Recorlev (levoketoconazole)

Adrenal Steroid Inhibitors Oral Tablet

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Levoketoconazole, the 2S,4R enantiomer of ketoconazole, is a cortisol synthesis inhibitor.

Levoketoconazole, the 2S,4R enantiomer of ketoconazole, is a cortisol synthesis inhibitor. In vitro, the drug inhibits key enzymes in the synthesis of cortisol and testosterone, including CYP11B1 (11beta hydroxylase), CYP11A1 (a cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, which is the first step in the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone), and CYP17A1 (17alpha-hydroxylase).

Peak plasma concentrations of levoketoconazole increase in an approximately dose-proportional manner, and AUC increases in a greater than dose-proportional manner over the therapeutic dose range of 150-600 mg. Following oral administration, peak plasma concentrations of levoketoconazole are achieved in approximately 1.5-2 hours. Accumulation occurs following administration of multiple doses of the drug.

Administration of levoketoconazole (single 600-mg dose) with a high-fat meal increases AUC by 30% but does not alter peak plasma concentrations, and delays time to peak plasma concentrations by 2-4 hours; these effects are not considered clinically important. In vitro or in vivo metabolism or elimination studies of levoketoconazole have not been performed. Racemic ketoconazole is metabolized in the liver to several inactive metabolites (with respect to antifungal activity) by oxidation and degradation of the imidazole and piperazine rings; in addition, oxidative O-dealkylation and aromatic hydroxylation occur.

CYP3A4 is the major enzyme involved in the metabolism of ketoconazole. Racemic ketoconazole is eliminated principally in the feces (57%), with approximately 13% of the drug eliminated in urine (2-4% as unchanged drug). Levoketoconazole is highly bound (99.3%) to plasma proteins and has an elimination half-life of 3-4.5 hours.

Population pharmacokinetic modeling suggests that the pharmacokinetics of levoketoconazole are not substantially affected by age or sex. However, the pharmacokinetics of levoketoconazole have not been formally studied in geriatric patients or in patients younger than 18 years of age. It is not known whether there are any differences in pharmacokinetics among race/ethnicity groups.

USES: This medication is used to treat high levels of a certain hormone (cortisol) in people with Cushing's syndrome. Levoketoconazole works by decreasing the amount of cortisol made by the body.

Generic name: levoketoconazole
Pronunciation: (LEE-voe-KEE-toe-KON-a-zole)
Drug class: Adrenal Steroid Inhibitors
Therapeutic class: Endocrine

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Recorlev:

  • Pituitary-Dependent Cushing's Disease

Also known as: Cushing Disease, Pituitary-Dependent Cushing Disease, Pituitary-Dependent Hypercortisolism.

Dosing

If ALT or AST concentration >=5 times the ULN with any total bilirubin concentrations or ALT or AST concentration >=3 times the ULN with total bilirubin concentrations >2 times the ULN, permanently discontinue levoketoconazole.

If ALT or AST concentration >=3 to <5 times the ULN with total bilirubin concentration <=2 times the ULN, temporarily interrupt therapy; monitor liver function tests every 3 days until levels stabilize and then at least every 7-10 days until liver function returns to baseline. When liver function tests normalize and possible alternative etiologies have been addressed, therapy may be resumed at a reduced dosage; monitor liver function weekly for 1 month and then routinely thereafter before considering further dosage increases. If liver function test abnormalities significantly above baseline recur, permanently discontinue levoketoconazole.

If ALT or AST concentration >ULN but <3 times the ULN with any total bilirubin concentration or if liver function tests increase above baseline, consider interrupting therapy; monitor liver function tests at least every 7-10 days until values return to baseline. When liver function tests improve to baseline and possible alternative etiologies have been addressed, therapy may be resumed at a reduced dosage and titrated more slowly; monitor liver function tests weekly for 1 month to ensure that levels are stabilized before considering further dosage increases.

If urine free cortisol or morning serum or plasma cortisol levels decrease to below target range or decrease rapidly, or if signs and/or symptoms of hypocortisolism occur, temporarily interrupt levoketoconazole therapy or reduce dosage.

If morning serum or plasma cortisol levels decrease to below target range and signs and/or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism occur, withhold levoketoconazole therapy and administer exogenous glucocorticoid replacement therapy. When cortisol levels improve to within target ranges and signs and/or symptoms of hypocortisolism have resolved, resume therapy at a reduced dosage. If the reduced dosage is well tolerated, but does not achieve an adequate clinical response, dosage may be titrated to the previous dosage associated with hypocortisolism.

If QT interval (corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula (QTcF)) >500 msec, temporarily interrupt therapy and address possible contributing factors (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, concomitant therapy). When QT interval returns to <=500 msec, therapy may be resumed at a reduced dosage. If QT interval prolongation recurs, permanently discontinue levoketoconazole.

If adverse reactions occur during levoketoconazole therapy, temporary interruption of therapy, dosage reduction, and/or permanent discontinuance of the drug may be necessary. If dosage reduction is required, dosage of levoketoconazole may be reduced to 150 mg once daily.

Drug interactions

Levoketoconazole is a strong inhibitor of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4. In vitro, levoketoconazole also inhibits CYP2B6 and CYP2C8 and induces CYP1A2. In vitro, levoketoconazole does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP2D6, and does not induce CYP2B6.

Levoketoconazole inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp), organic cation transporter (OCT)2, and multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins (MATE)1, but does not inhibit organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B3, organic anion transporters (OAT)1 and OAT3, or MATE2K.

Contraindications

*Acute liver disease or poorly controlled chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, baseline elevations of AST or ALT >3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), recurrent symptomatic cholelithiasis, or extensive metastatic liver disease.

*History of drug-induced liver injury due to ketoconazole or any azole antifungal therapy requiring discontinuation of therapy.

*Concomitant use with drugs that cause QT interval prolongation associated with ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.

*Prolonged QTcF interval (>470 msec) at baseline, history of torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or long QT syndrome (including first-degree family history).

*Concomitant use with certain drugs that are sensitive substrates of CYP3A4 or CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

*Known hypersensitivity to levoketoconazole, ketoconazole, or any ingredients in the formulation.

Adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported in >20% of patients receiving levoketoconazole include nausea, vomiting, hypokalemia, hemorrhage/contusion, hypertension, headache, hepatic injury, abnormal uterine bleeding, erythema, fatigue, abdominal pain/dyspepsia, arthritis, upper respiratory infection, myalgia, arrhythmia, back pain, insomnia/sleep disturbances, and peripheral edema.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Pituitary-dependent cushing's disease
E24.0ICD10CMPituitary-dependent cushing's disease

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data