Zortress (everolimus)
Immunosuppressants - mTOR Inhibitors Oral Tablet
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Everolimus, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, is an antineoplastic agent and macrolide immunosuppressive agent.
Everolimus, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is an antineoplastic agent and macrolide immunosuppressive agent. Everolimus inhibits antigenic and interleukin (IL-2 and IL-15) stimulated activation and proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. Serine/threonine kinases, such as mTOR, are involved in various cascades of intracellular signaling events that regulate cell growth and proliferation and/or influence processes critical to cell survival and tumor progression (e.g., angiogenesis, metastasis).
Everolimus binds with high affinity to the intracellular protein FK506 binding protein-12 (FKBP-12), forming a drug-protein complex with mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1 or everolimus:FKBP-12) that binds to and inhibits the activation of mTOR. This disruption of mTOR reduces the activity of downstream effectors (i.e., S6 ribosomal protein kinase (S6K1), eukaryotic elongation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP1)), thereby blocking progression of cells from G1 into S phase and, subsequently, inducing cell growth arrest and apoptosis. S6K1 is a substrate of mTORC1 and phosphorylates the activation domain 1 of the estrogen receptor, resulting in ligand-independent activation of the receptor.
The everolimus:FKBP-12 complex has no effect on calcineurin activity. Everolimus also inhibits expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (e.g., HIF-1alpha), thereby reducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inhibition of mTOR by everolimus has been shown to reduce cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and glucose uptake in vitro and/or in vivo.
Constitutive activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR pathway can lead to endocrine resistance in breast cancer. Estrogen-dependent and HER2-positive breast cancer cells are sensitive to the inhibitory effects of everolimus in vitro. Concomitant use of everolimus with Akt, HER2, or aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole) enhances the anti-tumor activity of everolimus in a synergistic manner.
Loss or inactivation of tuberin-sclerosis complexes 1 and 2 (TSC1 and TSC2), oncogene suppressors that are two of the regulators of mTORC1 signaling, leads to activation of downstream signaling. In the genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis, inactivating mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene leads to hematoma formation throughout the body; subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) may develop in patients with tuberous sclerosis.
Following oral administration of doses ranging from 5-70 mg in patients with advanced solid tumors, peak everolimus concentrations are attained within 1-2 hours. Steady-state concentrations are achieved within 2 weeks of once-daily dosing in patients with advanced solid tumors. In patients with SEGA, intrapatient steady-state trough everolimus concentrations were dose-proportional at daily dosages of 1.35-14.4 mg/m2.
In renal allograft patients, steady-state peak plasma concentrations and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values were dose-proportional at dosages of 0.5-2 mg twice daily; steady-state concentrations were achieved by day 4, with an accumulation in blood concentrations of twofold to threefold compared with exposure following the first dose. In healthy individuals, administration of 10-mg tablets with a high-fat meal reduces peak plasma concentrations and AUC of everolimus by 54 and 22%, respectively; administration with a light-fat meal reduces peak plasma concentration and AUC by 42 and 32%, respectively. In healthy individuals, administration of 9-mg tablets for oral suspension with a high-fat meal reduced everolimus peak plasma concentrations and AUC by 60 and 12%, respectively; administration with a low-fat meal reduced peak plasma concentrations and AUC by 50 and 30%, respectively.
However, food has no effect on the post-absorption phase concentration-time profile of everolimus. In healthy individuals and in those with moderate hepatic impairment, everolimus is approximately 74% bound to plasma proteins. The drug has been shown to cross the placenta and distribute into milk in rats.
Everolimus is metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) microsomal enzyme system, principally by isoenzyme 3A4. Six metabolites of everolimus have been detected in human blood and have been shown in animal studies to exhibit 100-times less activity than everolimus. The mean elimination half-life of everolimus is approximately 30 hours.
Following administration of a single 3-mg dose in patients receiving concomitant cyclosporine, approximately 80 and 5% of the dose is excreted in feces and urine, respectively, as inactive metabolites.
The AUC of everolimus tablets for oral suspension (Afinitor(R) Disperz(R)) was equivalent to the AUC of everolimus tablets (Afinitor(R)); peak plasma concentrations were 20-36% lower for everolimus tablets for oral suspension compared with everolimus tablets. Following daily administration, predicted steady-state trough concentrations were similar in patients receiving everolimus tablets for oral suspension and everolimus tablets.
A cross-study comparison of pharmacokinetic data reported higher exposure to everolimus among Japanese patients compared with non-Japanese patients. Data from a population pharmacokinetic analysis indicate that clearance of everolimus is 20% higher in black patients than in Caucasian patients. The relevance of these differences to the safety and efficacy of everolimus in Japanese or black patients has not been established.
In patients with cancer, no apparent relationship has been observed between oral clearance and age or sex.
USES: Everolimus is used with other medications (such as cyclosporine) to prevent rejection of a kidney transplant. Everolimus is also used with other medications (such as tacrolimus) to prevent rejection of a liver transplant. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants.
It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own.
Generic name: everolimus
Pronunciation: (/E-ver-OH-li-mus)
Drug class: Immunosuppressants - mTOR Inhibitors
Therapeutic class: Immunosuppressive Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Zortress
Indications
The following indications are listed for Zortress:
- Prevention Of Kidney Transplant Rejection
- Prevention Of Liver Transplant Rejection
Also known as: Hepatic Transplant Rejection Prophylaxis, Kidney Transplant Rejection Prophylaxis, Liver Transplant Rejection Prophylaxis, Renal Transplant Rejection Prophylaxis.
Dosing
Management of severe or intolerable adverse effects in patients receiving everolimus for breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic, GI, or lung origin, renal cell carcinoma, or TSC-associated renal angiomyolipoma, SEGA, or partial-onset seizures may require temporary dosage reduction and/or interruption of everolimus therapy.
If dosage reduction is required for patients receiving the lowest available strength of everolimus, alternate-day dosing should be used.
Everolimus is administered orally as tablets (Afinitor(R), Zortress(R)) and as tablets for oral suspension (Afinitor(R) Disperz(R)). Afinitor(R) Disperz(R) is recommended for use only for the treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and as adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures with TSC in conjunction with therapeutic drug monitoring. The different formulations of Afinitor(R) are not interchangeable, and they should not be combined to achieve the desired dose.
If a dose of Afinitor(R) or Afinitor(R) Disperz(R) is missed, the dose can be administered up to 6 hours later. If more than 6 hours has passed since the missed dose, the dose should be skipped and administered at its usual scheduled time on the following day.
Store everolimus tablets and tablets for oral suspension protected from light and moisture between 20-25degreesC; excursions arepermitted between 15-30degreesC.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Zortress 0.5 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 2 tablets (1 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
| Zortress 0.75 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (0.75 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
| Zortress 0.25 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (0.25 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
| Zortress 1 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (1 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Everolimus 0.25 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (0.25 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
| Everolimus 0.5 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 2 tablets (1 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
| Everolimus 0.75 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (0.75 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
| Everolimus 1 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (1 mg) by oral route 2 times per day. |
Drug interactions
Closely monitor for an increase in everolimus blood levels and for adverse reactions suggestive of everolimus toxicity when cannabidiol is administered concurrently witheverolimus (Zortress(R)). A dose reduction ofeverolimus (Zortress(R)) should be considered as needed when coadministration occurs.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit cytochrome CYP3A4 and P-gp activity and should therefore be avoidedwith concomitant use of everolimus.
Everolimus is a substrate of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4; the drug is a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4 andCYP2D6 in vitro. Everolimus also is a substrateof the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Immunosuppressive; Immunomod/Cladribine Onc Inj (10 Mg/5 Ml)
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: Cladribine in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cladribine with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections.(1-2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for cladribine regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The UK and AU manufacturers of Litak state that concomitant use of other myelosuppressive medicinal products with cladribine is contraindicated.(1-2) The Israeli manufacturer of Litak states that cladribine should not be used concomitantly with other myelosuppressive medicinal products.(3)
DISCUSSION: The risk of severe myelotoxicity and long-lasting immunosuppression is increased in patients with a disease-related bone marrow infiltration or a previous myelosuppressive treatment.(1-3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Efalizumab; Natalizumab
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: Natalizumab,(1-3) efalizumab,(4) immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of natalizumab(1-3) or efalizumab(4) with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Previous JCV infection, longer duration of natalizumab treatment - especially if greater than 2 years, and prior or concomitant treatment with immunosuppressant medication are all independent risk factors which increase the risk for PML.(1,5) The FDA has estimated PML incidence stratified by risk factors: If anti-JCV antibody positive, no prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment less than 25 months, incidence <1/1,000. If anti-JCV antibody positive, history of prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment less than 25 months, incidence 2/1,000 If anti-JCV antibody positive, no prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment 25-48 months, incidence 4/1,000 If anti-JCV antibody positive, history of prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment 25-48 months, incidence 11/1,000.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of natalizumab states patients with Crohn's disease should not receive concurrent immunosuppressants, with the exception of limited overlap of corticosteroids, due to the increased risk for PML. For new natalizumab patients currently receiving chronic oral corticosteroids for Crohn's Disease, begin corticosteroid taper when therapeutic response to natalizumab has occurred. If corticosteroids cannot be discontinued within six months of starting natalizumab, discontinue natalizumab.(3) The US manufacturer of natalizumab states that natalizumab should not ordinarily be used in multiple sclerosis patients receiving immunosuppressants or immunomodulators due to the increased risk for PML. Immunosuppressives include, but are not limited to azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, mycophenolate, and corticosteroids.(3,6) The UK manufacturer of natalizumab states that concurrent use with immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents is contraindicated.(1) The Canadian manufacturer of natalizumab states that natalizumab should not be used with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents.(2) The US manufacturer of certolizumab states that concurrent therapy with natalizumab is not recommended.(7)
DISCUSSION: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy has been reported in patients receiving concurrent natalizumab were recently or concomitantly taking immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1-5,8,9) In a retrospective cohort study of multiple sclerosis patients newly initiated on a disease-modifying therapy, use of high-efficacy agents (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab) resulted in the same risk of overall infections as moderate-efficacy agents, but there was an elevated risk of serious infections (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.44) and UTIs (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.14-1.30).(10)
Select Immunosuppressants/Ombitasvir-Paritaprevir-Ritonavir
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: Combination products ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir or ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir including the protease inhibitor ritonavir may inhibit the metabolism of everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus by CYP3A4.(1,2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir or ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir may result in increased levels of everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or temsirolimus.(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent administration of everolimus, sirolimus, temsirolimus, or tacrolimus is contraindicated with either ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir or ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir.(1,2)
DISCUSSION: The manufacturer of ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir and ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir state use with everolimus, sirolimus, or tacrolimus is contraindicated due to increased potential for serious and/or life threatening immunosuppressant associated adverse events.(1,2) In an interaction study, ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of everolimus 0.75 mg 27.21-fold.(1,2) The combination of ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir increased the AUC of everolimus 0.75 mg 27.21-fold.(1,2) In an interaction study, ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir increased the AUC of sirolimus 0.5 mg 37.99-fold.(1,2) The combination of ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir increased the AUC of sirolimus 0.5 mg 37.99-fold.(1,2) In an interaction study, ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir increased the AUC of tacrolimus 0.5 mg 85.81-fold.(1,2) The combination of ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir increased the AUC of tacrolimus 2 mg 57.13-fold.(1,2) The selected immunosuppressants linked to this monograph include: everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus.
Select Immunosuppressives/Ropeginterferon Alfa-2B
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: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b and immunosuppressives both suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ropeginterferon alfa-2b with immunosuppressives may result in an increased risk of serious infections.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US and UK manufacturers of ropeginterferon alfa-2b state that concurrent use of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive agents is contraindicated.(1-2)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 20% of patients experienced leukopenia. Interferon alfa products may cause fatal or life-threatening infections.(1-2)
Selected Agents/Mibefradil
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: Mibefradil has been shown to inhibit the activity of CYP P-450-3A4 and CYP P-450-2D6 and may inhibit the metabolism of these agents.(1-2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in elevated levels of these agents.(1,2) Withdrawal of mibefradil may result in decreased levels of these agents. Concurrent administration of the mibefradil with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may result in elevated levels of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which may result in rhabdomyolysis.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients who received concurrent therapy with mibefradil and these agents should be monitored for decreased levels and effectiveness of these medications during the two weeks following the withdrawal of mibefradil. Dosage adjustments of the medications may be necessary. The manufacturer of mibefradil stated that concurrent administration of mibefradil with either lovastatin or simvastatin was contraindicated and that concurrent administration of mibefradil with either atorvastatin or cerivastatin should have generally been avoided.(1) Fluvastatin or pravastatin, which are not significantly metabolized by CYP P-450-3A4, may have been used as alternatives in patients receiving mibefradil.
DISCUSSION: Mibefradil was shown to inhibit CYP P-450-3A4 and CYP P-450-2D6 thus may inhibit the metabolism of agents metabolized at these sites. Withdrawal of mibefradil may result in decreased levels of these agents as the CYP P-450 system returns to normal. Following the discontinuation of mibefradil, seven to 14 days are required for sufficient elimination of mibefradil metabolites to minimize mibefradil effects on the CYP P-450 system. Dosage adjustments may need to be made during this period.(2) The manufacturer stated that there were seven reports of rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving concurrent therapy with simvastatin and mibefradil. Four patients were also receiving cyclosporine. Because lovastatin follows the same metabolic pathway as simvastatin, a similar interaction would be expected. Atorvastatin and cerivastatin are metabolized by CYP P-450-3A4 to active and inactive metabolites.(1)
Selected Cyp3a4 Substrates/Mifepristone
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: Mifepristone is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and may increase levels and effects of drugs metabolized by this enzyme.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Lovastatin, simvastatin and CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic window such as alprazolam, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus or CYP3A4 substrates with a high first pass effect such as oral midazolam, sildenafil, and triazolam are particularly susceptible to significant toxicity.(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Due to the need for continuous therapy and mifepristone's long half-life of 85 hours(1) which leads to accumulation, patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome may be at an increased risk for toxicity. With pimozide, 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.(3)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of mifepristone for hypercortisolism due to endogenous Cushing's syndrome states use with lovastatin, simvastatin, CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic range, or CYP3A4 substrates with a high first pass effect is contraindicated.(1)
DISCUSSION: Administration of mifepristone 1200 mg daily for 10 days followed by a single dose of simvastatin 80 mg led to an increase of simvastatin and simvastatin acid (active metabolite) area-under-curve (AUC) of 10.4-fold and 15.7-fold, respectively.
Selected Immunosuppressants/Nadofaragene Firadenovec
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: Nadofaragene firadenovec may contain low levels of replication-competent adenovirus.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of nadofaragene firadenovec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause disseminated adenovirus infection.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not receive nadofaragene firadenovec.(1)
DISCUSSION: Nadofaragene firadenovec is a non-replicating adenoviral vector-based gene therapy but may contain low levels of replication-competent adenovirus. Immunocompromised persons, including those receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may be at risk for disseminated adenovirus infection.(1)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Talimogene Laherparepvec
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: Talimogene laherparepvec is a live, attenuated herpes simplex virus.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of talimogene laherparepvec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause a life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Talimogene laherparepvec is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.(1) The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks due to immunosuppressant drugs should be determined by a physician.
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of talimogene laherparepvec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause a life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.(1)
Selected Immunosuppressive Agents/Live Vaccines; Live Bcg
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: A variety of disease modifying agents suppress the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines or intravesicular BCG. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(1) After instillation of intravesicular BCG, immunosuppression may interfere with local immune response, or increase the severity of mycobacterial infection following inadvertent systemic exposure.(2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(1) For patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy, vaccination should ideally precede the initiation of chemotherapy by 14 days. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy.(1) Patients who receive anti-B cell therapies should not receive live vaccines for at least 6 months after such therapies due to a prolonged duration of immunosuppression. An exception is the Zoster vaccine, which can be given at least 1 month after receipt of anti-B cell therapies.(1) The US manufacturer of abatacept states live vaccines should not be given during or for up to 3 months after discontinuation of abatacept.(2) The US manufacturer of live BCG for intravesicular treatment of bladder cancer states use is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.(3) The US manufacturer of daclizumab states live vaccines are not recommended during and for up to 4 months after discontinuation of treatment.(4) The US manufacturer of guselkumab states that live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with guselkumab.(5) The US manufacturer of inebilizumab-cdon states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and after discontinuation until B-cell repletion. Administer all live vaccinations at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of inebilizumab-cdon.(6) The US manufacturer of ocrelizumab states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion occurs after discontinuation of therapy. Administer all live vaccines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ocrelizumab.(7) The US manufacturer of ozanimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for up to 3 months after discontinuation of ozanimod.(8) The US manufacturer of siponimod states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment.(9) The US manufacturer of ustekinumab states BCG vaccines should not be given in the year prior to, during, or the year after ustekinumab therapy.(10) The US manufacturer of satralizumab-mwge states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and should be administered at least four weeks prior to initiation of satralizumab-mwge.(11) The US manufacturer of ublituximab-xiiy states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell recovery. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ublituximab-xiiy.(12) The US manufacturer of etrasimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for 5 weeks after treatment. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of etrasimod.(13) The US manufacturer of emapalumab-lzsg states that live vaccines should not be administered to patients receiving emapalumab-lzsg and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of emapalumab-lzsg. The safety of immunization with live vaccines during or following emapalumab-lzsg therapy has not been studied.(14) The US manufacturer of sibeprenlimab-szsi states live vaccines should not be given within 30 days prior to initiation or during treatment with sibeprenlimab-szsi.(15)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1) Patients with a history of leukemia who are in remission and have not received chemotherapy for at least 3 months are not considered to be immunocompromised.(1)
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Bacitracin
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: Bacitracin may cause renal failure due to glomerular and tubular necrosis. Concurrent administration of other nephrotoxic agents may result in additive renal toxicity.(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of bacitracin with other potentially nephrotoxic agents may result in renal toxicity.(1-3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Dehydration and high-dose bacitracin may predispose to adverse renal effects.(1)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Health Canada states that bacitracin is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment, including those taking other nephrotoxic drugs.(1) The Canadian and US manufacturers of bacitracin state that concomitant use of bacitracin with other potentially nephrotoxic agents should be avoided.(2,3)
DISCUSSION: Renal impairment is a major toxicity of bacitracin. Cases of nephrotoxicity have been reported when bacitracin was used off-label.(1-3)
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Cidofovir
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: Cidofovir is nephrotoxic. Concurrent administration of other nephrotoxic agents may result in additive or synergistic effects on renal function.(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cidofovir with nephrotoxic agents such as adefovir, intravenous aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, foscarnet, intravenous pentamidine, tenofovir, vancomycin, voclosporin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may result in renal toxicity.(1-3) Other nephrotoxic agents include capreomycin, cisplatin, gallium nitrate, high-dose methotrexate, and streptozocin.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Australian,(1) UK,(2) and US(3) manufacturers of cidofovir state that concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic agents such as adefovir, intravenous aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, foscarnet, intravenous pentamidine, tenofovir, vancomycin, voclosporin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may result in renal toxicity.(1-3) Other nephrotoxic agents include capreomycin, cisplatin, gallium nitrate, high-dose methotrexate, and streptozocin. These agents should be discontinued at least 7 days before the administration of cidofovir.
DISCUSSION: The safety of cidofovir has not been studied in patients receiving other known potentially nephrotoxic agents. Renal impairment is the major toxicity of cidofovir.(1-3)
Slt Immunosuppressants;Temsirolimus/Ensitrelvir;Nirmatrelvir
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: Ensitrelvir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may inhibit the metabolism of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus by CYP3A4.(1-8)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ensitrelvir or nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may result in increased levels of and risk of toxicity from cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or temsirolimus.(1-8)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The American Society of Transplantation (AST) Statement on Oral Antiviral Therapy for COVID-19 for Organ Transplant Recipients states use of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir will be challenging in transplant patients due to significant drug interactions and difficulty with therapeutic drug monitoring in outpatients with active Covid-19 infections. Alternatives such as early use of either an appropriate monoclonal antibody or outpatient intravenous remdesivir may be preferred as first line therapy in transplant patients to prevent progression.(9) The US manufacturer of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir states concurrent use with immunosuppressants should not be used if close monitoring is not feasible.(6) Specific immunosuppressant recommendations: -Cyclosporine: For therapy with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in patients on cyclosporine, some experts recommend lowering the cyclosporine dose by 80%. -Tacrolimus: For therapy with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in patients on tacrolimus, experts recommend holding tacrolimus for the 5-day duration of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir therapy. Tacrolimus level is recommended on day 3 to assess the need for a one-time dose of tacrolimus during nirmatrelvir-ritonavir therapy. -As soon as possible after nirmatrelvir-ritonavir therapy, cyclosporine or tacrolimus levels should be checked, and every 2-4 days thereafter until stable, to determine when to increase cyclosporine doses or resume tacrolimus.(8) -Everolimus: For therapy with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in patients on everolimus, AST states CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as clarithromycin, ketoconazole, voriconazole, and HIV protease inhibitors, are contraindicated with everolimus. The US manufacturer of everolimus states concurrent use should be avoided with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. -Sirolimus: The US manufacturer of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir(6) and sirolimus protein-bound injection (Fyarro)(10) state concurrent use should be avoided. -Temsirolimus: The US manufacturer of temsirolimus recommends that concurrent therapy with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as nirmatrelvir-ritonavir be avoided. If concurrent use is warranted, a dosage reduction to 12.5 mg/week of temsirolimus should be considered. If nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is discontinued, a washout period of 1 week should be allowed before adjusting the dosage of temsirolimus to previous levels.(2) For patients concurrently taking cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or temsirolimus with nirmatrelvir, therapeutic concentration monitoring of the immunosuppressant is recommended. Although there are no specific recommendations for concurrent use of ensitrelvir with immunosuppressants, a similar approach would be prudent.
DISCUSSION: A retrospective study evaluated the interaction between cyclosporine or tacrolimus and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in 25 solid-organ transplant recipients. Upon nirmatrelvir/ritonavir initiation, cyclosporine doses were decreased by 80% and tacrolimus was held for the duration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy. No patients had acute rejection in the 30 days following nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. In 21 patients on tacrolimus, the median tacrolimus trough concentration before and after nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy was 7.4 ng/mL (IQR, 6.6-8.6) and 5.2 ng/mL (IQR, 3.6-8.7), respectively. Four patients had supratherapeutic tacrolimus troughs after restarting tacrolimus. In these patients, tacrolimus was resumed at either reduced dose or at pre-nirmatrelvir/ritonavir dose 2-5 days after completion of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy.(5) Concurrent use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir with tacrolimus resulted in elevated tacrolimus levels, treatment interruption, and acute kidney injury.(12) In a case series, 12 bilateral lung transplant recipients with COVID-19 were started on nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. All patients were on immediate-release tacrolimus and prednisone, and all except one were also on mycophenolate. Patients stopped tacrolimus 10-14 hours before starting nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and had tacrolimus levels checked between days 3-5 of therapy. One patient required a supplemental 0.5 mg dose of tacrolimus during nirmatrelvir-ritonavir therapy. Six patients had trough levels within goal, and 3 patients had troughs below goal but at adequate immunosuppression level based on the clinicians' judgement. Ten of the patients resumed tacrolimus at 25% of their baseline dose at day 8, and 9 of them resumed full dose tacrolimus by day 10. One patient was hospitalized for worsening COVID-19. No patients experienced tacrolimus side effects or acute rejection.(13) In a case series of 3 renal transplant recipients, tacrolimus was held 1 day before patients started nirmatrelvir-ritonavir therapy. Two patients resumed previous doses of tacrolimus one day after finishing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir; one had stable tacrolimus levels and the other was supratherapeutic. The 3rd patient received a supplemental dose of tacrolimus on day 4 of therapy and resumed his previous dose starting on day 5, and was supratherapeutic on day 6. No patients experienced adverse effects or graft rejection. The authors state that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is not contraindicated and tacrolimus levels can be closely monitored for patients on tacrolimus.(14) In a case report of a 67-year old patient on chronic tacrolimus therapy, after 4 days of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir she presented to the emergency department with slowed speech, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. The patient's tacrolimus level was 176.4 ng/mL (normal range is 5-20 ng/mL).(15) In a case series of 4 renal transplant recipients, tacrolimus was paused during nirmatrelvir-ritonavir therapy, which resulted in stable therapeutic levels. In one patient, tacrolimus was resumed immediately and resulted in a toxic tacrolimus level. In three patients, tacrolimus was resumed at a reduced dose 24 hours after nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was stopped and resulted in therapeutic to supratherapeutic tacrolimus levels.(16) In a case report of a 39-year-old female, the patient developed a sudden increase in tacrolimus levels after starting nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.(17) In a PKPB model, tacrolimus clearance decreased to 35% and bioavailability increased by 18.7-fold after the coadministration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, compared with tacrolimus alone.(18) The selected immunosuppressants linked to this monograph include: cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus.
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.
Everolimus/Clotrimazole
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clotrimazole is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4.(1) Everolimus is metabolized by CYP3A4 in the liver and the intestines.(2,3) Although clotrimazole troches have low bioavailability, clotrimazole may inhibit the intestinal CYP3A4 first-pass metabolism of everolimus.(3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clotrimazole with everolimus may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from everolimus. Conversely, discontinuation of clotrimazole in a patient stabilized on everolimus may result in subtherapeutic concentrations and decreased efficacy of everolimus.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Everolimus levels should be closely monitored during initiation and discontinuation of clotrimazole.(4)
DISCUSSION: A case report described a heart transplant patient on stable doses of everolimus for seven months who discontinued clotrimazole troches according to hospital protocol at one year post-transplant. Within three days, his everolimus trough levels dropped from 8.4 to 2.5 ng/mL, requiring an almost doubling of his everolimus dose. The authors suggested that empirically increasing everolimus dose after discontinuation of clotrimazole troches may prevent subtherapeutic everolimus levels and avert the risk of transplant rejection.(3)
Everolimus/Cyclosporine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cyclosporine may inhibit the metabolism of everolimus by CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp).(1) Concurrent use may also increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Simultaneous use may result in nephrotoxicity and elevated levels of everolimus, as well as increase the risk of thrombotic microangiopathy/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TMA/TTP/HUS).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Reduced dosages of cyclosporine are required during concurrent therapy. The dosage of everolimus will need to be adjusted if cyclosporine is initiated, modified, or discontinued. Serum levels of both cyclosporine and everolimus should be monitored during concurrent therapy and whenever dosage adjustments of either agent are made. Patients receiving concurrent therapy should also be monitored for proteinuria. Renal function and hematologic parameters should be monitored as well.(1) Everolimus and cyclosporine should be administered at the same time.(1)
DISCUSSION: In a single dose study in healthy subjects, cyclosporine (Neoral, 175 mg) increased everolimus (2 mg) area-under-curve (AUC) by 168% (range: 46% to 365%) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 82% (range: 25% to 158%).(1,2) Administration of another formulation of cyclosporine (Sandimmune, 300 mg) had no affect on everolimus Cmax, but increased everolimus AUC by 74%.(2) In clinical trials, the combination of everolimus and standard doses of cyclosporine resulted in frequent elevations of serum creatinine and higher mean and median serum creatinine levels.(1) In a study in renal allograft recipients, administration of everolimus (0.75 mg/day to 10 mg/day) had no significant effects on cyclosporine levels.(3)
Everolimus/Selected Cyp3a4 Inhibitors
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of everolimus.(1,2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from everolimus.(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Closely monitor for an increase in everolimus levels and for adverse effects from everolimus during concurrent therapy with CYP3A4 inhibitors. Dose adjustment of everolimus may be necessary.(2) The manufacturers of gepotidacin and sevabertinib state that concurrent use of drugs that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 and have a narrow therapeutic window like everolimus should be avoided.(3,4)
DISCUSSION: In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent use of ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and a P-gp inhibitor, increased everolimus area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 3.9-fold and 15.0-fold, respectively. Erythromycin (a P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 4.4-fold and 2-fold, respectively, while verapamil (a P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 3.5-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively.(1) In a clinical study, coadministration of single-dose midazolam 2 mg (a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate) with gepotidacin (3,000 mg every 12 hours for 2 doses) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of midazolam by 1.9-fold.(3) Selected CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: camizestrant, gepotidacin, and sevabertinib.
Everolimus/Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors; Darunavir
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of everolimus.(1,2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from everolimus.(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of everolimus states that concurrent use of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 should be avoided.(1,2) The Department of Health and Human Services HIV guidelines state that darunavir should not be coadministered with everolimus, and therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended when everolimus is used with other protease inhibitors.(3) The American Society of Transplantation (AST) guidelines state that clarithromycin, ketoconazole, voriconazole, and HIV protease inhibitors are contraindicated with everolimus.(4) If the combination of clarithromycin and everolimus must be used, AST guidelines recommend lowering the dose of everolimus by up to 50% upon initiation of the antibiotic and monitoring levels daily.(4) The US manufacturer of itraconazole states that concurrent use of everolimus is not recommended during and two weeks after itraconazole treatment.(5) If everolimus is used with itraconazole or ketoconazole, AST guidelines recommend lowering the dose of everolimus by at least 50% and monitoring everolimus levels closely.(4) Case reports have described the use of voriconazole with everolimus.(6)
DISCUSSION: In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent use of ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and a Pg-p inhibitor, increased everolimus area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 3.9-fold and 15.0-fold, respectively.(1) In a case report, a renal transplant patient on everolimus and started on voriconazole experienced an increase in everolimus trough concentration (Cmin) of 7.5-fold, which was normalized with a lowering of everolimus dose from 1.5 mg twice daily to 0.25 mg twice daily. Voriconazole was discontinued after one month, and another month later, posaconazole was started. Cmin increased by 3.8-fold, which led to an adjustment of everolimus dose from 1 mg twice daily to 0.5 mg twice daily.(6) Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: adagrasib, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir, nefazodone, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, posaconazole, relacorilant, ribociclib, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(1,7,8) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 have been shown to have less of an effect on everolimus pharmacokinetics. In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent use of erythromycin, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and a P-gp inhibitor, increased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 2.0-fold and 4.4-fold, respectively.(1) In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent use of verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and a P-gp inhibitor, increased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 2.3-fold and 3.5-fold, respectively.(1)
Immunosuppres;Immunomodul/Selected Multiple Sclerosis Agents
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ocrelizumab or ofatumumab in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1,2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ocrelizumab or ofatumumab with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The ocrelizumab US prescribing information states: - Ocrelizumab and other immune-modulating or immunosuppressive therapies, (including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids) are expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression, and the risk of additive immune system effects must be considered if these therapies are coadministered with ocrelizumab. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, such as daclizumab, fingolimod, natalizumab, teriflunomide, or mitoxantrone, the duration and mode of action of these drugs must be considered to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating ocrelizumab.(1) The ofatumumab US prescribing information states: - Ofatumumab and other immunosuppressive therapies (including systemic corticosteroids) may have the potential for increased immunosuppressive effects and increase the risk of infection. When switching between therapies, the duration and mechanism of action of each therapy should be considered due to the potential for additive immunosuppressive effects. Ofatumumab for MS therapy has not been studied in combination with other MS agents that suppress the immune system.(2)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1,2) In a retrospective cohort study of multiple sclerosis patients newly initiated on a disease-modifying therapy, use of high-efficacy agents (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab) resulted in the same risk of overall infections as moderate-efficacy agents, but there was an elevated risk of serious infections (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.44) and UTIs (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.14-1.30).(3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Baricitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of baricitinib with other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of baricitinib with other biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of baricitinib states that concurrent use of baricitinib with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1)
DISCUSSION: Most patients who developed serious infections while being treated with baricitinib were on concomitant immunosuppressants like methotrexate and corticosteroids. The combination of baricitinib with other biologic DMARDs has not been studied.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Cladribine Oral
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cladribine in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cladribine with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1-2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for cladribine regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The cladribine US prescribing information states: -Concomitant use with myelosuppressive or other immunosuppressive drugs is not recommended. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered. In patients who have previously been treated with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive drugs, consider potential additive effect, the mode of action, and duration of effect of the other drugs prior to initiation of cladribine.(1) The cladribine Canadian prescribing information states: -Use of cladribine in immunocompromised patients is contraindicated because of a risk of additive effects on the immune system. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered during cladribine treatment.(2)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1-2)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Deuruxolitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Deuruxolitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of deuruxolitinib and potent immunosuppressants may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of deuruxolitinib states that concurrent use of deuruxolitinib with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine or other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection. If a patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection, interrupt deuruxolitinib treatment until the infection is controlled.
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving treatment with deuruxolitinib.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Etrasimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Etrasimod causes reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues, resulting in a mean 55% decrease in peripheral blood lymphocyte count at 52 weeks.(1) Other immunosuppressives and immune-modulators also suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of etrasimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious and fatal infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection, cryptococcal infection, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications increases the risk of adverse effects.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The etrasimod US prescribing information states etrasimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Concomitant administration of these therapies with etrasimod should be avoided because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the weeks following administration. Etrasimod's effect on peripheral lymphocytes may persist for up to 5 weeks after discontinuation.(1) When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.(1)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections, cryptococcal meningitis, disseminated cryptococcal infections, and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients treated with other sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor modulators.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Filgotinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of filgotinib with other immunosuppressants or immunomodulators including azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of filgotinib with other immunosuppressants or immunomodulators including azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, biologic DMARDs, or other JAK inhibitors may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of filgotinib states that concurrent use of filgotinib with other immunosuppressants or immunomodulators including azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, biologic DMARDs, or other JAK inhibitors is not recommended.(1)
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving filgotinib. Caution should be used in patients with a higher incidence of serious infection, including elderly patients aged 75 years and older.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Fingolimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Fingolimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of fingolimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1-3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for fingolimod regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The fingolimod US prescribing information states: - Antineoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies, (including corticosteroids) are expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression, and the risk of additive immune system effects must be considered if these therapies are coadministered with fingolimod. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, such as natalizumab, teriflunomide or mitoxantrone, the duration and mode of action of these drugs must be considered to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating fingolimod.(1) The fingolimod Canadian prescribing information states: - Concurrent use with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents is contraindicated due to the risk of additive immune system effects. However, co-administration of a short course of corticosteroids (up to 5 days) did not increase the overall rate of infection in patients participating Phase III clinical trials.(2) The fingolimod UK specific product characteristics states: - Fingolimod is contraindicated in patients currently receiving immunosuppressive therapies or those immunocompromised by prior therapies. When switching patients from another disease modifying therapy to Gilenya, the half-life and mode of action of the other therapy must be considered in order to avoid an additive immune effect whilst at the same time minimizing the risk of disease activation.(3)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1-3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Inebilizumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inebilizumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inebilizumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in myelosuppression including neutropenia resulting in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of inebilizumab states that the concurrent use of inebilizumab with immunosuppressive agents, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Inebilizumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressants. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents. The most common infections reported by inebilizumab treated patients in the randomized and open-label clinical trial periods included urinary tract infections (20%), nasopharyngitis (13%), upper respiratory tract infections (8%), and influenza (7%). Although there been no cases of Hepatitis B virus reactivation or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy reported in patients taking inebilizumab, these infections have been observed in patients taking other B-cell-depleting antibodies.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ozanimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ozanimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ozanimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The ozanimod US prescribing information state this information regarding this interaction: -Ozanimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the week following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects. Initiating treatment with ozanimod after alemtuzumab is not recommended. However, ozanimod can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.(1)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ponesimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ponesimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ponesimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection, cryptococcal infection, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The ponesimod US prescribing information states ponesimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the weeks following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects. Initiating treatment with ponesimod after alemtuzumab is not recommended. However, ponesimod can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.(1)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections, cryptococcal meningitis, disseminated cryptococcal infections, and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ritlecitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ritlecitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ritlecitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of serious infections.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ritlecitinib states that concurrent use of ritlecitinib with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine or other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1)
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving ritlecitinib. Reported infections included appendicitis, COVID-19 infection (including pneumonia), and sepsis. Reports of viral reactivation, including herpes virus reactivation was reported in clinical studies with ritlecitinib.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Siponimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Siponimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of siponimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The siponimod US prescribing information state this information regarding this interaction: -Siponimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the week following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects. Initiating treatment with siponimod after alemtuzumab is not recommended. However, siponimod can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.(1)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Tofacitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants use may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Tofacitinib should not be used concurrently with azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or cyclosporine.(1) Patient should be monitored for decreases in lymphocytes and neutrophils. Therapy should be adjusted based on the indication. - For all indications: If absolute neutrophil count (ANC) or lymphocyte count is less than 500 cells/mm3, discontinue tofacitinib. - For rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily or Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily. - For ulcerative colitis and ANC 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: -If taking Xeljanz 10 mg twice daily, decrease to 5 mg twice daily. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, increase to 10 mg twice daily based on clinical response. -If taking Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume 5 mg twice daily. -If taking Xeljanz XR 22 mg once daily, decrease to 11 mg once daily. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, increase to 22 mg once daily based on clinical response. -If taking Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume 11 mg once daily. - For polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) and ANC 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: interrupt dosing until ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3.(1)
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants may increase the risk of infection.(1) Serious infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving tofacitinib. Some patients presented with disseminated disease and were often taking concomitant immunomodulating agents. In the ulcerative colitis population, a greater risk of serious infections was seen with a higher tofacitinib dose. In 7 placebo-controlled rheumatoid arthritis trials (0-3 months exposure), the overall frequency of infections was 20% in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily group and 22% in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily group compared to 18% in the placebo group. Serious infections were reported in 11 patients (1.7 events per 100 patient-years) with a rate difference between treatment groups of 1.1 (-0.4, 2.5) events per 100 patient-years for both tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily. During 0-12 months exposure, serious infections were reported in 34 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient years) in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily group and 33 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient years) in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily group.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Upadacitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Upadacitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of upadacitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of serious infections.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of upadacitinib states that concurrent use of upadacitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators is not recommended.
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. Reported infections included pneumonia, cellulitis, tuberculosis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/esophageal candidiasis, cryptococcosis. Reports of viral reactivation, including herpes virus reactivation and hepatitis B reactivation, were reported in clinical studies with upadacitinib.(1)
Mtor Inhibitors/Ace Inhibitors
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: ACE inhibitors cause reduced bradykinin metabolism, leading to an increase in bradykinin which can cause vasodilation. mTOR inhibitors may also cause a reduction in bradykinin metabolism.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concomitant therapy can increase the risk of vasodilation leading to an increase in angioedema risk.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: History of previous angioedema.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients may be more susceptible to developing angioedema if concomitantly taking an ACE inhibitor and mTOR inhibitor. Consider switching the patient to an angiotensin receptor blocker. Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy with ACE inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors closely for signs and symptoms of angioedema (swollen skin, hoarseness, a tight or swollen throat, or trouble breathing). Instruct patients to report angioedema symptoms immediately.
DISCUSSION: A retrospective, single center analysis looked at renal allograft recipients treated with mTOR inhibitors and ACE inhibitors over an 8 year-period. Out of 137 patients on concomitant ACE inhibitor and mTOR inhibitor therapy, 9 patients (6.6%) developed angioedema. Concomitant ACE inhibitor and mTOR inhibitor therapy increased the risk of developing angioedema 3.7-fold. Eight of these patients tolerated therapy with an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). 2 patients (1.2%) on concomitant mTOR inhibitor and ARB therapy developed angioedema. Treatment with an ACE inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor alone resulted in a significantly lower incidence of angioedema.(1) In a pooled analysis of randomized double-blind oncology clinical trials, the incidence of angioedema in patients taking everolimus with an ACE inhibitor was 6.8% compared to 1.3% in the control arm with an ACE inhibitor.(2) There are case reports of patients on concomitant ACE inhibitor and sirolimus/everolimus that developed angioedema. In the majority of cases, patients had tolerated chronic therapy with an ACE inhibitor before the addition of sirolimus/everolimus.(3-7) The interaction may be dose-dependent.(7)
Myelosuppressive Mod-Weak 3A4 Inh/Sirolimus Protein-Bound
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate and weak immunosuppressive CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of sirolimus by CYP3A4 and increase the risk of additive immunosuppression.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and side effects from sirolimus including immunosuppression.(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) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)
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.(3) 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.(3) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: duvelisib, fedratinib, imatinib, rilzabrutinib, and treosulfan.(3,4) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: asciminib, avapritinib, belumosudil, capivasertib, everolimus, lapatinib, larotrectinib, leflunomide, olaparib, palbociclib, teriflunomide, vepdegestrant, and ziftomenib.(4,5)
Myelosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Sodium Iodide I 131
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sodium iodide I 131 can cause depression of the hematopoetic system. Myelosuppressives and immunomodulators also suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sodium iodide I 131 with agents that cause bone marrow depression, including myelosuppressives or immunomodulators, may result in an enhanced risk of hematologic disorders, including anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow depression may increase the risk of serious infections and bleeding.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sodium iodide I 131 states that concurrent use with bone marrow depressants may enhance the depression of the hematopoetic system caused by large doses of sodium iodide I 131.(1) Sodium iodide I 131 causes a dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, including neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, in the 3 to 5 weeks following administration. Patients may be at increased risk of infections or bleeding during this time. Monitor complete blood counts within one month of therapy. If results indicate leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, dosimetry should be used to determine a safe sodium iodide I 131 activity.(1)
DISCUSSION: Hematologic disorders including death have been reported with sodium iodide I 131. The most common hematologic disorders reported include anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.(1)
Selected Cyp3a4 Substrates/Mitapivat
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Mitapivat is a moderate inducer of CYP3A4 and may increase the metabolism of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of mitapivat may lead to decreased serum levels and effectiveness of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 pathway.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When mitapivat is used for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in patients with pyruvate kinase deficiency, the US manufacturer of mitapivat states that co-administration of CYP3A4 substrates for which minimal concentration decreases may lead to serious therapeutic failure should be monitored for loss of efficacy. If concomitant use is unavoidable, increase the dose of the CYP3A4 substrate in accordance with approved product labeling.(1) When mitapivat is used for the treatment of anemia in patients with alpha- or beta-thalassemia, the US manufacturer of mitapivat states that coadministration of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with narrow therapeutic indices should be avoided.(2) The Middle Weatern manufacturer of mitapivat states that alternative agents should be considered or the coadministered CYP3A4 substrate should be monitored for loss of efficacy.(3)
DISCUSSION: In a clinical study, coadministration of mitapivat 5 mg twice daily with midazolam, a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, decreased midazolam area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 21% and 19%, respectively. Midazolam AUC and Cmax were decreased by 43% and 39%, respectively with mitapivat 20 mg twice daily by 57% and 32%, respectively with mitapivat 50 mg twice daily, and by 65% and 59%, respectively with mitapivat 100 mg twice daily.(1) CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index linked to this monograph include: cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus.(4-9)
Selected Cyp3a4 Substrates/Mobocertinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Mobocertinib is a weak inducer of CYP3A4 and may increase the metabolism of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of mobocertinib 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 mobocertinib 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: In a clinical study, coadministration of mobocertinib 160 mg once daily with oral or intravenous midazolam, a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, decreased midazolam area-under-curve (AUC) by 32% and 16%, respectively.(1) CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index linked to this monograph include: everolimus and sirolimus.(2-4)
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 Immunosuppressants/Chloramphenicol
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The mechanism by which chloramphenicol increases the levels of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus is unknown. Postulated mechanisms include chloramphenicol inhibition of the CYP3A4 metabolism of the immunosuppressive agents, or chloramphenicol inhibition of efflux transporters (e.g., p-glycoprotein).(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of chloramphenicol may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or temsirolimus.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The American Society of Transplantation guidelines recommend lowering the dose of cyclosporine or tacrolimus by 25% and close monitoring of immunosuppressive levels.(1) Although there are no specific recommendations for everolimus or sirolimus, it is expected that a similar interaction would occur and that management would be similar. The US manufacturer of tacrolimus states that coadministration with chloramphenicol may result in a rapid and sharp rise in tacrolimus concentration despite immediate tacrolimus dose reduction. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus levels should start within 1-3 days of initiation of concurrent therapy and continue as necessary.(2)
DISCUSSION: A retrospective study of 6 kidney transplant patients (3 on cyclosporine and 3 on tacrolimus) who were given chloramphenicol found that cyclosporine troughs increased by a mean of 41.3 %, and tacrolimus troughs increased by a mean of 207 %, compared to levels prior to starting chloramphenicol.(3) Case reports have described highly variable effects of chloramphenicol on drug concentrations of immunosuppressants. One case of an interaction with cyclosporine described an increase in cyclosporine concentrations of 186 %, whereas another case described an increase of 300-850 %, but interpretation of this effect is complicated by the patient's therapy with rifampin just prior to chloramphenicol.(3,4) In other case reports, tacrolimus AUC increased 7.5-fold in one patient,(5) tacrolimus trough increased 5-fold in another patient who received an overdose of chloramphenicol,(6) and tacrolimus trough increased 3-fold in a third patient.(7)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Leflunomide; Teriflunomide
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of leflunomide or teriflunomide and potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1,2) Leflunomide is a prodrug and is converted to its active metabolite teriflunomide.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of leflunomide or teriflunomide with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of serious infections, including opportunistic infections, especially Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, tuberculosis (including extra-pulmonary tuberculosis), and aspergillosis.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If leflunomide or teriflunomide is used concurrently with immunosuppressive agents, chronic CBC monitoring should be performed more frequently, every month instead of every 6 to 8 weeks. If bone marrow suppression or a serious infection occurs, leflunomide or teriflunomide should be stopped and rapid drug elimination procedure should be performed.(1,2)
DISCUSSION: Pancytopenia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients receiving leflunomide or teriflunomide alone, but most frequently in patients taking concurrent immunosuppressants.(1,2) Severe and potentially fatal infections, including sepsis, have been reported in patients receiving leflunomide or teriflunomide, especially Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and aspergillosis. Tuberculosis has also been reported.(1,2)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Nsaids; Salicylates
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cyclosporine increases the production of prostaglandin E2 and I2. Prostaglandin E2 has been shown to prevent cyclosporine -induced renal toxicity in animals. NSAIDS and salicylates may increase cyclosporine-induced renal toxicity by blocking the formation of prostaglandins. Concurrent use of everolimus, sirolimus or tacrolimus with NSAIDs or salicylates may result in additive nephrotoxicity.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, or tacrolimus and a NSAID or salicylate may result in a decrease in renal function, with or without an alteration in immunosuppressant levels.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid the concurrent use of NSAIDs or salicylates in patients maintained on cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, or tacrolimus. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for a decrease in renal function. The NSAID or salicylate may need to be discontinued.
DISCUSSION: A decrease in renal function has been reported with concurrent cyclosporine and diclofenac, sulindac, mefenamic acid, ketoprofen, piroxicam, and naproxen. Decreasing the cyclosporine dose without discontinuing the NSAID does not appear to improve renal function. The use of agents which decrease renal function concurrently with everolimus, sirolimus or tacrolimus should be approached with caution. An observational study of 63 inpatient encounters for 57 transplant patients evaluated concurrent use between calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) therapy and NSAID use. Patients were matched to 126 transplant patients on CNI therapy without NSAID use. Patients who received at least one dose of NSAID had a 12.2% rate of treatment emergent acute kidney injury (AKI). The relative risk ratio for AKI in patient exposed to NSAID therapy was 2.20 (95% CI 0.74-6.54). An increase in 48 hour post NSAID exposure serum creatinine above baseline was documented in 65.9% of patients compared to 46% in the non NSAID group (p=0.016). Multivariate analysis revealed changes in serum creatinine at 48 hours after admission were independently associated with age (p=0.008) and NSAID use (p=0.026).(12)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Selected Strong Cyp3a4 Inducers
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus and temsirolimus.(1-5)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of strong inducers of CYP3A4 may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus and temsirolimus.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, consider alternatives to strong CYP3A4 inducers in patients maintained on cyclosporine and sirolimus. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor cyclosporine and sirolimus serum levels and observe the patient for graft rejection. The dosage of cyclosporine and sirolimus may need to be adjusted following the initiation or discontinuation of these agents. The US manufacturer of everolimus states that concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided. If concurrent use is warranted, consider increasing the dose of everolimus. In patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (HR+BC); advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET); or advanced renal cell carcinoma; or renal angiomyolipoma with TSC, double the daily dose of everolimus using 5 mg increments or less. If the inducer is discontinued, return the dose to that used prior to inducer therapy once the inducer has been stopped for 5 days. In patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma with TSC, double the dose of everolimus using 5 mg increments or less. Subsequent dosing should be individualized based on therapeutic drug monitoring. If the inducer is discontinued, return the dose of everolimus to the dose used prior to the inducer once the inducer has been stopped for 5 days, and assess everolimus trough levels 2 weeks later.(1) The US manufacturer of temsirolimus states that concurrent use of strong inducers of CYP3A4, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampicin, or rifampin should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider increasing the dosage of temsirolimus from 25 mg/week to 50 mg/week. If the inducer is discontinued, the dosage of temsirolimus should be returned to the previous dose.(2) If possible, consider alternatives to strong CYP3A4 inducers in patients maintained on cyclosporine and sirolimus. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor cyclosporine and sirolimus serum levels and observe the patient for graft rejection. The dosage of cyclosporine and sirolimus may need to be adjusted following the initiation or discontinuation of these agents.
DISCUSSION: Encorafenib and ivosidenib are strong CYP3A4 inducers. Other strong CYP3A4 inducers have been documented to decrease exposure to cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, and temsirolimus. In a study in 10 lung transplant patients, significantly higher doses of cyclosporine were required during nafcillin therapy to maintain therapeutic trough levels. Patients also developed higher serum creatinine levels and more renal dysfunction than patients not receiving nafcillin. In a case report, a patient experienced 70% and 85% drops in cyclosporine levels during two separate courses of nafcillin therapy. Trough cyclosporine concentrations have been found to decrease within 48 hours after starting phenytoin even when the dose of cyclosporine is increased. Conversely, cyclosporine concentrations may increase when the hydantoin is discontinued. The effect of the hydantoin on cyclosporine may reverse over a period of one to three weeks after stopping the hydantoin. Concurrent administration of cyclosporine and rifampin has been associated with lowering of cyclosporine to undetectable serum levels. Decreases in cyclosporine levels have been observed within 2 days of concomitant therapy but will probably not be maximal for 1 week. The effects of the interaction may persist for up to 3 weeks after rifampin is stopped. In an open-label study in 11 renal transplant patients, subjects received St. John's wort (600 mg daily) for 14 days in addition to their normal cyclosporine regimen. After 14 days of St. John's wort, dose-corrected cyclosporine area-under-curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), and minimum concentration (Cmin) decreased by 46%, 42%, and 41%, respectively. Mean cyclosporine dose increased from 2.7 mg/kg/day at 4.2 mg/kg/day at the end of the study. Subjects required their first cyclosporine dosage adjustment at Day 3. There are several case reports of decreased cyclosporine with concurrent carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and St. John's wort. In healthy subjects, concurrent use of rifampin, a strong inducer of CYP3A4, decreased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 64% and 58%, respectively. Increasing the dosage of everolimus to 20 mg daily in patients taking a strong inducer of CYP3A4 is expected to increase the AUC of everolimus to levels seen without a concurrent inducer; however, there are no clinical data available with this dosage in patients receiving strong CYP3A4 inducers. In an open-label clinical trial, 10 male patients received ridaforolimus (40 mg daily, days 1 and 14) and rifampin (600 mg daily, days 1-21). Administration of rifampin resulted in a reduction in the mean whole-blood concentration of ridaforolimus (AUC-GMR 0.57, Cmax- GMR 0.66). The mean whole-blood concentration of ridaforolimus increased 1.5-fold following ketoconazole administration. In a study in 14 healthy subjects, pretreatment with rifampin (600 mg daily for 14 days) decreased the AUC and Cmax of a single dose of sirolimus (20 mg) by 82% and 71%, respectively. The oral clearance of sirolimus increased by 5.5-fold. There are case report of decreased sirolimus levels with concurrent phenytoin and rifampin. Concurrent rifampin had no significant effects on the AUC or Cmax of temsirolimus; however, sirolimus AUC and Cmax decreased by 56% and 65%, respectively. A dosage adjustment to 50 mg/week of temsirolimus in the presence of strong CYP3A4 inducers is predicted to adjust levels to those seen without inducers; however, there are no clinical data in patients using this dose. There is a case report of decreased temsirolimus effectiveness with concurrent rifampin.
Selected Immunosuppressants/Strong Cyp3a4 Inducers
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong inducers of CYP3A4 may increase the metabolism of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of strong inducers of CYP3A4 may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The American Society of Transplantation guidelines state that cyclosporine and tacrolimus should be avoided in combination with rifabutin and rifampin. Everolimus should be avoided in combination with rifampin and is contraindicated with rifabutin. Sirolimus is contraindicated with rifabutin and rifampin. If concurrent therapy of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, or tacrolimus with rifampin is needed, increase the dose of the immunosuppressant by 2-fold when the combination is initiated and monitor immunosuppressant concentrations frequently with rapid subsequent dose increases as needed. The reverse is recommended when rifampin is discontinued.(62) The US manufacturer of everolimus states that concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided. If concurrent use is warranted, consider increasing the dose of everolimus. In patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (HR+BC); advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET); or advanced renal cell carcinoma; or renal angiomyolipoma with TSC, double the daily dose of everolimus using 5 mg increments or less. If the inducer is discontinued, return the dose to that used prior to inducer therapy once the inducer has been stopped for 5 days. In patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma with TSC, double the dose of everolimus using 5 mg increments or less. Subsequent dosing should be individualized based on therapeutic drug monitoring. If the inducer is discontinued, return the dose of everolimus to the dose used prior to the inducer once the inducer has been stopped for 5 days, and assess everolimus trough levels 2 weeks later.(1) St. John's wort may decrease everolimus levels unpredictably and should be avoided entirely.(1) The US manufacturer of temsirolimus states that concurrent use of strong inducers of CYP3A4, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampicin, or rifampin should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider increasing the dosage of temsirolimus from 25 mg/week to 50 mg/week. If the inducer is discontinued, the dosage of temsirolimus should be returned to the previous dose.(2) If possible, consider alternatives to strong CYP3A4 inducers in patients maintained on cyclosporine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor cyclosporine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus serum levels and observe the patient for graft rejection. The dosage of cyclosporine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus may need to be adjusted following the initiation or discontinuation of these agents. Strong CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: allobarbital, amobarbital, apalutamide, aprobarbital, barbexaclone, barbital, brallobarbital, butabarbital, butalbital, butethal, carbamazepine, cyclobarbital, difebarbamate, ethotoin, febarbamate, fosphenytoin, hexobarbital, lumacaftor, mephenytoin, mephobarbital, metharbital, mitotane, natisedine, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, probarbital, proxibarbal, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, secobarbital, St. John's wort, talbutal, vinbarbital, and vinylbital.
DISCUSSION: In a study in 10 lung transplant patients, significantly higher doses of cyclosporine were required during nafcillin therapy to maintain therapeutic trough levels. Patients also developed higher serum creatinine levels and more renal dysfunction than patients not receiving nafcillin. In a case report, a patient experienced 70% and 85% drops in cyclosporine levels during two separate courses of nafcillin therapy. Trough cyclosporine concentrations have been found to decrease within 48 hours after starting phenytoin even when the dose of cyclosporine is increased. Conversely, cyclosporine concentrations may increase when the hydantoin is discontinued. The effect of the hydantoin on cyclosporine may reverse over a period of one to three weeks after stopping the hydantoin. Concurrent administration of cyclosporine and rifampin has been associated with lowering of cyclosporine to undetectable serum levels. Decreases in cyclosporine levels have been observed within 2 days of concomitant therapy but will probably not be maximal for 1 week. The effects of the interaction may persist for up to 3 weeks after rifampin is stopped. In an open-label study in 11 renal transplant patients, subjects received St. John's wort (600 mg daily) for 14 days in addition to their normal cyclosporine regimen. After 14 days of St. John's wort, dose-corrected cyclosporine area-under-curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), and minimum concentration (Cmin) decreased by 46%, 42%, and 41%, respectively. Mean cyclosporine dose increased from 2.7 mg/kg/day at 4.2 mg/kg/day at the end of the study. Subjects required their first cyclosporine dosage adjustment at Day 3. There are several case reports of decreased cyclosporine with concurrent carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and St. John's wort. In healthy subjects, concurrent use of rifampin, a strong inducer of CYP3A4, decreased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 64% and 58%, respectively. Increasing the dosage of everolimus to 20 mg daily in patients taking a strong inducer of CYP3A4 is expected to increase the AUC of everolimus to levels seen without a concurrent inducer; however, there are no clinical data available with this dosage in patients receiving strong CYP3A4 inducers. In an open-label clinical trial, 10 male patients received ridaforolimus (40 mg daily, days 1 and 14) and rifampin (600 mg daily, days 1-21). Administration of rifampin resulted in a reduction in the mean whole-blood concentration of ridaforolimus (AUC-GMR 0.57, Cmax- GMR 0.66). The mean whole-blood concentration of ridaforolimus increased 1.5-fold following ketoconazole administration. In a study in 14 healthy subjects, pretreatment with rifampin (600 mg daily for 14 days) decreased the AUC and Cmax of a single dose of sirolimus (20 mg) by 82% and 71%, respectively. The oral clearance of sirolimus increased by 5.5-fold. There are case report of decreased sirolimus levels with concurrent phenytoin and rifampin. A study in six healthy subjects examined the effects of rifampin on single doses of oral (0.1 mg/kg) and intravenous (0.025 mg/kg/4 hours) tacrolimus. Rifampin increased tacrolimus clearance by 47% and decreased tacrolimus bioavailability by 51%. In a study in 10 healthy subjects, pretreatment with St. John's wort (300 mg 3 times daily for 18 days) decreased the AUC of a single dose of tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg) by 35.3%. Tacrolimus apparent oral clearance and volume of distribution increased by 68% and 53%, respectively. In a study in 10 renal transplant patients, concurrent St. John's wort (600 mg daily) for 2 weeks increased tacrolimus dose requirements from a baseline of 4.5 mg/day to 8.0 mg/day. Dose-correct tacrolimus AUC decreased by 57.8%. There have been several case reports of decreased tacrolimus levels with concurrent carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, and St. John's wort. Phenobarbital and phenytoin have been used successfully to treat tacrolimus overdose. Concurrent rifampin had no significant effects on the AUC or Cmax of temsirolimus; however, sirolimus AUC and Cmax decreased by 56% and 65%, respectively. A dosage adjustment to 50 mg/week of temsirolimus in the presence of strong CYP3A4 inducers is predicted to adjust levels to those seen without inducers; however, there are no clinical data in patients using this dose. There is a case report of decreased temsirolimus effectiveness with concurrent rifampin.
Selected Myelosuppressive Agents/Clozapine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clozapine and other myelosuppressive agents may be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by the myelosuppressive agent may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with a myelosuppressive agent, the clozapine prescriber should consult with prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent (e.g. oncologist) to discuss treatment and monitoring options.(2) More frequent absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that prescribers monitor patients' ANC according to the monitoring frequencies described in the prescribing information. Severe neutropenia remains a serious, potentially fatal risk that is greatest in the first several months of clozapine treatment. ANC monitoring can help identify neutropenia early to allow for timely intervention.(1-2) Australia, Canada, and U.K.: Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(2)
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of clozapine and selected myelosuppressive agents may require more frequent ANC monitoring or consideration of treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes. Agents linked to this interaction generally have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(3-26)
Selected Myelosuppressive Agents/Deferiprone
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of deferiprone with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis may increase the frequency or risk for severe toxicity.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of deferiprone and myelosuppressive agents may result in severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis, which may be fatal.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Agranulocytosis may be less common in patients receiving deferiprone for thalassemia, and more common in patients treated for other systemic iron overload conditions (e.g. myelodysplastic syndromes, sickle cell disease).(2,3) Inadequate monitoring appears to increase the risk for severe outcomes. Manufacturer post market surveillance found that in all fatal cases of agranulocytosis reported between 1999 and 2005, data on weekly white blood count (WBC) monitoring was missing. In three fatal cases, deferiprone was continued for two to seven days after the detection of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(2)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, discontinue one of the drugs associated with risk for neutropenia or agranulocytosis. If alternative therapy is not available, documentation and adherence to the deferiprone monitoring protocol is essential. Baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC) must be at least 1,500/uL prior to starting deferiprone. Monitor ANC weekly during therapy. If infection develops, interrupt deferiprone therapy and monitor ANC more frequently. If ANC is less than 1,500/uL but greater than 500/uL, discontinue deferiprone and any other drugs possibly associated with neutropenia. Initiate ANC and platelet counts daily until recovery (i.e. ANC at least 1,500/uL). If ANC is less than 500/uL, discontinue deferiprone, evaluate patient and hospitalize if appropriate. Do not resume deferiprone unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks.(1)
DISCUSSION: Drugs linked to this monograph have an FDA Boxed Warning for risk of neutropenia, agranulocytosis, or pancytopenia, or have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(1-25) In pooled clinical studies submitted to the FDA, 6.1% of deferiprone patients met criteria for neutropenia and 1.7% of patients developed agranulocytosis.(1) The time to onset of agranulocytosis was highly variable with a range of 65 days to 9.2 years (median, 161 days).(3)
Selected Myelosuppressive Agents/Dipyrone
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of dipyrone with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis may increase the frequency or risk for severe toxicity.(1-29)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of dipyrone with agents that cause bone marrow depression, including myelosuppressives, may result in an enhanced risk of hematologic disorders, including anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow depression may increase the risk of serious infections and bleeding. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal.(1-29)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of dipyrone and myelosuppressive agents should be avoided. The European Medicines Agency states dipyrone is contraindicated in patients with a prior medical history of dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis (or from other pyrazolones/pyrazolidines), impaired bone marrow function or diseases of the hematopoietic system.(3) International labeling for dipyrone and methotrexate state that co-administration may increase the hematotoxicity of methotrexate, especially in elderly patients, and therefore should be avoided.(1-2) The European Medicines Agency advises if agranulocytosis is suspected with dipyrone, a complete blood count (including differential blood count) should be performed immediately, and treatment must be stopped while waiting for the results. If confirmed, treatment must not be reintroduced.(1-3)
DISCUSSION: A retrospective cohort study analyzed new users of dipyrone (n=444,972), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=3,814,367) which served as a reference cohort, and opioids-paracetamol (n=3,129,221) which was the negative control. During continuous treatment over a median of 37-40 days, 26 cases of hospitalized agranulocytosis occurred. With the assumption that agranulocytosis onset was 7 days prior to admission, the hazard ratio of agranulocytosis associated with dipyrone was 4.40 [0.90-21.57] compared to NSAIDs and 2.45 [0.68-8.83] compared to opioid-paracetamol. HR of neutropenia from dipyrone was 2.98 [1.57-5.65] compared to NSAIDs and not statistically significant compared to opioids-paracetamol. In a sensitivity analysis assuming that the onset of agranulocytosis was the date of hospitalization, the HR of dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis was 7.20 [95% confidence interval: 1.92-26.99] compared to NSAIDs and 3.31 [1.17-9.34] compared to opioids-paracetamol. Agranulocytosis was very rare but more than 4 times more common with dipyrone than other analgesics.(4) In a review of 1,448 reports of agranulocytosis attributed to dipyrone, patients with fatal outcomes were older and more often had also received methotrexate compared to those with non-fatal outcomes (odds ratio: 5.18; 95% confidence interval: 3.06-8.78).(5) Agents linked to this interaction generally have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(2,6-26)
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Colistimethate
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Colistimethate can cause nephrotoxicity.(1,2) Concurrent administration of other nephrotoxic agents may result in an increased risk of nephrotoxicity.(1) It is suspected that cephalothin interferes with the excretion of colistimethate resulting in enhanced nephrotoxicity.(2,3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of colistimethate with other nephrotoxic agents may result in additive nephrotoxic effects.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Factors predisposing to nephrotoxicity include higher cumulative doses of colistimethate, longer treatment duration, hypovolemia, and critical illness.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of potentially nephrotoxic agents with colistimethate should be avoided.(1,2) If concurrent use is necessary, it should be undertaken with great caution.(1)
DISCUSSION: In a case control study of 42 patients on intravenous colistimethate sodium, NSAIDs were identified as an independent risk factor for nephrotoxicity (OR 40.105, p=0.044).(4) In 4 case reports, patients developed elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen following concurrent colistimethate and cephalothin (3 patients) or when colistimethate followed cephalothin therapy (1 patient).(3) A literature review found that individual nephrotoxic agents, including aminoglycosides, vancomycin, amphotericin, IV contrast, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, and calcineurin inhibitors, were not consistently associated with additive nephrotoxicity when used with colistimethate. However, when multiple agents (at least 2 additional potential nephrotoxins) were used concurrently, there was a significant correlation to colistimethate nephrotoxicity.(5)
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Foscarnet
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Foscarnet is nephrotoxic. Concurrent administration of other nephrotoxic agents may result in additive or synergistic effects on renal function.(1) Concurrent intravenous pentamidine may also result in hypocalcemia.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of foscarnet with nephrotoxic agents such as acyclovir, adefovir, intravenous aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, intravenous pentamidine, tacrolimus, tenofovir, vancomycin and voclosporin may result in renal toxicity.(1) Other nephrotoxic agents include capreomycin, cisplatin, gallium nitrate, high-dose methotrexate, and streptozocin.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of foscarnet state that concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic agents such as acyclovir, intravenous aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, methotrexate, tacrolimus, and intravenous pentamidine should be avoided.(1) Other nephrotoxic agents include adefovir, capreomycin, cisplatin, gallium nitrate, high-dose methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, streptozocin, tenofovir, vancomycin and voclosporin. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor renal function closely. In patients receiving concurrent foscarnet and pentamidine, also monitor serum calcium levels and instruct patients to report severe muscle spasms, mental/mood changes, and/or seizures.(1)
DISCUSSION: The safety of foscarnet has not been studied in patients receiving other known potentially nephrotoxic agents. Renal impairment is the major toxicity of foscarnet.(1)
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Inotersen
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inotersen can cause glomerulonephritis and renal toxicity. Concurrent administration of other nephrotoxic agents may result in additive or synergistic effects on renal function.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inotersen with nephrotoxic agents such as acyclovir, adefovir, intravenous aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, intravenous pentamidine, tacrolimus, tenofovir, vancomycin and voclosporin may result in renal toxicity.(1) Other nephrotoxic agents include capreomycin, cisplatin, gallium nitrate, high-dose methotrexate, and streptozocin.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of inotersen state that caution should be used when administered concurrently with potentially nephrotoxic agents or agents that impair renal function.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor renal function closely.(1)
DISCUSSION: The safety of inotersen has not been studied in patients receiving other known potentially nephrotoxic agents. Inotersen is only available through a Tegsedi REMS program because of the risk of glomerulonephritis and severe thrombocytopenia.(1)
Selected P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Substrates/Lorlatinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Lorlatinib is an inducer of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) system. The absorption of P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic index may be decreased.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lorlatinib with narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrates may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of the substrate.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of lorlatinib states that the concurrent use of narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrates should be avoided. If concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, the dosage of the narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrate should be increased according to the substrate prescribing information.(1)
DISCUSSION: In a study, lorlatinib 100 mg daily for 15 days decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of single-dose fexofenadine 60 mg (a P-gp substrate) by 67% and 63%, respectively.(1) Selected narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrates include: digoxin, everolimus, pazopanib, sirolimus, and topotecan.(1,2)
Selected P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Substrates/Venetoclax
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Venetoclax is an inhibitor of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) system and may increase the absorption of P-gp substrates.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of venetoclax with P-gp substrates may result in elevated levels and toxicities of the substrate.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of venetoclax states that the concurrent use of P-gp substrates should be avoided. If concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, the P-gp substrate should be taken at least 6 hours before venetoclax.(1) If concurrent therapy with afatinib is unavoidable and not tolerated, the US manufacturer of afatinib states that the afatinib dose should be reduced by 10 mg. Resume the previous dose of afatinib if venetoclax is discontinued.(2) The manufacturer of ubrogepant recommends a dosage adjustment of ubrogepant when coadministered with P-gp inhibitors. The initial dose of ubrogepant should not exceed 50 mg. If a second dose of ubrogepant is needed, the dose should not exceed 50 mg.(8)
DISCUSSION: In vitro data suggests venetoclax is a P-gp inhibitor at therapeutic doses in the gut.(1) Administration of a single venetoclax 100 mg dose with digoxin increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-the-curve of digoxin by 35% and 9%, respectively.(1) Selected P-gp substrates linked to this monograph include: afatinib, aliskiren, betrixaban, bilastine, cyclosporine, dabigatran, digoxin, edoxaban, everolimus, loperamide, sirolimus, talazoparib, topotecan, and ubrogepant.(1-9)
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)
Selected Sensitive P-Gp And 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 an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp).(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sotorasib may lead to increased or decreased serum levels of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4 and P-gp.(1) The magnitude of this interaction is unknown.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of sotorasib states that co-administration of CYP3A4 or P-gp substrates for which minimal concentration decreases may lead to serious therapeutic failure or increased risk of adverse effects should be avoided. If concomitant use is unavoidable, dose modification of the substrate may be necessary.(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) Coadministration of sotorasib with digoxin, a sensitive P-gp substrate, increased digoxin AUC and Cmax by 21% and 91%, respectively. CYP3A4 and P-gp substrates linked to this monograph include: everolimus, lefamulin, and venetoclax.(2,3)
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.
Anti-Angiogenic Agents/Erlotinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anti-angiogenic agents may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation in patients receiving erlotinib. Fatalities have been reported.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with a history of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease or who are receiving concomitant corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and/or taxane-based chemotherapy may be an increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation.(1)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of gastrointestinal perforation. Discontinue erlotinib in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation.(1)
DISCUSSION: In a phase II trial of concurrent bevacizumab plus erlotinib, 2 of 13 patients suffered fatal gastrointestinal perforations.(2) In another phase II trial of concurrent bevacizumab with erlotinib, 1 of 104 patients died of gastrointestinal perforation.(3)
Everolimus/Dual P-Gp And Moderate Cyp3a4 Inhibitors
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dual P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase absorption and decrease elimination of everolimus.(1-2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of dual P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from everolimus.(1-2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If concurrent therapy with everolimus and dual P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors is warranted, reduce the dosage of everolimus.(1) In patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (HR+BC); advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET); advanced renal cell carcinoma; or renal angiomyolipoma with TSC, decrease the dose of everolimus to 2.5 mg daily. An increase to 5 mg daily may be considered based on patient tolerance. If the inhibitor is discontinued, allow an elimination period of 3 days before increasing the dose to that used prior to the inhibitor.(1) In patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma with TSC and TSC-associated partial-onset seizures, reduce the dosage of everolimus by 50% to maintain trough concentrations of 5 ng/ml to 15 ng/ml. If the patient is already receiving 2.5 mg daily, consider a dose of 2.5 mg every other day. Assess everolimus levels 2 weeks after the addition of the inhibitor. Resume the everolimus dose used prior to initiation of the inhibitor after the inhibitor has been discontinued for 3 days, and assess everolimus trough levels 2 weeks later.(1) In patients taking everolimus for prophylaxis of organ rejection, monitor everolimus blood concentration and adjust dose as needed.(2) Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation state that protease inhibitors are contraindicated, and recommend avoiding the use of erythromycin with everolimus. If the combination must be used, lower the dose of everolimus by up to 50% upon initiation of the antibiotic and monitor levels daily.(3)
DISCUSSION: In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent use of erythromycin, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and a P-gp inhibitor, increased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 2.0-fold and 4.4-fold, respectively.(1) In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent use of ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and a P-gp inhibitor, increased everolimus area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 3.9-fold and 15.0-fold, respectively.(1) In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent use of verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and a P-gp inhibitor, increased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 2.3-fold and 3.5-fold, respectively.(1) In a study in 16 healthy subjects, concurrent use of verapamil increased everolimus Cmax and AUC by 130% and 250%, respectively.(4) Moderate CYP3A4 and/or P-gp inhibitors include: conivaptan, diltiazem, dronedarone, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, isavuconazonium, lenacapavir, rilzabrutinib, and verapamil.(5-7)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Cladribine Oncology Inj
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cladribine in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-4)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cladribine with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections.(1-4)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for cladribine regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The cladribine US, UK, and Australian prescribing information state: -Caution should be exercised if cladribine injection is administered before, after, or in conjunction with other drugs known to cause immunosuppression or myelosuppression.(1-3) The cladribine Canadian prescribing information states: -Proceed carefully in patients with severe bone marrow impairment of any etiology since further suppression of bone marrow function should be anticipated.(4)
DISCUSSION: Severe bone marrow suppression, including neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia, has been commonly observed in patients treated with cladribine injection, especially at high doses.(1-4)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Covid-19 Vaccines
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Immunosuppressants and immunomodulators may prevent the immune system from properly responding to the COVID-19 vaccine.(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Administration of a COVID-19 vaccine with immunosuppressants or immunomodulators may interfere with vaccine-induced immune response and impair the efficacy of the vaccine. However, patients should be offered and given a COVID-19 vaccine even if the use and timing of immunosuppressive agents cannot be adjusted.(1-3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),(1) Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA),(2) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)(3) have published guidances for COVID-19 vaccination in patients on immunosuppressants. The CDC states that all immunocompromised patients over 6 months of age should receive at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine if eligible. See the CDC's Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines for specific recommendations based on age, vaccination history, and vaccine manufacturer.(1) The CDC advises planning for vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting or resuming immunosuppressive therapy.(1) IDSA recommends timing COVID-19 vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting or at least 3 months after completing immunosuppressive therapy.(2) The ACR states that in general, immunosuppressants and immunomodulators should be held for 1-2 weeks after each vaccine dose.(3) Patients should be offered and given a COVID-19 vaccine even if the use and timing of immunosuppressive agents cannot be adjusted, though the immune response will likely be blunted. COVID-19 vaccines should not be delayed in patients taking immunosuppressive therapies.(1-2) See below for specific recommendations for certain agents. B-cell depleting agents, including rituximab: The CDC states that the utility of B-cell quantification to guide clinical care is not known and is not recommended. Patients who receive B-cell depleting therapy on a continuing basis should receive COVID-19 vaccines about 4 weeks before the next scheduled dose. For patients who received 1 or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine during treatment with B-cell-depleting therapies that were administered over a limited period (e.g., as part of a treatment regimen for certain malignancies), revaccination may be considered according to the current CDC recommendations for unvaccinated patients. The suggested interval to start revaccination is about 6 months after completion of the B-cell-depleting therapy.(1) IDSA recommends waiting for at least 3-6 months after the last infusion of B-cell depleting therapy before administering COVID-19 vaccines.(2) The ACR recommends consulting with the rheumatologist to determine optimal timing of COVID-19 vaccination. Measuring CD19 B cells may be considered to determine need for a booster vaccine dose. If B cell levels are not measured, a supplemental vaccine dose 2-4 weeks before the next scheduled dose of rituximab is recommended.(3) Recipients of hematopoietic cell transplant or CAR-T-cell therapy who received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine prior to or during treatment should undergo revaccination following the current CDC recommendations for unvaccinated patients. Revaccination should start at least 3 months (12 weeks) after transplant or CAR-T-cell therapy.(1,2) The CDC includes abatacept, cyclophosphamide, and TNF-alpha and cytokine inhibitors in their general recommendation to hold therapy for at least 2 weeks following vaccination (1) while the ACR provides different recommendations:(3) *Abatacept: - Subcutaneous abatacept should be withheld for 1-2 weeks after each vaccine dose, as disease activity allows. - For intravenous abatacept, time administration so that vaccination will occur 1 week before the next abatacept infusion. *Cyclophosphamide: When feasible, administer cyclophosphamide 1 week after each COVID-19 vaccine dose. *TNF-alpha inhibitors and cytokine inhibitors: The ACR was not able to reach consensus on whether to modify dosing or timing of these agents with COVID-19 vaccination.
DISCUSSION: IDSA recommendations are based on cohort and case control studies in immunocompromised patients that found low to modest vaccine effectiveness (37-61%) but lower risks of COVID-19 association hospitalization, COVID-19 related mortality, and critical illness.(2) The ACR convened a COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Task Force to provide guidance on optimal use of COVID-19 vaccines in rheumatology patients. These recommendations are based on limited clinical evidence of COVID-19 vaccines in patients without rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders and evidence of other vaccines in this patient population.(3) The ACR recommendation for rituximab is based on studies of humoral immunity following receipt of other vaccines. These studies have uncertain generalizability to vaccination against COVID-19, as it is unknown if efficacy is attributable to induction of host T cells versus B cell (antibody-based) immunity.(3) The ACR recommendation for mycophenolate is based on preexisting data of mycophenolate on non-COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity. Emerging data suggests that mycophenolate may impair SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease and transplant patients.(3) The ACR recommendation for methotrexate is based on data from influenza vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines with methotrexate.(3) The ACR recommendation for JAK inhibitors is based on concerns related to the effects of JAK inhibitors on interferon signaling that may result in a diminished vaccine response.(3) The ACR recommendation for subcutaneous abatacept is based on several studies suggesting a negative effect of abatacept on vaccine immunogenicity. The first vaccine dose primes naive T cells, naive T cell priming is inhibited by CTLA-4, and abatacept is a CTLA-4Ig construct. CTLA-4 should not inhibit boosts of already primed T cells at the time of the second vaccine dose.(3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Sarilumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sarilumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sarilumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sarilumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of sarilumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Sarilumab was studied as monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate or conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis studies. Sarilumab has not been studied with biological DMARDs and concurrent use should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by sarilumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included pneumonia and cellulitis. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving sarilumab. Cases of tuberculosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystis with sarilumab have been reported.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Tocilizumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tocilizumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tocilizumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tocilizumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of tocilizumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Tocilizumab was studied as monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate, non-biologic DMARDs or corticosteroids, depending on the indication. Tocilizumab has not been studied with biological DMARDs and concurrent use should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by tocilizumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving tocilizumab. Cases of tuberculosis, cryptococcus, aspergillosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystosis have been reported.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ublituximab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ublituximab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ublituximab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ublituximab recommends caution because the concurrent use of ublituximab with immunomodulating or immunosuppressive agents, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents. When switching from agents with immune effects, the half-life and mechanism of action of these drugs must be taken into consideration in order to prevent additive immunosuppressive effects.(1)
DISCUSSION: The most common infections reported by ublituximab-treated patients in the clinical trial periods included upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, bacterial and viral infections were observed in patients receiving ublituximab.(1) Serious and/or fatal bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections have been associated with other anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies. There were no cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) reported during the clinical trials; however, there have been reports of PML during or following completion of other anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ustekinumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ustekinumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ustekinumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ustekinumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of ustekinumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Ustekinumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressants in psoriasis studies. In psoriatic arthritis studies, concomitant methotrexate use did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis studies, concomitant use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by ustekinumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included nasopharyngitis(8%) and upper respiratory tract infection(5%). Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving ustekinumab. Cases of interstitial pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia, and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia resulting in respiratory failure or prolonged hospitalization have been reported in patients receiving ustekinumab.(1)
Myelosuppressive Mod-Weak Cyp3a4 Inh/Tacrolimus
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate and weak immunosuppressive inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of tacrolimus and increase the risk of additive immunosuppression.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an immunosuppressive CYP3A4 inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from tacrolimus, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immunosuppression, 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) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(3) 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%.(4) 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.(5) 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%.(6) An analysis of FAERS data from 2004-2017, found a significant association between transplant rejection and concurrent use of tacrolimus and clotrimazole (reporting odds ration 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) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: duvelisib, fedratinib, imatinib, rilzabrutinib, and treosulfan.(6) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: asciminib, avapritinib, belumosudil, capivasertib, everolimus, larotrectinib, leflunomide, olaparib, palbociclib, and teriflunomide.(6)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Maribavir
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus and temsirolimus by CYP3A4 may be inhibited by maribavir.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of maribavir may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus or temsirolimus.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus or temsirolimus levels and renal function should be monitored frequently during therapy with maribavir. Monitor immunosuppressant levels closely during initiation and after discontinuation of maribavir. The dosage of cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus or temsirolimus may need to be adjusted.
DISCUSSION: In a study in 20 patients, maribavir increased the area-under-curve (AUC), concentration maximum (Cmax), and Ctau of tacrolimus by 51%, 38%, and 57%, respectively. In a multiple-dose study, concomitant administration of ketoconazole with sirolimus oral solution increased the sirolimus Cmax, time to Cmax (Tmax), and AUC by 4.3-fold, 38%, and 10.9-fold, respectively. Single-dose sirolimus did not affect steady-state 12-hour plasma ketoconazole concentrations. In a study in 6 patients, ketoconazole was successfully used to augment sirolimus levels. Patients were able to receive one-eight to one-fourth (0.25 - 0.50 mg daily) of the usual sirolimus dose while taking 100 to 200 mg of ketoconazole daily. Concurrent administration of ketoconazole had no effects on temsirolimus AUC or Cmax; however, sirolimus AUC and Cmax increased 3.1-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively. Dosage adjustment of temsirolimus to 12.5 mg/week in the presence of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is expected to adjust levels to the range observed without inhibitors; however, there are no data available with this dose adjustment.
Selected Immunosuppressive Cyp3a4 Substrates/Cannabidiol
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood, but may involve inhibition of CYP3A4 and of the P-glycoprotein transporter by cannabidiol (CBD).(1) Everolimus and sirolimus are substrates of both CYP3A4 and P-gp.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of CBD may result in increased levels and effects of everolimus and sirolimus.(1-3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Canadian manufacturer of the combination of the CBD-THC buccal spray advises caution when it is used concurrently with CYP3A4 substrates.(2) For patients concurrently taking everolimus or sirolimus, therapeutic concentration monitoring of the immunosuppressant is recommended. Depending upon the agents involved, dose decreases of the immunosuppressant agent may be required.(3,4) In patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER-2 negative breast cancer (HR+BC); advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET); advanced renal cell carcinoma; or renal angiomyolipoma with TSC, decrease the dose of everolimus to 5 mg once daily with concurrent use of cannabidiol oral solution. An increase to 7.5 mg daily may be considered based on patient tolerance. If cannabidiol oral solution is discontinued, allow an elimination period of 3 days before increasing the dose to that used prior to the inhibitor.(7) In patients with subependymal giant astrocytoma with TSC and TSC-associated partial-onset seizures, reduce the dosage of everolimus by 50% to maintain trough concentrations of 5 ng/ml to 15 ng/ml with concurrent use of cannabidiol oral solution. If the patient is already receiving the lowest daily dose, change to every other day dosing. Assess everolimus levels 2 weeks after the addition of the inhibitor. Resume the everolimus dose used prior to initiation of the inhibitor after the inhibitor has been discontinued for 3 days, and assess everolimus trough levels 2 weeks later.(7)
DISCUSSION: Elevation of everolimus levels by cannabinoids has been reported in a retrospective study and a case report. In the retrospective study, everolimus levels in 18 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) were examined before and after initiation of CBD for epilepsy. Everolimus levels increased by a median of 9.8 ng/mL. No patients experienced serious adverse events.(3) In the case report, a 6.5-year-old girl who was stable for 3 years on everolimus 0.3 mg/kg/day for TSC was started on CBD for refractory epilepsy. Everolimus levels became unstable, ranging between 1.7 up to 16 mcg/L.(4) In a study with healthy volunteers, cannabidiol (12.5 mg/kg twice daily) increased everolimus AUC and Cmax by 2.5-fold.(5,6) In a retrospective study, sirolimus levels in 7 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex were examined before and after initiation of CBD for epilepsy. Sirolimus levels increased by a median of 5.1 ng/mL. No patients experienced serious adverse events.(3)
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Adefovir
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Recommended doses of adefovir have been associated with delayed nephrotoxicity.(1-4) Concurrent administration of other nephrotoxic agents may result in additive or synergistic effects on renal function.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of adefovir with nephrotoxic agents such as intravenous aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, tacrolimus,tenofovir, vancomycin, voclosporin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may result in renal toxicity.(1) Other nephrotoxic agents include capreomycin, cisplatin, gallium nitrate, high-dose methotrexate, intravenous pentamidine, and streptozocin.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with pre-existing renal impairment(1,2) or receiving multiple nephrotoxic agents appear to be at greater risk for nephrotoxicity.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of concurrent therapy and continue renal function monitoring during therapy. Dose adjustments may be required for impaired renal function. Weigh the risks and benefits of concurrent therapy in patients with treatment-emergent nephrotoxicity.
DISCUSSION: Because of the known risks for adefovir nephrotoxicity, particularly at higher than recommended doses, the safety of adefovir has not been studied in patients receiving other known potentially nephrotoxic agents.
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Cisplatin
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The nephrotoxic effects of aminoglycosides or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be additive to those of cisplatin.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, or NSAIDs with cisplatin may result in additive nephrotoxic effects.(1,2,5,6)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Pre-existing renal insufficiency, advanced age, dehydration may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.(1,5,6)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US labeling for aminoglycosides and cisplatin states that the concurrent use of aminoglycosides and cisplatin should be avoided.(1,3,4,6) Inform patients that concurrent cisplatin and aminoglycosides or NSAIDs can cause nephrotoxicity and that renal function and electrolyte monitoring during treatment is necessary.(2)
DISCUSSION: The US manufacturers of amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin state that since the nephrotoxic effects of these medications may be additive, avoid concurrent or sequential use of other neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic agents including cisplatin.(1,3,6)
Selected Nephrotoxic Agents/Tenofovir
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tenofovir and other nephrotoxic agents may result in additive or synergistic effects on renal function and increase nephrotoxicity risk.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tenofovir and other nephrotoxic agents may result in renal toxicity and acute renal failure.(1) Reports of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome have been reported with tenofovir use.(2,3) However, this has been reported in 3 case reports and the renal failure may have been complicated by other pre-existing conditions.(2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Pre-existing renal dysfunction, long duration of use, low body weight, concomitant use of drugs that may increase tenofovir levels may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.(1)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US prescribing information for tenofovir recommends avoiding concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent.(3) Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of concurrent therapy and continue renal function monitoring during therapy. Dose adjustments may be required for impaired renal function. Tenofovir should be avoided with high-dose or multiple NSAIDs. Alternatives to NSAIDs should be considered in patients at risk for renal dysfunction.(3) Patients receiving concurrent NSAIDs with tenofovir should be monitored for possible renal toxicity.(1,2) The dosing interval should be adjusted in patients with a baseline creatinine clearance of less than 50 ml/min.(1-3)
DISCUSSION: From March 18, 2003 to December 1, 2005, Health Canada received 10 reports of nephrotoxic reactions with tenofovir. Three of these occurred following the addition of a NSAID to tenofovir therapy. In the first report, a patient maintained on tenofovir for 29 months developed acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis requiring dialysis 5 days after beginning indomethacin (100 mg rectally twice daily). In the second report, a patient maintained on tenofovir for 7 months developed acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis after taking 90 tablets of naproxen (375 mg) over 2 months. The patient died. In the third report, a patient maintained on tenofovir for over a year developed acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome after 2 months of valdecoxib (20 mg daily) therapy. Symptoms subsided following discontinuation of valdecoxib.(1)
Slt Immunosuppressants/Quinpristin-Dalfoprist; Pristinamycin
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of immunosuppressants by CYP3A4 may be inhibited by quinupristin-dalfopristin and pristinamycin.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of quinupristin-dalfopristin or pristinamycin may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from immunosuppressants.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Immunosuppressant levels and renal function should be monitored if quinupristin-dalfopristin or pristinamycin is initiated or discontinued from concurrent therapy. The dosage of the immunosuppressant may need to be adjusted. The US manufacturer of quinupristin-dalfopristin recommends caution and monitoring with immunosuppressants.(1) The Australian manufacturer of pristinamycin recommends monitoring of immunosuppressants levels, renal function, and adjustment of dose during concomitant use and after discontinuation of the inhibitor.(2) The US manufacturer of sirolimus protein-bound injection (Fyarro) states a dose reduction to 56 mg/m2 is recommended when used concurrently moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors.(3)
DISCUSSION: In a study in 24 subjects, concurrent administration of quinupristin-dalfopristin (7.5 mg/kg every 8 hours for 2 days) and cyclosporine (300 mg on Day 3, CYP3A4 substrate) resulted in an increase in cyclosporine's area-under-the-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of 63% and 30%, respectively. Cyclosporine half-life increased 77% while clearance decreased 34%.(1) Concurrent administration of quinupristin-dalfopristin with nifedipine (repeat oral doses) in healthy volunteers increased the Cmax and AUC by 18% and 44%. Concurrent midazolam (intravenous bolus dose) in healthy volunteers increased the Cmax and AUC by 14% and 33%.(1) In a case report, concurrent administration of cyclosporine and quinupristin-dalfopristin resulted in a 3-fold increase in cyclosporine trough level which was managed by a 33% dose reduction in the cyclosporine dose.(4) There are several other case reports of toxicity and increased cyclosporine trough levels.(7,8) In a case report, concurrent administration of everolimus and pristinamycin resulted in a significant increase in everolimus levels (increased to 33.5 mcg/L on Day 3 of pristinamycin) which was managed by a 25% reduction in the everolimus dose.(5) In a case report, concurrent administration of tacrolimus and pristinamycin resulted in a 5-fold increase in tacrolimus trough level.(6) Immunosuppressants linked to this monograph include sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus, and tacrolimus.
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)
Contraindications
*Known hypersensitivity to everolimus, other rapamycin derivatives (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus), or any ingredient in the everolimus formulations.
- Lactation
- Malignant lymphoma
- Acute renal failure
- Ascites
- BK polyomavirus reactivation nephropathy
- Cardiac transplantation
- Child-pugh class A hepatic impairment
- Child-pugh class B hepatic impairment
- Child-pugh class C hepatic impairment
- Disease of liver
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Interstitial pneumonitis
- Malignancy
- Pericardial effusion
- Pleural effusions
- Pregnancy
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Anemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Edema
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Impaired wound healing
- Leukopenia
- Proteinuria
- Stomatitis
- Thrombocytopenic disorder
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects reported in 30% or more of patients receiving everolimus for the treatment of advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, progressive neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic, gastrointestinal, or lung origin, or advanced renal cell carcinoma, and more frequently with the drug than with placebo include stomatitis (including mouth ulceration, aphthous stomatitis, glossodynia, gingival pain, glossitis, and lip ulceration), infections (including urinary tract infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin, and gastrointestinal tract infections), rash, fatigue, diarrhea, edema, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, asthenia, cough, headache, and decreased appetite.
Adverse effects reported in 30% or more of patients receiving everolimus for the treatment of renal angiomyolipoma with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and more frequently with the drug than with placebo include stomatitis (including mouth ulceration, aphthous stomatitis, glossodynia, gingival pain, glossitis, and stomatitis).
Adverse effects reported in 30% or more of patients receiving everolimus for the treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) with TSC include stomatitis (including mouth and lip ulceration, and stomatitis) and respiratory tract infections (including respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection, and viral respiratory tract infection).
Adverse effects reported in 30% or more of patients receiving everolimus for the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures with TSC include stomatitis (including stomatitis, mouth ulceration, apththous ulcer, lip and tongue ulceration, mucosal inflammation, and gingival pain).
Adverse effects reported in 20% or more of patients receiving everolimus in combination with reduced-exposure cyclosporine for prevention of organ rejection after renal transplantation include peripheral edema, constipation, hypertension, nausea, anemia, urinary tract infection, and hyperlipidemia.
Adverse effects reported in more than 10% of patients receiving everolimus in combination with reduced-exposure tacrolimus for prevention of organ rejection after hepatic transplantation include diarrhea, headache, peripheral edema, hypertension, nausea, pyrexia, abdominal pain, leukopenia, and hypercholesterolemia.
More Frequent
- Anemia
- Infection
Less Frequent
- Acidosis
- Candidiasis
- Chronic heart failure
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Dehydration
- Gout
- Hematuria
- Hemorrhage
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Hypophosphatemia
- Hypotension
- Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
- Leukocytosis
- Leukopenia
- Neutropenic disorder
- Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia
- Pericardial effusion
- Pleural effusions
- Viral infection
Rare or Very Rare
- Abnormal hepatic function tests
- Acute arterial thromboembolism
- Acute renal failure
- Alveolitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Angina
- Angioedema
- Atelectasis
- Atrial fibrillation
- Bacterial sepsis
- Biliary calculus
- BK polyomavirus reactivation nephropathy
- Bloody vomit
- Cholecystitis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Exfoliative dermatitis
- Fungal sepsis
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Hepatic artery thrombosis in liver transplant
- Hypercortisolism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypersensitivity angiitis
- Hypertensive crisis
- Ileus
- Impaired wound healing
- Interstitial lung disease
- Interstitial pneumonitis
- Male infertility
- Malignant lymphoma
- Malignant neoplasm of skin
- Osteomyelitis
- Pancreatitis
- Pancytopenia
- Peritonitis
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
- Pneumonia
- Post kidney transplant renal thrombosis
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- Protozoal infection
- Pulmonary thromboembolism
- Pyelonephritis
- Thrombocytopenic disorder
- Thrombocytosis
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
More Frequent
- Anorexia
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- General weakness
- Headache disorder
- Hyperlipidemia
- Nausea
- Peripheral edema
- Proteinuria
- Pruritus of skin
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Stomatitis
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Upper respiratory infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Vomiting
Less Frequent
- Abdominal distension
- Acne vulgaris
- Acute abdominal pain
- Aggressive behavior
- Agitation
- Amenorrhea
- Arthralgia
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Body fluid retention
- Cellulitis
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drowsy
- Dyspepsia
- Dysphagia
- Dyspnea
- Dysuria
- Epistaxis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Eyelid edema
- Flatulence
- Follicle-stimulating hormone hypersecretion
- Hemorrhoids
- Herpes simplex infection
- Hirsutism
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Insomnia
- Jaw pain
- Malaise
- Nail disorders
- Night sweats
- Onychoclasis
- Oral candidiasis
- Ovarian cyst
- Palpitations
- Paresthesia
- Rhinorrhea
- Skin rash
- Spasm of bladder
- Syncope
- Tinea pedis
- Tremor
- Urethritis
- Vitamin b12 deficiency
- Weight loss
- Xerostomia
Rare or Very Rare
- Azoospermia
- Cataracts
- Flushing
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Hallucinations
- Oligospermia
Precautions
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Safety and efficacy of everolimus for the treatment of SEGA associated with TSC have been evaluated in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 1 year of age with SEGA. Although a determination remains inconclusive based on available data, the use of everolimus did not appear to adversely affect growth and pubertal development in 115 pediatric patients with TSC-associated SEGA treated with everolimus over a median duration of 4.1 years.
Safety and efficacy of everolimus for the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures associated with TSC have been evaluated in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy as an adjunctive treatment have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age with TSC-associated partial-onset seizures.
The incidence of infections, including serious infections, in pediatric patients under 6 years of age receiving everolimus treatment have been reported at a higher frequency in comparison to patients 6 years of age and older.
Safety and efficacy of everolimus for the treatment of renal angiomyolipoma with TSC in the absence of SEGA, hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, NET, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have not been established in pediatric patients.
Clearance of everolimus normalized to body surface area was higher in pediatric patients with SEGA and TSC-associated partial-onset seizures compared with adults.
Safety and efficacy of everolimus for the prevention of renal or hepatic allograft rejection have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age.
Based on animal studies and the mechanism of action of everolimus, administration of everolimus during pregnancy may result in fetal harm. Reproductive studies in animals have shown that administration of everolimus during pregnancy is maternally toxic and has caused embryofetal toxicities, even at exposures near or lower than comparable human exposures. Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of everolimus. Advise females of childbearing potential to use an effective method of contraception during and for up to 8 weeks following thediscontinuationof everolimus. Advise male partners of such females to use effective contraception during everolimus treatment, and for 4 weeks after discontinuing the drug. Advise pregnant patients of the potential for risk to the fetus.
The National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR) is a pregnancy registry for pregnant women receiving immunosuppressants following any solid organ transplantation; the NTPR encourages reporting of all immunosuppressant exposures during pregnancy in transplant patients by telephone at877-955-6877 or via their website: https://www.transplantpregnancyregistry.org/participation/.
Everolimus and/or its metabolites readily distribute into milk in lactating rats at a concentration 3.5 times higher than in maternal serum. It is not known whether everolimus is distributed into human milk. The effects of the drug on the breast-fed infant or on the production of milk are not known. In animal studies, exposure to everolimus during the postnatal period resulted in developmental toxicity. In patients taking everolimus for breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of pancreatic, gastrointestinal, or lung origin, renal cell carcinoma, or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated renal angiomyolipoma, SEGA, or partial-onset seizures, it is recommended to avoid breast-feeding during everolimus treatment and for 2 weeks following the last dose due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in infants exposed to everolimus. In transplant patients, it is recommended to avoid breast-feeding.
The manufacturer states that no adjustment of the initial dosage is required in geriatric patients; however, close monitoring and appropriate dosage adjustments for adverse effects are recommended for Afinitor(R) and Afinitor(R) Disperz(R).
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention of kidney transplant rejection | ||
| Z94.0 | ICD10CM | Kidney transplant status |
| Prevention of liver transplant rejection | ||
| Z94.4 | ICD10CM | Liver transplant status |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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