A retrospective study of CArdiovascular Percutaneous Intervention TriAL (CAPITAL) registry participants was performed to determine the effects of antiepileptic (AED) CYP3A4 inducers on ticagrelor efficacy. Platelet reactivity in 8 patients receiving one or more AED CYP3A4 inducers were compared with 49 patients on identical doses of aspirin and ticagrelor who were not receiving CYP3A4 inducers. The mean P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) in AED patients was 194.6(+ or - 29.9) vs 26.3(+ or - 29.8) in control patients. Three of 8 AED patients had PRU = or > 208, the cut off for high platelet reactivity. One ticagrelor AED patient was changed to clopidogrel. PRU on ticagrelor was 220, and after conversion to clopidogrel was reduced to 110.(5) In a study in 12 healthy subjects, rifampin (600 mg daily for 28 days) decreased the exposure of vorapaxar (20 mg on Day 7, 2.5 mg on Days 8-28) by 50%.(6) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 include apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, rifapentine and St. John's wort.(7,8)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Lemborexant (> 5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of lemborexant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels of and effects from lemborexant, including somnolence, fatigue, CNS depressant effects, daytime impairment, headache, and nightmare or abnormal dreams.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The maximum recommended dose of lemborexant with concurrent use of a weak CYP3A4 inhibitors should not exceed 5 mg per dose.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Lemborexant is a CYP3A4 substrate. In a PKPB model, concurrent use of lemborexant with itraconazole increased area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax) by 3.75-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. Concurrent use of lemborexant with fluconazole increased AUC and Cmax by 4.25-fold and 1.75-fold, respectively.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(1,3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Ubrogepant (> 50 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of ubrogepant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ubrogepant with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in exposure of ubrogepant.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends a dosage adjustment of ubrogepant when used concomitantly with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Initial dose of ubrogepant should not exceed 50 mg when used concomitantly with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4. A second dose may be given within 24 hours but should not exceed 50 mg when used concurrently with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of ubrogepant with verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in a 3.5-fold and 2.8-fold increase in area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax), respectively. No dedicated drug interaction study was conducted to assess concomitant use with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. The conservative prediction of the maximal potential increase in ubrogepant exposure with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors is not expected to be more than 2-fold.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, delavirdine, deutivacaftor, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, maribavir, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, pirtobrutinib, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib. (3,4)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets/Inotersen

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inotersen causes reductions in platelet count that may result in sudden and unpredictable thrombocytopenia.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inotersen with anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents may result in additive or synergistic effects, including fatal and non-fatal intracranial hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may also be greater in patients greater than 60 years or have a prior history of major bleeding events. Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Inotersen should be administered with caution in patients receiving anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Monitor platelet count frequently. If platelet count is less than 50, stop inotersen treatment and consider discontinuation of any anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia; such as, unusual or prolonged bleeding (petechiae, easy bruising, hematoma, subconjunctival bleeding, gingival bleeding, epistaxis, hemoptysis, irregular or heavier than normal menstrual bleeding, hematemesis, hematuria, hematochezia, melena), neck stiffness, or atypical severe headache.

DISCUSSION: In a clinical study, platelet counts below 100 occurred in 25% of inotersen-treated patients, compared with 2% of patients on placebo. Platelet counts below 75 occurred in 14% of inotersen-treated patients, compared to no patients on placebo. In study 1 and its extension study, 39% of inotersen-treated patients with a baseline platelet count below 200 had a nadir platelet count below 75, compared to 6% of patients with baseline platelet counts 200 or higher. Three inotersen-treated patients (3%) had sudden severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count below 25). One patient experienced a fatal intracranial hemorrhage.(1) Inotersen is only available through a Tegsedi REMS program because of the risk of severe thrombocytopenia and the risk of glomerulonephritis.(1)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets; Thrombolytics/Caplacizumab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Bleeding has been reported with the use of caplacizumab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of caplacizumab with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or thrombolytics may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. hemophilia, coagulation factor deficiencies). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of caplacizumab with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics. Interrupt caplacizumab therapy if clinically significant bleeding occurs. Patients may require von Willebrand factor concentrate to rapidly correct hemostasis. If caplacizumab is restarted, closely monitor for signs of bleeding.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Bleeding has been reported with caplacizumab. In clinical studies, severe bleeding adverse reactions of epistaxis, gingival bleeding, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and metrorrhagia were each reported in 1% of patients. Overall, bleeding events occurred in approximately 58% of patients on caplacizumab versus 43% of patients on placebo.(1) In post-marketing reports, cases of life-threatening and fatal bleeding were reported with caplacizumab.(1)

Antiplatelets; Aspirin (> 100 Mg)/Abrocitinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Abrocitinib has been associated with transient, dose-dependent thrombocytopenia. The nadir platelet count occurs at a median of 24 days after receiving abrocitinib 200 mg once daily and a 40% recovery occurs by 12 weeks. Concurrent use with agents that affect platelet aggregation may result in an additive risk of bleeding.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of abrocitinib with antiplatelet agents may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. pre-existing thrombocytopenia). Abrocitinib is not recommended for patients with a platelet count less than 150,000/mm3.(1) Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of abrocitinib with antiplatelet agents (except aspirin < or = 81 mg daily) is contraindicated during the first 3 months of abrocitinib therapy. Prior to starting abrocitinib therapy, obtain a complete blood count and recheck at 4 weeks after initiation and 4 weeks after a dose increase. Discontinuation of abrocitinib is required if platelets drop below 50,000/mm3.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted after the first 3 months of abrocitinib therapy, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Abrocitinib has been associated with transient, dose-dependent thrombocytopenia and is more severe with lower baseline platelet counts. At baseline platelet counts of 170,000/mm3, 220,000/m3 and 270,000/mm3, the nadirs were -41.2%, -33.4%, and -26.5%, respectively. Recovery of platelet count (about 40% recovery by 12 weeks) occurred without discontinuation of the treatment.(1)

Antiplatelets; Aspirin (> 100 Mg)/Apixaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Additive effects on hemostasis.(1-4)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of apixaban with antiplatelets may increase the risk of bleeding.(1-4)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients requiring concurrent therapy with apixaban and an antiplatelet agent should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding. Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. Discontinue apixaban in patients with active bleeding. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent administration of enoxaparin (40 mg single dose) and apixaban (5 mg single dose) resulted in additive effects on anti-Factor Xa activity.(1) Concurrent apixaban and aspirin (325 mg daily) resulted in no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions.(1) Concurrent apixaban with clopidogrel (75 mg daily) or with combination clopidogrel (75 mg daily) and aspirin (162 mg daily) produced no relevant increases in bleeding time, platelet aggregation, or clotting tests (PI, INR, and aPTT) compared either clopidogrel alone or clopidogrel with aspirin without apixaban.(1) Significant bleeding risk was reported with the combination of apixaban, aspirin, and clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome.(1) A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of apixaban and clopidogrel resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 1.96 (1.53-2.51).(5) A meta-analysis of 9 studies identified 13,459 patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), 1,692 of whom also took an antiplatelet agent. Of the patients on antiplatelet agents, 1,254 took aspirin while the rest was unspecified. Most of the trials restricted patients to use of low-dose aspirin, with the highest allowable dose being 165 mg/day. The use of DOACs with antiplatelet agents was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (OR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.04-3.44) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.50-2.22). There was no difference between groups in the efficacy outcome of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) or VTE-related death.(3)

Antiplatelets; Aspirin (> 100 Mg)/Dabigatran

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor and when taken with agents that effect platelet aggregation increased bleeding episodes can occur.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of dabigatran with antiplatelet agents may result in additive or synergistic effects resulting in unwanted bleeding episodes.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Factors associated with an increase risk for bleeding include renal impairment, concomitant use of P-glycoprotein inhibitors, patient age >74 years, coexisting conditions (e.g. recent trauma) or use of drugs (e.g. NSAIDs) associated with bleeding risk, and patient weight <50 kg.(1-3) The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients requiring concurrent therapy with dabigatran and an antiplatelet agent should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug. Discontinue dabigatran in patients with active bleeding.

DISCUSSION: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor and when taken with agents that effect platelet aggregation and/or other clotting factors increased bleeding episodes can occur.(1,2) In the RE-LY trial, 40% of patients were on aspirin at baseline.(1) In the RE-MEDY trial, 7.7% of patients were on aspirin at baseline.(1) In the RE-DUAL PCI trial, patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (A) dual therapy with dabigatran 110 mg twice daily plus either clopidogrel or ticagrelor, (B) dual therapy with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily plus either clopidogrel or ticagrelor, or (C) triple therapy with warfarin (goal INR 2-3) plus aspirin (< or = 100 mg daily) plus either clopidogrel or ticagrelor. The incidence of the first major or clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding event was 15.4% in group A compared with 26.9% in group C (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.63; p<0.001 for noninferiority; p<0.001 for superiority) and 20.2% in group B compared to 25.7% in corresponding group C (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.88; p<0.001 for noninferiority). For major bleeding as defined by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) criteria, the rate was lower in both dual-therapy groups than in the triple-therapy group: 1.4% in group A compared to 3.8% in group C (hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.68; p=0.002) and 2.1% in group B compared to 3.9% in corresponding group C (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.93; p=0.03). Incidence of composite efficacy end point of thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or systemic embolism), death, or unplanned revascularization was 13.7% in groups A and B compared to 13.4% in group C (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.29; p=0.005 for noninferiority).(4) A meta-analysis of 9 studies identified 13,459 patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), 1,692 of whom also took an antiplatelet agent. Of the patients on antiplatelet agents, 1,254 took aspirin while the rest was unspecified. Most of the trials restricted patients to use of low-dose aspirin, with the highest allowable dose being 165 mg/day. Compared with DOACs alone, the use of DOACs with antiplatelet agents was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (OR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.04-3.44) and CRNM bleeding (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.50-2.22). There was no difference between groups in the efficacy outcome of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) or VTE-related death.(5)

Antiplatelets; Aspirin (> 100 Mg)/Edoxaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents have additive effects on hemostasis.(1) In addition, aspirin doses greater than or equal to 325 mg daily increase edoxaban exposure.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of edoxaban with antiplatelets may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Bleeding risk may be increased in patients with renal impairment and in patients > 75 years of age.(1) Use of multiple agents which affect hemostasis increases the risk for bleeding. The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patient with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients requiring concurrent therapy with edoxaban and an antiplatelet agent should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding. Edoxaban and aspirin at dosages of 100 mg or less may be coadministered.(2,3) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. Discontinue edoxaban in patients with active bleeding.

DISCUSSION: Concomitant use of edoxaban and antiplatelet agents may increase the risk of bleeding. In edoxaban clinical trials concomitant use of low dose aspirin (< or = 100 mg daily), thienopyridines, and NSAIDs was permitted and resulted in increased rates of clinically relevant bleeding. The rates of major bleeding on edoxaban and warfarin were generally consistent among subgroups. Bleeding rates appeared higher in both treatment arms (edoxaban and warfarin) in patients taking aspirin. Co-administration of aspirin (100 mg or 325 mg) and edoxaban increased bleeding time relative to that seen with either drug alone.(1) About 30% of the population in ENGAGE-AF received concomitant therapy with aspirin because of co-morbid conditions. While aspirin is known to increase risk for bleeds and the annualized event rate for major bleeds was higher than that in patients not receiving aspirin (3.87% vs. 2.13%), the risk for bleeds in patients receiving edoxaban 60 mg on a background of aspirin was lower than that for warfarin on a background of aspirin (HR 0.78 (95%CI 0.65,0.94). Based on these data no dose adjustments/contraindications are required.(4) Edoxaban and aspirin at dosages of 100 mg or less may be coadministered.(2,3) A meta-analysis of 9 studies identified 13,459 patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), 1,692 of whom also took an antiplatelet agent. Of the patients on antiplatelet agents, 1,254 took aspirin while the rest was unspecified. Most of the trials restricted patients to use of low-dose aspirin, with the highest allowable dose being 165 mg/day. The use of DOACs with antiplatelet agents was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (OR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.04-3.44) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.50-2.22). There was no difference between groups in the efficacy outcome of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) or VTE-related death.(5)

Antiplatelets; Aspirin (> 325 Mg)/Betrixaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Betrixaban is a factor Xa inhibitor and when taken with agents that effect platelet aggregation increased bleeding episodes can occur.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of betrixaban with antiplatelet agents may result in additive or synergistic effects resulting in unwanted bleeding episodes.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Factors associated with an increase risk for bleeding include renal impairment, concomitant use of P-glycoprotein inhibitors, coexisting conditions (e.g. recent trauma) or use of drugs (e.g. NSAIDs) associated with bleeding risk.(1-3) The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients requiring concurrent therapy with betrixaban and an antiplatelet agent should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug. Discontinue betrixaban in patients with active bleeding. The anticoagulant effect of betrixaban is expected to persist for at least 72 hours after the last dose.

DISCUSSION: Betrixaban is a factor Xa inhibitor and when taken with agents that effect platelet aggregation and/or other clotting factors increased bleeding episodes can occur.(1,2) In the APEX trial, if aspirin was required for cardiovascular disease, doses were limited to less than 165mg daily, with the exception of patients who were receiving aspirin for ischemic stroke or TIA indication, who could take 325mg daily. Concomitant use of aspirin and betrixaban resulted in a slightly increased incidence of major/clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding compared to those who did not use aspirin (3.7% vs. 2.89%). Concomitant use of aspirin with betrixaban resulted in an increased incidence of major bleeding twice as much as those who did not use aspirin with betrixaban (0.93% vs. 0.46%).(2) A meta-analysis of 9 studies identified 13,459 patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), 1,692 of whom also took an antiplatelet agent. Of the patients on antiplatelet agents, 1,254 took aspirin while the rest was unspecified. Most of the trials restricted patients to use of low-dose aspirin, with the highest allowable dose being 165 mg/day. The use of DOACs with antiplatelet agents was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (OR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.04-3.44) and CRNM bleeding (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.50-2.22). There was no difference between groups in the efficacy outcome of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) or VTE-related death.(3)

Selected Antiplatelets; Aspirin (> 100 Mg)/Rivaroxaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Additive effects on hemostasis.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of rivaroxaban with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent use of rivaroxaban and higher doses of aspirin unless the benefit is expected to outweigh the increased risk of bleeding. In the ROCKET AF trial, concomitant use of low dose aspirin (almost exclusively at less than or equal to 100 mg daily) was identified as an independent risk factor for bleeding.(1) If the benefit of concurrent use of rivaroxaban with other antiplatelets is expected to outweigh the increased risk of bleeding, closely monitor patients for signs or symptoms of bleeding.(1) The UK manufacturer of rivaroxaban states that rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily is indicated with aspirin 75 - 100 mg with or without clopidogrel 75 mg or standard dose ticlopidine for post-acute coronary syndrome and in patients with CAD and PAD, weighing the risk for ischemic events against the bleeding risks. Long-term dual antiplatelet therapy should be avoided. Clinical monitoring is recommended throughout treatment.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: In two clinical trials in healthy subjects, concurrent clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose, then 75 mg daily) and rivaroxaban (15 mg single dose) increased bleeding time to 45 minutes in 45% and 30% of subjects. This was twice the maximum increase in bleeding time seen with either agent alone.(1) In the ROCKET AF trial, concomitant aspirin use (almost exclusively at < or = to 100 mg daily) was identified as an independent risk factor for bleeding.(1) In a study, concurrent enoxaparin (40 mg) and rivaroxaban (10 mg) resulted in additive effects on anti-factor Xa activity with no effects on the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban.(1) In a study, concurrent warfarin (15 mg) and rivaroxaban (5 mg) resulted in additive effects on factor Xa inhibition and PT with no effects on the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban.(1) In a single dose study, there were no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions between rivaroxaban and aspirin.(1) A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of rivaroxaban and dipyridamole resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 3.49 (1.08-6.64); and rivaroxaban and aspirin ratio of rate ratios 2.19 (1.21-2.95).(3) A meta-analysis of 9 studies identified 13,459 patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), 1,692 of whom also took an antiplatelet agent. Of the patients on antiplatelet agents, 1,254 took aspirin while the rest was unspecified. Most of the trials restricted patients to use of low-dose aspirin, with the highest allowable dose being 165 mg/day. The use of DOACs with antiplatelet agents was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (OR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.04-3.44) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.50-2.22). There was no difference between groups in the efficacy outcome of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) or VTE-related death.(4)

Selected Cyp3a4 Substrates/Pexidartinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Pexidartinib is a moderate inducer of CYP3A4 and may increase the metabolism of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of pexidartinib may lead to decreased serum levels and effectiveness of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 pathway.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of pexidartinib states that co-administration of CYP3A4 substrates for which minimal concentration decreases may lead to serious therapeutic failure should be avoided. If concomitant use is unavoidable, increase the dose of the CYP3A4 substrate in accordance with approved product labeling.(1)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of pexidartinib 400 mg twice daily with oral midazolam, a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, in patients decreased midazolam area-under-curve (AUC) by 59% and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 28%.(1) CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index linked to this monograph include: everolimus, felodipine, fentanyl, hydroquinidine, midazolam, nisoldipine, quinidine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, ticagrelor, and triazolam.(1-3)

Selected Cyp3a4 Substrates/Sotorasib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sotorasib is a moderate inducer of CYP3A4 and may increase the metabolism of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sotorasib may lead to decreased serum levels and effectiveness of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 pathway.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of sotorasib states that co-administration of CYP3A4 substrates for which minimal concentration decreases may lead to serious therapeutic failure should be avoided. If concomitant use is unavoidable, increase the dose of the CYP3A4 substrate in accordance with approved product labeling.(1)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of sotorasib with midazolam, a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, decreased midazolam area-under-curve (AUC) by 53% and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 48%.(1) CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index linked to this monograph include: felodipine, fentanyl, hydroquinidine, parenteral lefamulin, midazolam, nisoldipine, quinidine, tacrolimus, ticagrelor, and triazolam.(2,3)

Selected Inhibitors Of Bcrp/Cladribine Oral

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of BCRP may increase the absorption of cladribine.(1-2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of cladribine with an inhibitor of BCRP may result in elevated levels of cladribine and signs of toxicity.(1-2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of cladribine states concurrent use of BCRP inhibitors should be avoided during the 4- to 5-day cladribine treatment.(1-2) Selection of an alternative concurrent medication with no or minimal transporter inhibiting proprieties should be considered. If this is not possible, dose reduction to the minimum mandatory dose of the BCRP inhibitor, separation in timing of administration, and careful patient monitoring is recommended.(1-2) Monitor for signs of hematologic toxicity. Lymphocyte counts should be monitored.

DISCUSSION: Cladribine is a substrate of BCRP. Inhibitors of this transporter are expected to increase cladribine levels.(1-2) BCRP inhibitors linked to this monograph include: capmatinib, clopidogrel, curcumin, danicopan, darolutamide, dasabuvir, eltrombopag, enasidenib, ensitrelvir, febuxostat, fostamatinib, fostemsavir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, grazoprevir, lazertinib, oteseconazole, pacritinib, paritaprevir, regorafenib, resmetirom, ritonavir, rolapitant, roxadustat, selpercatinib, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, tafamidis, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, turmeric, vadadustat, and zongertinib.(1-4)

Selected Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/Nsaids; Salicylates

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Abciximab, cangrelor, cilostazol, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, eptifibatide, prasugrel, ticagrelor, vorapaxar and NSAIDs or salicylates inhibit platelet aggregation.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of platelet aggregation inhibitors and NSAIDs or salicylates may increase the risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with multiple disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia, advanced liver disease). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g., anticoagulants, other antiplatelets, corticosteroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Risk of GI bleed may be increased in patients who are of older age, in poor health status, or who use alcohol or smoke. Risk may also be increased with longer duration of NSAID use and prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding. Risk increases as the number of risk factors increases.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use caution when administering platelet aggregation inhibitors with NSAIDs or salicylates.(1-5) It would be prudent to monitor patients more closely during concurrent therapy and to use the lowest NSAID or salicylate dose possible. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The 2010 ACCF/ACG/AHA Consensus guidelines recommend the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with multiple risk factors for GI bleeding who require antiplatelet therapy. However, esomeprazole and omeprazole should be avoided with clopidogrel as they are expected to reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel. Use of other PPIs should be approached with caution, as they may reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel.

DISCUSSION: Because of the increased risk of bleeding, caution is warranted when using this combination. In a nationwide cohort study, patients were evaluated for thromboembolic cardiovascular and clinically relevant bleeding events with concurrent antithrombotic and ongoing NSAID treatment. A total of 108,232 patients were followed for a mean of 2.3 +/- 1.8 years after diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Concomitant NSAID treatment significantly increased the risk for cardiovascular events (hazard ratio (HR) 6.96; 95% CI 6.24 - 6.77; p<0.001) and bleeding events (HR 4.08; 95% CI 3.51 - 4.73; p<0.001) compared to no NSAID treatment. NSAIDs were further evaluated and revealed the use of celecoxib (HR: 4.65; 95% CI: 3.17 to 6.82; p < 0.001, and 3.44; 95% CI: 2.20 to 5.39; p < 0.001, respectively) and meloxicam (HR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.68 to 5.47; p < 0.001, and 2.80; 95% CI: 1.40 to 5.60; p < 0.001, respectively) had the lowest risk for cardiovascular and bleeding events, receptively.

Selected Sensitive Cyp3a4 Substrates/Oral Lefamulin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Lefamulin is considered a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4. FDA defines a moderate inhibitor as a drug which increases the area-under-curve (AUC) of a sensitive substrate by 2- to 5-fold.(1,3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of oral lefamulin may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP3A4 pathway.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With darifenacin, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If oral lefamulin must be coadministered with a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, it is recommended to closely monitor for adverse effects of the CYP3A4 substrate.(1) Drug-specific recommendations: The manufacturer of abemaciclib recommends monitoring for adverse reactions and considering a dose reduction of abemaciclib in 50 mg decrements as detailed in prescribing information (based on starting dose, previous dose reductions, and combination or monotherapy use) with concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study, oral lefamulin tablets administered concomitantly with and at 2 or 4 hours before oral midazolam (a CYP3A4 substrate) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of midazolam by 200% and 100%, respectively. No clinically significant effect on midazolam pharmacokinetics was observed when co-administered with lefamulin injection.(1) Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates linked to this monograph include: abemaciclib, acalabrutinib, alprazolam, atorvastatin, brotizolam, budesonide, buspirone, cobimetinib, darifenacin, ebastine, eletriptan, elvitegravir, everolimus, lovastatin, lurasidone, maraviroc, midazolam, nisoldipine, paritaprevir, sildenafil, simvastatin, ticagrelor, triazolam, and ulipristal.(1,3,5)

Selected Sensitive Cyp3a4 Substrates/Voxelotor

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Voxelotor is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and may decrease the metabolism of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of voxelotor may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP3A4 pathway.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: A greater risk for serious adverse events would be expected from drugs having a narrow therapeutic window.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of voxelotor states that co-administration of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index should be avoided. If concomitant use is unavoidable, consider dose reduction of the sensitive substrate.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study, voxelotor increased the AUC of a single dose of midazolam by 1.6-fold. After multiple doses of midazolam, a 2.5-fold increase in AUC is predicted.(1) Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index linked to this monograph include: avanafil, conivaptan, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, eplerenone, ergotamine, everolimus, felodipine, fentanyl, lomitapide, lovastatin, methylergonovine, midazolam, nisoldipine, sildenafil, simvastatin, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, triazolam, and vardenafil.(2,3)

Ticagrelor/High-Dose Aspirin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Chronic use of high-dose aspirin may decrease the efficacy of ticagrelor.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: After an initial loading dose, low dose aspirin is indicated with concurrent ticagrelor for the prevention of thrombotic events. Specific dosage recommendations vary between countries, however all agree that the maintenance aspirin dose should be < or = 150 mg per day. US prescribing information recommends the following based on indication: -For Acute Coronary Syndrome or Myocardial Infarction - Initiate ticagrelor with a maintenance dose of aspirin 75 mg to 100 mg. -For Coronary Artery Disease but No Prior Stroke or Myocardial Infarction - Use ticagrelor with a daily maintenance dose of aspirin of 75 mg to 100 mg. -For Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack - Use ticagrelor with a loading dose of aspirin (300 mg to 325 mg) and a daily maintenance dose of 75 mg to 100 mg.(1) Canada and UK prescribing information recommends a maintenance aspirin dose of 75 mg to 150 mg daily.(2,3) For use other than platelet aggregation, it would be prudent to recommend an alternative product that does not contain aspirin for patients maintained on ticagrelor.

DISCUSSION: Ticagrelor is indicated with concurrent aspirin for the prevention of thrombotic events. In the PLATO trial, there was a relationship between the maintenance dose of aspirin and efficacy of ticagrelor. At increased aspirin dosages, ticagrelor was less effective.(1-3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Eliglustat

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of eliglustat. If the patient is also taking an inhibitor of CYP2D6, eliglustat metabolism can be further inhibited.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and clinical effects of eliglustat, including prolongation of the PR, QTc, and/or QRS intervals, which may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: If the patient is also taking an inhibitor of CYP2D6, is a poor metabolizer of CYP2D6, and/or has hepatic impairment, eliglustat metabolism can be further inhibited.(1) The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of eliglustat with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 in poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 should be avoided.(1) The dosage of eliglustat with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 in extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) hepatic impairment should be limited to 84 mg daily.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(3)

DISCUSSION: Ketoconazole (400 mg daily), a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased eliglustat (84 mg BID) maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 4-fold and 4.4-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PKPB) models suggested ketoconazole would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 4.4-fold and 5.4-fold, respectively, in intermediate metabolizers. PKPB models suggested ketoconazole may increase the Cmax and AUC of eliglustat (84 mg daily) by 4.3-fold and 6.2-fold, respectively, in poor metabolizers.(1) PKPB models suggested fluconazole, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 2.8-fold and 3.2-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers and by 2.5-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively in intermediate metabolizers. PKPB models suggest that concurrent eliglustat (84 mg BID), paroxetine (a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6), and ketoconazole would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 16.7-fold and 24.2-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers. In intermediate metabolizers, eliglustat Cmax and AUC would be expected to increase 7.5-fold and 9.8-fold, respectively.(1) PKPB models suggest that concurrent eliglustat (84 mg BID), terbinafine (a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6), and ketoconazole would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 10.2-fold and 13.6-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers. In intermediate metabolizers, eliglustat Cmax and AUC would be expected to increase 4.2-fold and 5-fold, respectively.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(4,5)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Lomitapide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of lomitapide.(1) Lomitapide is very susceptible to CYP3A4 inhibition. For example, in an interaction study with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (ketoconazole) lomitapide exposure was increased 27-fold.(2) Thus even weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may affect lomitapide exposure (AUC, area-under-curve).

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in 2-fold increases in lomitapide levels and toxicity from lomitapide.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: This interaction may be more severe in patients with hepatic impairment or with end-stage renal disease.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When initiating lomitapide in patients taking a stable dose of a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor, follow the recommended dose and titration schedule per labeling. When initiating a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor in patients taking lomitapide, decrease the dose of lomitapide by 50%. The maximum recommended lomitapide dose with concurrent weak CYP3A4 inhibitors should be: -Adults (age 18 years and older): 30 mg daily, -Age group 11 to 17 years: 20 mg daily, -Age group 2 to 10 years: 10 mg daily. Due to lomitapide's long half-life, it may take 1 to 2 weeks to see the full effect of this interaction.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Lomitapide is very susceptible to CYP3A4 inhibition. For example, in an interaction study with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (ketoconazole) lomitapide exposure was increased 27-fold.(2) Based upon interactions with stronger inhibitors, weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 are predicted to increase lomitapide area-under-curve(AUC) 2-fold.(1) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this interaction include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, atorvastatin, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, bicalutamide, blueberry juice, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, chlorzoxazone, clotrimazole, cranberry juice, cyclosporine, daridorexant, delavirdine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lurasidone, maribavir, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, sevabertinib, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, ziftomenib, and zileuton.(1-3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Pimozide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of pimozide.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the levels and effects of pimozide including QTc prolongation and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like torsades de pointes.(1-2) Concurrent use may also result in extrapyramidal symptoms such as akathisia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, hypertonia, and oculogyric crisis.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increased systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of pimozide states that concomitant treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated and treatment with less potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 should also be avoided.(1) The UK manufacturer of pimozide contraindicates concomitant use of pimozide with CYP3A4 inhibitors and CYP2D6 inhibitors, stating that inhibition of either or both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 may result in the elevation of pimozide blood concentration and increase the possibility of QT-prolongation.(2) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(5) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, then correct or minimize QT prolonging risk factors, use the lowest effective dose of pimozide, and discontinue other concurrent QT prolonging agents or CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors if possible. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: Pimozide is metabolized at CYP3A.(1,5) Elevated levels of pimozide may prolong the QTc interval resulting in life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.(1) Serious cardiovascular events, including QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest, and/or sudden death have been reported in patients taking pimozide in combination with itraconazole and/or other CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1,2) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors include: amlodipine, asciminib, avapritinib, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cimetidine, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginkgo, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, marijuana, olaparib, palbociclib, peppermint, piperine, pirtobrutinib, propiverine, ranitidine, resveratrol, scutellarin, sevabertinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, viloxazine, and vonoprazan.(7,8)

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Anticoagulant;Antiplatelet;Thrombolytic/Icosapent Ethyl

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: In vitro data suggests that fish oils can competitively inhibit cyclooxygenase which decreases synthesis of thromboxane A1 leading to a decrease in platelet aggregation.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents increase bleeding risks.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Specific studies with icosapent ethyl and affects on bleeding risk have not been conducted. Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents may increase bleeding risks by impairing platelet function and prolonging bleeding time.(1) Several case reports have shown increased bleeding time and an increased risk of adverse effects from concurrent therapy.(2,3,4) A randomized placebo controlled study of 40 people taking omega-3 fatty acids and oral anticoagulants showed a significant prolongation in bleeding time.(5)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets/Fruquintinib; Surufatinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Bleeding has been reported with the use of fruquintinib and surufatinib.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of fruquintinib or surufatinib with either anticoagulants or antiplatelets may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy with fruquintinib and anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets should be closely monitored for changes in platelet count or in International Normalized Ratio (INR). If a serious bleeding event occurs, the manufacturer recommends permanent discontinuation of fruquintinib.(1) Patients receiving concurrent therapy with surufatinib and anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets should be closely monitored for changes in platelet count or in INR.If a serious bleeding event occurs, the manufacturer recommends permanent discontinuation of surufatinib.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Bleeding has been reported with fruquintinib in three randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The incidence of grade 1 and grade 2 bleeding events was 28.2%, including gastrointestinal bleeding (10.9%), hematuria (10.6%), and epistaxis (7.5%). The incidence of grade 3 or higher bleeding events was 2.1% and included gastrointestinal bleeding (1.6%) and hemoptysis (0.5%).(1) Bleeding has been reported with surufatinib in clinical trials. Grade 1 and 2 bleeding events included gastrointestinal bleeding, blood in the urine, and gum bleeding. The incidence of grade 3 or greater bleeding events was 4.5%, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage (1.9%), and cerebral hemorrhage (1.1%). Fatalities due to bleeding were reported in 0.3% of patients. The incidence of permanent discontinuation due to bleeding was 2.6% and the incidence of suspension of surufatinib due to bleeding was 3.8%.(2)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets/Obinutuzumab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Severe and life-threatening thrombocytopenia has been reported during obinutuzumab therapy.(1) Anticoagulants and antiplatelets may have an additive risk of bleeding.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of obinutuzumab with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents may result in additive or synergistic effects, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Monitor all patients frequently for thrombocytopenia and signs of bleeding. Consider withholding concomitant anticoagulants and antiplatelets, especially during the first cycle of obinutuzumab.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Obinutuzumab with chemotherapy has been reported to cause severe and life-threatening thrombocytopenia. Fatal hemorrhagic events have occurred in patients with NHL and CLL during obinutuzumab therapy, including during Cycle 1.(1)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets/Plasminogen

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Bleeding has been reported with the use of plasminogen.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of plasminogen with either anticoagulants or antiplatelets may increase the risk of active bleeding during plasminogen therapy, including bleeding from mucosal disease-related lesions that may manifest as gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, hemoptysis, epistaxis, vaginal bleeding, or hematuria.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy with plasminogen and anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets should be closely monitored during plasminogen therapy for active bleeding from mucosal disease-related lesions, including GI bleeding, hemoptysis, epistaxis, vaginal bleeding, or hematuria.(1) Prior to initiation of treatment with plasminogen, confirm healing of lesions or wounds suspected as a source of a recent bleeding event. Monitor patients during and for 4 hours after infusion when administering plasminogen with concurrent anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or other agents which may interfere with normal coagulation.(1) If patient experiences uncontrolled bleeding (defined as any gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding from any other site that persists longer than 30 minutes), seek emergency care and discontinue plasminogen immediately.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Plasminogen has not been studied in patients at an increased risk of bleeding. Bleeding has been reported with plasminogen in a two single-arm, open-label clinical trials as well as in compassionate use programs. The incidence of hemorrhage in patients with Plasminogen Deficiency Type 1 was 16% (3/19 patients).(1) One of the bleeding events occurred two days after receiving the second dose of plasminogen in a patient with a recent history of GI bleeding due to gastric ulcers. The patient received plasminogen through a compassionate use program and the dose was 6.6 mg/kg body weight every 2 days. Endoscopy showed multiple ulcers with one actively bleeding ulcer near the pylorus.(1)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets/Tisotumab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Bleeding, including hemorrhage, has been reported with the use of tisotumab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tisotumab with either anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or NSAIDs may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy with tisotumab and anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and/or NSAIDs should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or International Normalized Ratio (INR). For patients experiencing pulmonary or central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage, permanently discontinue tisotumab. For grade 2 or greater hemorrhage in any other location, withhold until bleeding has resolved, blood hemoglobin is stable, there is no bleeding diathesis that could increase the risk of continuing therapy, and there is no anatomical or pathologic condition that can increase the risk of hemorrhage. After resolution, either resume treatment or permanently discontinue tisotumab.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Hemorrhage occurred in 62% of patients with cervical cancer treated with tisotumab across clinical trials. The most common all grade hemorrhage adverse reactions were epistaxis (44%), hematuria (10%), and vaginal hemorrhage (10%). Grade 3 hemorrhage occurred in 5% of patients.(1)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets; Thrombolytics/Drotrecogin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Drotrecogin, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics all affect hemostasis.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of drotrecogin with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or thrombolytics, including heparin and aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Drotrecogin should be used with caution with other agents that affect hemostasis, including concurrent heparin for thrombotic or embolic events; recent administration (within 3 days) of thrombolytics; recent administration of oral anticoagulants (within 7 days) or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors; or recent administration (within 7 days) of aspirin (greater than 650 mg daily) or other platelet inhibitors.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Because of the increased risk of bleeding, drotrecogin should be used with caution with other agents that affect hemostasis, including concurrent heparin for thrombotic or embolic events; recent administration (within 3 days) of thrombolytics; recent administration of oral anticoagulants (within 7 days) or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors; or recent administration (within 7 days) of aspirin (greater than 650 mg daily) or other platelet inhibitors.(1)

Antiplatelets/Donanemab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of donanemab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with donanemab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of donanemab with antiplatelets may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Donanemab should be used with extreme caution in patients treated with antiplatelets. Evaluate the risks and benefits of concurrent use of donanemab with antiplatelets.(1) The manufacturer of donanemab recommends testing for AP0E4 status prior to initiation of treatment.(1) Use of antiplatelet agents in patients who are homozygous for the APOE4 gene, may have an increased risk of ARIA with donanemab therapy.(1-3) Patients receiving concurrent therapy with donanemab and antiplatelets should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination. General signs of blood loss include decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of 1736 participants randomized to receive donanemab (n = 860) or placebo (n = 876), donanemab was observed to increase amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H), including microhemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences). The maximum severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage was observed as mild in 17% (143/853), moderate in 4% (34/853), and severe in 5% (40/853) of patients taking donanemab.(1) Baseline use of antithrombotic medications (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) was allowed. The majority of exposures to antithrombotic medications were to aspirin. The incidence of ARIA-H was 30% (106/349) in patients taking donanemab with a concomitant antithrombotic medication within 30 days compared to 29% (148/504) who did not receive an antithrombotic within 30 days of an ARIA-H event.(1) The incidence of ICH greater than 1 cm in diameter was 0.6% (2/349 patients) in patients taking donanemab with a concomitant antithrombotic medication compared to 0.4% (2/504) in those who did not receive an antithrombotic. One fatal ICH occurred in a patient taking donanemab in the setting of focal neurologic symptoms of ARIA and the use of a thrombolytic agent.(1)

Antiplatelets/Lecanemab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of lecanemab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with lecanemab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lecanemab with antiplatelets may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Lecanemab should be used with extreme caution in patients treated with antiplatelets. Evaluate the risks and benefits of concurrent use of lecanemab with antiplatelets.(1) Appropriate use recommendations for lecanemab state antiplatelets may be used at standard doses if patients meet other criteria for lecanemab therapy. Use of antiplatelet agents in patients who are homozygous for the APOE4 gene may have an increased risk of ARIA with lecanemab therapy.(2) Patients receiving concurrent therapy with lecanemab and antiplatelets should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or International Normalized Ratio (INR).(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination. General signs of blood loss include decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In clinical studies, lecanemab was observed to increase ARIA-H, including microhemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences. Patients were excluded from clinical trials if taking concurrent anticoagulants or anti-platelets.(1) In Studies 1 and 2, the maximum severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage was mild in 9% (79/898), moderate in 2% (19/898), and severe in 3% (28/898) of patients. Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% (6/898) of patients in Study 2 after treatment with lecanemab compared to 0.1% (1/897) on placebo. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking lecanemab have been observed.(1) In Study 2, baseline use of antithrombotic medications (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) were allowed if patient was on a stable dose. Aspirin was the most common antithrombotic agent. The incidence of ICH was 0.9% (3/328 patients) in patients taking lecanemab with a concomitant antithrombotic medication at the time of the event compared to 0.6% (3/545 patients) in those who did not receive an antithrombotic. Patients taking lecanemab with an anticoagulant alone or combined with an antiplatelet medication or aspirin had an incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage of 2.5% (2/79 patients) compared to none in patients who received placebo.

Cyp3a4; Cyp2c8; P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Loperamide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and/or P-gp may increase loperamide systemic absorption and facilitate entry into central nervous system (CNS).(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and/or P-gp may increase levels of loperamide, resulting in respiratory depression.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use loperamide with caution in patients receiving inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and/or P-gp. Consider lower doses of loperamide in these patients and monitor for adverse effects. The manufacturer of lonafarnib recommends starting loperamide at a dose of 1 mg and slowly increasing the dose as needed.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a randomized, cross-over study in 12 healthy subjects, itraconazole (100 mg twice daily for 5 days - first dose 200 mg), gemfibrozil (600 mg twice daily), and the combination of itraconazole and gemfibrozil (same dosages) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of single doses of loperamide (4 mg) by 2.9-fold, 1.6-fold, and 4.2-fold, respectively.(3) In a study of healthy subjects, lonafarnib (100 mg twice daily for 5 days) increased the AUC and maximum concentration (Cmax) of single dose loperamide (2 mg) by 299% and 214%, respectively.(3) In a study in 18 healthy males, quinidine increased the AUC of a single dose of loperamide by 2.2-fold and markedly decreased pupil size.(4) In a study in 8 healthy subjects, subjects experienced respiratory depression when a single dose of loperamide (16 mg) was administered with a single dose of quinidine (600 mg) but not when loperamide was administered alone.(6) Loperamide plasma levels increased 2-fold to 3-fold.(5) Coadministration of trofinetide 12,000 mg twice daily with 4 mg of loperamide increased the AUC of loperamide by 1.73-fold and the Cmax by 1.95-fold. Administration of trofinetide 2 hours prior to loperamide increased the AUC of loperamide by 1.22-fold and the Cmax by 1.44-fold.(7)

Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Tacrolimus

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate and weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of tacrolimus.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP3A4 inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from tacrolimus, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tacrolimus recommends monitoring tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and reducing tacrolimus dose if needed.(1) Consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: In a study of 26 renal transplant recipients, conjugated estrogens 3.75 mg daily increased the tacrolimus dose-corrected concentration of tacrolimus by 85.6%. Discontinuation of the conjugated estrogens led to a decrease in tacrolimus concentration of 46.6%.(3) A case report describes a 65-year-old kidney transplant recipient who was stable on tacrolimus 9 mg per day with trough levels of 5 to 7.5 ng/mL. Ten days after starting on estradiol gel 0.5 mg per day, her tacrolimus level rose to 18.3 ng/mL and serum creatinine (Scr) rose from 1.1 mg/dL at baseline to 2 mg/dL. Tacrolimus dose was reduced by 60%, and trough levels and Scr normalized after two weeks.(4) A study of 16 healthy volunteers found that elbasvir 50 mg/grazoprevir 200 mg daily increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of tacrolimus by 43%, while the maximum concentration (Cmax) of tacrolimus was decreased by 40%.(5) An analysis of FAERS data from 2004-2017, found a significant association between transplant rejection and concurrent use of tacrolimus and clotrimazole (reporting odds ratio 1.92, 95% CI). A retrospective study of 7 heart transplant patients on concurrent tacrolimus and clotrimazole troche showed a significant correlation between tacrolimus trough concentration and AUC after clotrimazole discontinuation. Tacrolimus clearance and bioavailability after clotrimazole discontinuation was 2.2-fold greater (0.27 vs. 0.59 L/h/kg) and the trough concentration decreased from 6.5 ng/mL at 1 day to 5.3 ng/mL at 2 days after clotrimazole discontinuation.(7) A retrospective study of 26 heart transplant patients found that discontinuation of concurrent clotrimazole with tacrolimus in the CYP3A5 expresser group had a 3.3-fold increase in apparent oral clearance and AUC of tacrolimus (0.27 vs. 0.89 L/h/kg) compared to the CYP3A5 non expresser group with a 2.2-fold mean increase (0.18 vs. 0.39 L/h/kg).(8) A study of 6 adult kidney transplant recipients found that clotrimazole (5-day course) increased the tacrolimus AUC 250% and the blood trough concentrations doubled (27.7 ng/ml versus 27.4 ng/ml). Tacrolimus clearance decreased 60% with coadministration of clotrimazole.(9) A case report describes a 23-year-old kidney transplant recipient who was stable on tacrolimus 5 mg twice daily, mycophenolate mofetil 30 mg daily, prednisone (30 mg daily tapered over time to 5 mg), and clotrimazole troche 10 mg four times daily. Discontinuation of clotrimazole resulted in a decrease in tacrolimus trough levels from 13.7 ng/ml to 5.4 ng/ml over a period of 6 days. Clotrimazole was restarted with tacrolimus 6 mg resulting in an increased tacrolimus level of 19.2 ng/ml.(10) A retrospective study in 95 heart transplant recipients on concurrent clotrimazole and tacrolimus found a median tacrolimus dose increase of 66.7% was required after clotrimazole discontinuation. Tacrolimus trough concentration was found to have decreased 42.5% after clotrimazole discontinuation.(11) A retrospective study in 65 pancreas transplant patients on concurrent tacrolimus, clotrimazole, cyclosporine, and prednisone found that clotrimazole discontinuation at 3 months after transplantation may cause significant tacrolimus trough level reductions.(12) A case report describes a 6-year-old kidney transplant recipient who was on a regimen of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. The patient was started letermovir 240 mg via G-tube 2 months post kidney transplant. One week after starting letermovir, the routine tacrolimus level showed a supratherapeutic concentration of 22.9 ng/L. A 36% dose reduction of tacrolimus was required. Upon discontinuation of letermovir, the tacrolimus level decreased by 42%.(13) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: berotralstat, conivaptan, fluvoxamine, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nirogacestat, sevabertinib, stiripentol, and tofisopam.(6) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: avacopan, baikal skullcap, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, chlorzoxazone, cimetidine, cranberry juice, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, diosmin, elinzanetant, estrogens, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginkgo biloba, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lazertinib, linagliptin, lomitapide, lumateperone, lurasidone, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, ranitidine, resveratrol, rimegepant, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, viloxazine, and vonoprazan-amoxicillin.(6)

Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/Eptifibatide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Eptifibatide reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation by preventing the binding of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands to GP IIb/IIIa.(1) Platelet aggregation inhibitors, such as clopidogrel, inhibit aggregation by inhibiting the binding of ADP to its platelet receptor.(2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of eptifibatide and platelet aggregation inhibitors may cause additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of eptifibatide recommends employing caution when using eptifibatide with other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as eptifibatide.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: The ESPRIT study observed the use of eptifibatide and clopidogrel or ticlopidine and found that when patients were carefully monitored there was no increase in risk of bleeding;(1) however, caution is still warranted.

Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/Lepirudin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Lepirudin is a highly specific direct inhibitor of thrombin.(1) Platelet aggregation inhibitors enhance the effects of lepirudin.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lepirudin and platelet aggregation inhibitors may increase the risk of bleeding complications and may enhance the effect of lepirudin on aPTT prolongation.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends close monitoring of patients taking this combination.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: A study using lepirudin in combination with platelet aggregation inhibitors concluded that caution should be exercised when using this combination because of the increased risk of bleeding complications.(2)

Platelet Inhibitors/Selected Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Platelet aggregation inhibitors work by irreversibly modifying the platelet ADP receptor and inhibiting the activation of GP IIb/IIIa complex.(1) Concurrent use with anticoagulants may result in additive effects on the clotting cascade.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of platelet aggregation inhibitors and anticoagulants may result in an increased risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use caution when administering platelet aggregation inhibitors concurrently with anticoagulants.(1) Careful monitoring of appropriate laboratory values for the patient's anticoagulant (e.g. PTT for heparin, anti Xa levels for low-molecular weight heparins, INR for warfarin) as well as signs and symptoms of bleeding is warranted. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Although a study in patients on long-term warfarin therapy found that the stable anticoagulation status was unaffected by concurrent clopidogrel use,(2) careful monitoring would be prudent. A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of warfarin and dipyridamole resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 2.07 (1.65-2.6); and warfarin and clopidogrel ratio of rate ratios 1.69 (1.56-1.84). A large systematic review was performed on 72 warfarin drug-drug interactions studies that reported on bleeding, thromboembolic events, or death. Most studies were retrospective cohorts. A meta-analysis of 38 of those studies found a higher rate of clinically significant bleeding in patients on warfarin and antiplatelets (OR=1.74; 95% CI 1.56-1.94). Increased bleeding risk was also seen in subgroup analyses with aspirin (OR=1.50; 95% CI 1.29-1.74), clopidogrel (OR=3.55; 95% CI 2.78-4.54), and aspirin plus clopidogrel or ticlopidine (OR=2.07, 95% CI 1.33-3.21).(4)

Selected Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets/Ibrutinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ibrutinib administration lowers platelet count in the majority of patients.(1,2) In addition, ibrutinib has been shown to inhibit collagen-mediated platelet aggregation.(3-4) Bleeding has been reported with the use of ibrutinib,(1-4) anticoagulants, or antiplatelets alone.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ibrutinib with either anticoagulants or antiplatelets may increase the risk of hemorrhage.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Canadian product monograph for ibrutinib recommends concurrent use with anticoagulants or antiplatelets should be approached with caution. If therapeutic anticoagulation is required, consider temporarily withholding ibrutinib therapy until stable anticoagulation in achieved.(2) The US prescribing information for ibrutinib states patients receiving concurrent therapy with ibrutinib and anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets should be closely monitored for changes in platelet count or in International Normalized Ratio (INR). Carefully weigh the risks vs. benefits of concurrent therapy in patients with significant thrombocytopenia. If a bleeding event occurs, follow manufacturer instructions for ibrutinib dose adjustment.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Bleeding has been reported with ibrutinib alone.(1-3) Across 27 clinical trials, grade 3 or higher bleeding events, e.g. subdural hematoma, gastrointestinal bleeding or hematuria, have occurred in up to 4% of patients, with 0.4% fatality. Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 5-19% of patients. Bleeding events of any grade occurred in 39% of patients treated with ibrutinib.(1) Concurrent use of anticoagulants or antiplatelets has been reported to increase the risk for major bleeding. In clinical trials, major bleeding occurred in 3.1% of patients taking ibrutinib without concurrent anticoagulants or antiplatelets, 4.4% of patients on concurrent antiplatelets with or without anticoagulants, and 6.1% of patients on concurrent anticoagulants with or without antiplatelets.(1) In an open-label, phase 2 trial of patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma on ibrutinib, 61 patients (55%) on concurrent anticoagulants or antiplatelets had a higher rate of bleeding (69% any grade, 8% grade 3-4) than patients not on anticoagulants or antiplatelets (28% any grade, 4% grade 3-4).(5) A retrospective trial found a hazard ratio of 20 (95% CI, 2.1-200) for patients on ibrutinib with concurrent anticoagulants and antiplatelets. There was a trend towards an increased bleeding risk in patients on either anticoagulants or antiplatelets, but this was not statistically significant on multivariate analysis.(6) A case report of 2 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) on ibrutinib and dabigatran demonstrated no stroke nor bleeding events during the mean 11.5 month follow-up.(7) A case report of 4 patients with lymphoproliferative disease on concurrent dabigatran and ibrutinib demonstrated no stroke nor major bleeding events. 1 patient experienced grade 2 conjunctival hemorrhage whilst on both ibrutinib and dabigatran. The anticoagulant was withheld and successfully re-initiated at a lower dose with no further bleeding events.(8)

Selected Platelet Inhibitors/Abciximab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dipyridamole, prasugrel, and ticlopidine inhibit platelet aggregation. Dipyridamole inhibits the uptake of adenosine, which increases the local concentration of adenosine and causes platelet aggregation inhibition.(1) Prasugrel irreversibly binds to the ADP receptors on platelets.(2) Ticlopidine interferes with platelet membrane function by inhibiting ADP-induced platelet-fibrinogen binding.(3) Abciximab inhibits platelet aggregation by preventing the binding of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive molecules on activated platelets.(4)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent usage of these agents may result in an increased risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: It is not recommended to administer dipyridamole, ticlopidine, or prasugrel with abciximab because of the increased risk of bleeds. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: A study including 21 patients taking ticlopidine and abciximab showed that ticlopidine elicited a subtle potentiation of the platelet-inhibitory capacity of abciximab.(5)

Selected Sensitive Cyp3a4 Substrates/Schisandra

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Schisandra is considered a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4. FDA defines a moderate inhibitor as a drug which increases the area-under-curve (AUC) of a sensitive substrate by 2- to 5-fold.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of Schisandra may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP3A4 pathway.(3-7)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With darifenacin, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(8)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If Schisandra must be coadministered with a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, it is recommended to closely monitor the CYP3A4 substrate and adjust its dose as appropriate.(3-7) The US manufacturer of sirolimus protein-bound injection (Fyarro) states a dose reduction to 56 mg/m2 is recommended when used concurrently with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.(8)

DISCUSSION: A study in 12 healthy volunteers found that Schisandra led to an increase in midazolam area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of 2.05- and 1.65-fold, respectively, compared to midazolam administered alone.(3) In a study of 18 healthy volunteers, sirolimus AUC and Cmax increased by 2.07-fold and 1.96-fold, respectively when given with Schisandra compared to sirolimus administered alone.(4) The effect of Schisandra on tacrolimus has been examined in several small pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers as well as liver and kidney transplant patients. Compared to tacrolimus given alone, tacrolimus AUC when administered with Schisandra was consistently increased by 2.1-fold, while the increase in Cmax varied between 1.83- and 2.11-fold in the transplant studies(5-6) and 3-fold in the study on healthy subjects.(7) In the study with kidney transplant patients, a decrease in tacrolimus dose of 40.9 % was required to bring tacrolimus levels into the therapeutic range.(5)

Slt Anticoagulants;Antiplatelets;Thrombolytics/Fluvoxamine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Serotonin release by platelets plays a role in hemostasis.(1) Fluvoxamine may cause a decrease in serotonin reuptake by platelets, resulting in an additive risk of bleeding with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of fluvoxamine and agents that affect coagulation may result in bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Renal impairment has been associated with an elevated risk of GI bleed in patients on SSRIs.(2) Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent therapy of fluvoxamine and agents that affect coagulation should be undertaken with caution. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT, anti Factor Xa inhibition) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a retrospective review of 5 years of data from the Pharmaco-Epidemiologic Prescription Database, hospitalizations for upper gastro-intestinal bleeding in antidepressant users were compared to those in non-antidepressant users. The risk of a bleed in a patient using an NSAID only based on an observed-expected ration was 4.5 and in a patient using low-dose aspirin only was 2.5. Concurrent use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin increased the risk of bleeding to 12.2 and 5.2, respectively.(3) In another study, there were 16 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving concurrent therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and NSAIDs. Adjusted relative risk of bleeding with NSAIDs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or both were 3.7, 2.6, or 15.6, respectively.(4) In a case-control study conducted in users of acenocoumarol or phenprocoumon, 1,848 patients who had been hospitalized with abnormal bleeding were each matched to 4 control patients. When patients took both a SSRI and a coumarin, an increased risk of hospitalization due to major non-gastrointestinal bleeding was observed (adjusted OR 1.7), but not due to gastrointestinal bleeding (adjusted OR 0.8).(5) A retrospective review examined patients discharged from a hospital with antiplatelet therapy following a myocardial infarction. When compared to aspirin therapy alone, both aspirin therapy with a SSRI and aspirin, clopidogrel, and SSRI therapy were associated with an increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratios 1.42 and 2.35, respectively.) Compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel), use of aspirin and clopidogrel and a SSRI was also associated with increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratio 1.57).(6) In The Rotterdam Study, fluvoxamine increased the risk of over anticoagulation (hazard ratio 2.63). Paroxetine was not associated with an increased risk. There were insufficient numbers of patients taking other SSRIs to assess increased risk.(7) A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of dabigatran and citalopram resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 1.69 (1.11-2.57).(8)

Slt Anticoagulants;Antiplatelets;Thrombolytics/Ssris;Snris

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Serotonin release by platelets plays a role in hemostasis.(1,2) The increased risk of bleeding may be a result of a decrease in serotonin reuptake by platelets.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(1-6) or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor(7-9) and agents that affect coagulation may result in bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Renal impairment has been associated with an elevated risk of GI bleed in patients on SSRIs.(15) Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(1-6) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(7-9) and agents that affect coagulation should be used concurrently with caution. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a retrospective review of 5 years of data from the Pharmaco-Epidemiologic Prescription Database, hospitalizations for upper gastro-intestinal bleeding in antidepressant users were compared to those in non-antidepressant users. The risk of a bleed in a patient using an NSAID only based on an observed-expected ration was 4.5 and in a patient using low-dose aspirin only was 2.5. Concurrent use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin increased the risk of bleeding to 12.2 and 5.2, respectively.(10) In another study, there were 16 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving concurrent therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and NSAIDs. Adjusted relative risk of bleeding with NSAIDs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or both were 3.7, 2.6, or 15.6, respectively.(11) In a case-control study conducted in users of acenocoumarol or phenprocoumon, 1848 patients who had been hospitalized with abnormal bleeding were each matched to 4 control patients. When patients took both a SSRI and a coumarin, an increased risk of hospitalization due to major non-gastrointestinal bleeding was observed (adjusted OR 1.7), but not due to gastrointestinal bleeding (adjusted OR 0.8).(12) A retrospective review examined patients discharged from a hospital with antiplatelet therapy following a myocardial infarction. When compared to aspirin therapy alone, both aspirin therapy with a SSRI and aspirin, clopidogrel, and SSRI therapy were associated with an increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratios 1.42 and 2.35, respectively.) Compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel), use of aspirin and clopidogrel and a SSRI was also associated with increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratio 1.57).(13) In The Rotterdam Study, fluvoxamine increased the risk of over anticoagulation (hazard ratio 2.63). Paroxetine was not associated with an increased risk. There were insufficient numbers of patients taking other SSRIs to assess increased risk.(14) A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of dabigatran and citalopram resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 1.69 (1.11-2.57).(16) A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 cohort and case-controlled studies including over 1 million patients found 1.55-fold higher odds of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in SSRI users compared with non-SSRI users (95% CI, 1.35-1.78). In subgroup analyses, the risk was found to be greatest among participants taking SSRIs concurrently with NSAIDs or antiplatelet medications.(17)

Slt Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibit/Sirolimus Protein-Bound

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate and weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of sirolimus by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and side effects from sirolimus.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sirolimus protein-bound injection (Fyarro) states a dose reduction to 56 mg/m2 is recommended when used concurrently with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.(1)

DISCUSSION: In an open, randomized, cross-over trial in 18 healthy subjects, concurrent single doses of diltiazem (120 mg) and sirolimus (10 mg) increased sirolimus area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 60% and by 43%, respectively. Sirolimus apparent oral clearance and volume of distribution decreased by 38% and 45%, respectively. There were no effects on diltiazem pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.(2) In a study in 26 healthy subjects, concurrent sirolimus (2 mg daily) with verapamil (180 mg twice daily) increased sirolimus AUC and Cmax by 2.2-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively. The AUC and Cmax of the active S-enantiomer of verapamil each increased by 1.5-fold. Verapamil time to Cmax (Tmax) was increased by 1.2 hours.(2) Moderate and weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amlodipine, anamorelin, aprepitant, avacopan, azithromycin, berberine, berotralstat, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, diltiazem, diosmin, elinzanetant, estrogen, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fosaprepitant, fosnetupitant, fostamatinib, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, gepotidacin, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lazertinib, oral lefamulin, lenacapavir, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lumateperone, lurasidone, mavorixafor, netupitant, nicardipine, omeprazole, osilodrostat, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, rimegepant, roxithromycin, scutellarin, sevabertinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, stiripentol, ticagrelor, tofisopam, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vonoprazan, and voxelotor.(3,4)

Ticagrelor/Lovastatin (<= 40 Mg); Simvastatin (<= 40 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ticagrelor may inhibit the metabolism of lovastatin and simvastatin by CYP3A4.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ticagrelor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from lovastatin and simvastatin, including rhabdomyolysis.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients with a SLCO1B1 polymorphism that leads to decreased function of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 may have increased statin concentrations and be predisposed to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of doses of lovastatin and simvastatin greater than 40 mg in patients receiving ticagrelor.(1,2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs and symptoms of myopathy.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent ticagrelor increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of simvastatin by 81% and 56%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of simvastatin acid increased 64% and 52%, respectively, with some individual increases equal to 2-fold to 3-fold.(1)

Ticagrelor/Rosuvastatin (<= 20 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Rosuvastatin is a substrate of the BCRP transporter.(1,2) Ticagrelor may inhibit this transporter and may result in increased absorption and decreased hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ticagrelor with rosuvastatin may result in increased levels and side effects from rosuvastatin, including rhabdomyolysis.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients with a SLCO1B1 polymorphism that leads to decreased function of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 may have increased statin concentrations and be predisposed to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients on rosuvastatin with ABCG2 polymorphisms leading to decreased or poor BCRP transporter function may have increased rosuvastatin concentrations and risk of myopathy.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of rosuvastatin states that the dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 20 mg daily when used concurrently with ticagrelor. In patients at risk for rhabdomyolysis, consider dosages less than 20 mg daily.(1) Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of toxicity from increased rosuvastatin concentrations.(1,2)

DISCUSSION: In a study, ticagrelor increased rosuvastatin area-under-curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration by 2.3-fold and 2.6-fold, respectively, and prolonged its half-life from 3.1 to 6.6 hours. Ticagrelor also decreased the renal clearance of rosuvastatin by 11%.(1,3,4) In a study, reports of rhabdomyolysis with combined administration of ticagrelor and rosuvastatin had a reporting odds ratio of 1.9 compared to rosuvastatin alone.(5)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Lemborexant (<= 5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of lemborexant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels of and effects from lemborexant, including somnolence, fatigue, CNS depressant effects, daytime impairment, headache, and nightmare or abnormal dreams.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The maximum recommended dose of lemborexant with concurrent use of a weak CYP3A4 inhibitors should not exceed 5 mg per dose.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Lemborexant is a CYP3A4 substrate. In a PKPB model, concurrent use of lemborexant with itraconazole increased area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax) by 3.75-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. Concurrent use of lemborexant with fluconazole increased AUC and Cmax by 4.25-fold and 1.75-fold, respectively.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(1,3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Mavacamten

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may decrease the metabolism of mavacamten.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the plasma levels and the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of mavacamten.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: CYP2C19 poor metabolizers may experience an increased incidence or severity of adverse effects.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of mavacamten states no dose adjustment is necessary when starting mavacamten in patients on weak CYP3A4 inhibitors or in intermediate, normal, rapid, or ultra-rapid CYP2C19 metabolizers already on mavacamten and starting a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor. In poor CYP2C19 metabolizers already on mavacamten and starting a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor, reduce mavacamten 5 mg to 2.5 mg or if on 2.5 mg pause treatment for 4 weeks. If CYP2C19 phenotype is unknown, consider a mavacamten starting dose of 2.5 mg daily.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a PBPK model, concomitant use of mavacamten (15 mg daily) with cimetidine 400 mg twice daily, a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor, was predicted to increase mavacamten area-under-curve (AUC) by 6% and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 4% in poor CYP2C19 metabolizers and by 3% and 2%, respectively, in both intermediate and normal CYP2C19 metabolizers.(3) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, delavirdine, dihydroberberine, diosmin, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, mavorixafor, pazopanib, peppermint oil, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, and viloxazine. (4,5)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Ubrogepant (<= 50 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of ubrogepant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ubrogepant with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in exposure of ubrogepant.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends a dosage adjustment of ubrogepant when used concomitantly with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Initial dose of ubrogepant should not exceed 50 mg when used concomitantly with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4. A second dose may be given within 24 hours but should not exceed 50 mg when used concurrently with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of ubrogepant with verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in a 3.5-fold and 2.8-fold increase in area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax), respectively. No dedicated drug interaction study was conducted to assess concomitant use with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. The conservative prediction of the maximal potential increase in ubrogepant exposure with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors is not expected to be more than 2-fold.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, delavirdine, deutivacaftor, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, maribavir, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, pirtobrutinib, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(3,4)

*History of intracranial hemorrhage.

*Active pathologic bleeding (e.g., peptic ulcer, intracranial hemorrhage).

*Hypersensitivity to the drug or any components.

• Cerebral amyloid angiopathy
• Deep peripheral nerve block
• Deep plexus block
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Hemorrhage
• History of intracranial hemorrhage
• Intracranial bleeding
• Invasive procedure on spine
• Neuraxial anesthesia
• Placement of indwelling epidural catheter

• Child-pugh class B hepatic impairment
• Child-pugh class C hepatic impairment
• Invasive surgical procedure
• Peptic ulcer
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Disease of liver
• Gout
• Hyperuricemia
• Sleep apnea

The most common adverse reactions occurring at a rate greater than 5% in patients receiving ticagrelor include bleeding and dyspnea.

More Frequent

• Hemorrhage

Less Frequent

• Atrial fibrillation
• Hypertension
• Hypotension

Rare or Very Rare

• Angioedema
• Atrioventricular block
• Cheyne-stokes respiration
• Erosive gastritis
• Hemarthrosis
• Hemorrhagic cystitis
• Intracranial bleeding
• Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
• Sleep apnea
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

More Frequent

• Dyspnea
• Headache disorder

Less Frequent

• Back pain
• Bradycardia
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hematuria
• Hemoptysis
• Hyperuricemia
• Nausea
• Non-cardiac chest pain
• Syncope

Rare or Very Rare

• Bruising
• Gynecomastia
• Hematospermia
• Ocular hemorrhage
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Skin rash
• Urticaria

No enhanced messaging available.

Safety and efficacy of ticagrelor have not been established in pediatric patients.

Based on data from case reports in pregnant women, a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes with ticagrelor therapy has not been identified.

It is not known whether ticagrelor or its metabolites are distributed into human milk. The effects of the drug on breast-fed infants or on the production of milk are also unknown. Ticagrelor and its metabolites are distributed into milk in rats, indicating that the drug may be present in human milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended during ticagrelor therapy.

Of all enrolled patients in the PLATO, PEGASUS, THEMIS, and THALES trials, about 50% were 65 years of age or older and 15% were 75 years of age or older. No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between geriatric and younger patients.

Age does not appear to substantially affect the pharmacokinetics of ticagrelor.