Alunbrig (brigatinib)

Dosing interruption and/or dosage reduction of brigatinib may be necessary based on individual safety and tolerability.

In the ALTA study, dosage reduction because of adverse effects was necessary in 7.3 or 20% of patients receiving brigatinib 90 mg daily or 180 mg daily, respectively (most commonly because of elevated serum CK concentrations). In the ALTA 1L trial, dosage reduction because of any adverse event occurred in 29% of patients treated with brigatinib 180 mg once daily.

If dosage reduction is necessary in a patient receiving 90 mg of brigatinib once daily, the dosage should be reduced to 60 mg once daily. If further dosage reduction is necessary, the drug should be permanently discontinued.

If dosage reduction is necessary in a patient receiving 180 mg of brigatinib once daily, an initial dosage reduction to 120 mg once daily is recommended. If further dosage reduction is necessary, the dosage should be reduced to 90 mg once daily. If dosage reduction from 90 mg once daily is necessary, a dosage of 60 mg once daily is recommended. If a dosage of 60 mg once daily is not tolerated, brigatinib should be permanently discontinued.

Once the dosage of brigatinib has been reduced because of adverse reactions, the dosage should not be subsequently increased.

Brigatinib is administered orally once daily without regard to food. Swallow brigatinib tablets whole and do not crush or chew.

If a dose of brigatinib is missed or vomiting occurs after taking a dose, the prescribed dose should be taken at the next scheduled time; an additional dose should not be administered to replace the missed dose.

Store brigatinib tablets at 20-25degreesC (excursions permitted between 15-30degreesC).

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Brigatinib is metabolized principally by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes 2C8 and 3A4. In vitro studies indicate that brigatinib is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), but not a substrate of organic anion transport protein (OATP) 1B1, OATP1B3, organic anion transporter (OAT) 1, OAT3, organic cation transporter (OCT) 1, OCT2, multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter (MATE) 1, MATE2K, or bile salt export pump (BSEP).

In vitro studies indicate that brigatinib inhibits P-gp, BCRP, OCT1, MATE1, and MATE2K. Brigatinib does not inhibit OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, or BSEP.

Brigatinib induces CYP3A and also may induce CYP2C isoenzymes via activation of the pregnane X receptor (PXR). Brigatinib and its principal metabolite do not inhibit CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4/5 at clinically relevant concentrations.

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

Brigatinib/Strong Cyp3a4 Inducers; Rifabutin

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: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4. Strong inducers of CYP3A4 and rifabutin may induce the metabolism of brigatinib.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong inducer of CYP3A4 or rifabutin may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of brigatinib.(1,2)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of brigatinib states to avoid concurrent administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers.(1,2) The UK manufacturer of brigatinib includes rifabutin on its list of strong CYP3A4 inducers that should be avoided.(2)

DISCUSSION: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4.(1) Concurrent administration of rifampin (600 mg daily, a strong CYP3A4 inducer) with a single 180 mg dose of brigatinib decreased the brigatinib maximum concentration (Cmax) by 60% and area-under-curve (AUC) by 80% compared to brigatinib alone.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort.(3-4)

Cyp3a4 Inducers/Zuranolone

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: Inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of zuranolone.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP3A4 inducer may result in a loss of zuranolone efficacy.(1)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of zuranolone with CYP3A4 inducers.(1)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of zuranolone with rifampin decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) by 0.31-fold and area-under-curve (AUC) by 0.15-fold.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort. Moderate CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, rifabutin, sotorasib, telotristat ethyl, thioridazine, and tovorafenib. Weak CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, eslicarbazepine, flucloxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, methylprednisolone, mobocertinib, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(2,3)

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)

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)

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

Agents That Increase Cpk/Aumolertinib

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Aumolertinib may increase blood CPK levels leading to myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Other agents that also increase CPK may contribute to additive effects on CPK levels.(1) In addition, aumolertinib may prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) Taletrectinib and zidesamtinib may prolong the QTc interval.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of aumolertinib and other agents that also increase CPK levels may increase the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, which is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and pain in the presence of a normal neurological exam.(1) In addition, the concurrent use of aumolertinib with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) Taletrectinib and zidesamtinib may prolong the QTc interval.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may also be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients with a SLCO1B1 polymorphism that leads to decreased function of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 may have increased statin concentrations and be predisposed to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients on fluvastatin who are CYP2C9 intermediate or poor metabolizers may have increased fluvastatin concentrations and risk of myopathy. Patients on rosuvastatin with ABCG2 polymorphisms leading to decreased or poor BCRP transporter function may have increased rosuvastatin concentrations and risk of myopathy. 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, and advanced age.(1,2) 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, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of aumolertinib and other agents that increase CPK levels should be avoided. Prior to initiation of aumolertinib, blood CPK levels should be obtained and periodically monitored during treatment and as clinically indicated.(1) If the patient develops elevated CPK levels or rhabdomyolysis, the following is recommended: For Grade 3 with muscular symptoms: - Withhold aumolertinib for up to 2 weeks. - If muscular symptoms resolve and CPK increase is <= Grade 3, resume at 110 mg dose for the first occurrence; resume at 55 mg for the second occurrence. - Permanently discontinue aumolertinib if symptoms/signs recur at anytime while on the reduced dose. - If muscular symptoms do not resolve and CPK increase does not improve to <= Grade 2, permanently discontinue aumolertinib. For Grade 4 with or without muscular symptoms: - Withhold aumolertinib for up to 2 weeks. - If muscular symptoms resolve and CPK increase is <= Grade 3, resume at 55 mg for the first occurrence. - Permanently discontinue aumolertinib if symptoms/signs recur at anytime while on the reduced dose. - If muscular symptoms do not resolve and CPK remains >= Grade 3, permanently discontinue aumolertinib. If rhabdomyolysis occurs, hold aumolertinib and initiate treatment for rhabdomyolysis.(1) In concurrent use is warranted, carefully monitor for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms of myopathy such as unexplained muscle aches, tenderness, weakness, or the onset of tingling/numbness in the fingers or toes.(1) The manufacturer of aumolertinib states that concurrent use of other drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval should be avoided. Taletrectinib and zidesamtinib may also prolong the QTc interval. If a suitable alternative is not available, consider increasing the frequency of ECG and electrolyte monitoring.(1) Consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If QTc prolongation occurs, follow recommended dose modifications: - Grade 2 (QTc interval >480 to 500 ms): Withhold aumolertinib for up to 2 weeks. If QTc interval has not recovered to <= 480 ms, permanently discontinue aumolertinib. If QTc interval recovers to <= 480 ms or within 30 ms of baseline, resume aumolertinib treatment at 110 mg. Monitor ECGs at least weekly for 2 weeks following return to <= 480 ms. Monitor and correct electrolytes and/or change concomitant medications. - Grade 3 (QTc interval > 500 ms or QTc interval increase of > 60 ms from baseline): Withhold aumolertinib for up to 2 weeks. If QTc interval has not recovered to <= 480 ms or within 30 ms of baseline, permanently discontinue aumolertinib. If QTc interval recovers to <= 480 ms and it is the first occurrence, resume treatment at 110 mg dose. If QTc interval recovers to <= 480 ms and it is the second occurrence or the first occurrence in patients with risk factors, resume treatment at 55 mg dose. Permanently discontinue aumolertinib if signs or symptoms recur at any time on the 55 mg dose. Monitor ECGs at least weekly for 2 weeks following return to <= 480 ms. Monitor and correct electrolytes and/or change concomitant medications. - QT interval prolongation associated with torsade de pointes, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or signs/symptoms of other serious arrhythmia: permanently discontinue aumolertinib.(1)

DISCUSSION: Aumolertinib increased blood CPK levels in 31.7% of patients in clinical studies at recommended doses. Patients developed Grade 3 CPK elevations with muscular symptoms (7.5% of patients) and Grade 4 CPK elevations with or without muscular symptoms. Elevated CPK levels led to interruption or dose reduction in 6.1% and 2.0% of patients, respectively. Rhabdomyolysis occurred in 2.6% of patients.(1) A concentration-QT analysis predicted a QTc interval prolongation at 110 mg aumolertinib of 9.06 ms (upper confidence interval = 11.01 ms) in 49 subjects.(1) In clinical studies (n=545), QT prolongation was reported in 51 patients (9.4%) treated with aumolertinib 110 mg. Seven patients (1.3%) had symptomatic events, including cardiac arrest, syncope, and ventricular arrhythmia. One patient with cardio-respiratory arrest and one patient with sudden cardiac death died. QTcF increase >60 ms occurred in 4.2% of patients, and increase in QTcF to >500 ms occurred in 0.9% of patients.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3)

Brigatinib/Moderate Cyp3a4 Inducers

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4. Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of brigatinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate inducer of CYP3A4 may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of brigatinib.(1)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of brigatinib states to avoid concurrent administration with moderate CYP3A4 inducers. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, increase the daily dose of brigatinib in 30 mg increments every 7 days, as tolerated, to a maximum of twice the brigatinib dose that was tolerated prior to initiation of the moderate CYP3A4 inducer. After discontinuation of a moderate CYP3A4 inducer, resume the brigatinib dose that was tolerated prior to initiation of the inducer.(1)

DISCUSSION: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4.(1) Concurrent administration of rifampin (600 mg daily, a strong CYP3A4 inducer) with a single 180 mg dose of brigatinib decreased the brigatinib maximum concentration (Cmax) by 60% and area-under-curve (AUC) by 80% compared to brigatinib alone. Moderate CYP3A4 inducers are expected to decrease the AUC of brigatinib by 50%.(1) Moderate CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, sotorasib, telotristat ethyl, thioridazine, tipranavir/ritonavir and tovorafenib.(2-3)

Brigatinib/Moderate Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4. Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of brigatinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels and toxicity from brigatinib.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of brigatinib states to avoid concurrent administration with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. If concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, reduce the once daily dose of brigatinib by approximately 40% (i.e. from 180 mg to 120 mg, 120 mg to 90 mg). Upon discontinuation of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, resume the brigatinib dose that was tolerated prior to initiating the moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.(1) Monitor patient for signs of brigatinib toxicity with concurrent use.

DISCUSSION: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4.(1) Concurrent administration of itraconazole (200 mg twice daily, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) with a single 90 mg dose of brigatinib increased the brigatinib maximum concentration (Cmax) by 21% and area-under-curve (AUC) by 101% compared to brigatinib alone. Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors are expected to increase the AUC of brigatinib by approximately 40%.(1) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, darunavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, ledipasvir, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, rilzabrutinib, schisandra, stiripentol, tofisopam, treosulfan, and verapamil.(2,3)

Brigatinib/Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4. Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of brigatinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels and toxicity from brigatinib.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of brigatinib states to avoid concurrent administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, reduce the once daily dose of brigatinib by approximately 50% (i.e. from 180 mg to 90 mg). Upon discontinuation of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, resume the brigatinib dose that was tolerated prior to initiating the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor.(1) Monitor patient for signs of brigatinib toxicity with concurrent use.

DISCUSSION: Brigatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4.(1) Concurrent administration of itraconazole (200 mg twice daily, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) with a single 90 mg dose of brigatinib increased the brigatinib maximum concentration (Cmax) by 21% and area-under-curve (AUC) by 101% compared to brigatinib alone.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: adagrasib, boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, ensitrelvir, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, posaconazole, relacorilant, ribociclib, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, troleandomycin, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(2,3)

Cyp3a4 Inducers/Erlotinib

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of erlotinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent or recent use of a CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of erlotinib.(1)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of CYP3A4 inducers in patients receiving therapy with erlotinib. Consider the use of alternative agents with less enzyme induction potential.(1) Consider increasing the dosage of erlotinib by 50 mg increments as tolerated at two week intervals (to a maximum of 450 mg) while closely monitoring the patient. The highest dosage studied with concurrent rifampin is 450 mg. If the dosage of erlotinib is increased, it will need to be decreased when the inducer is discontinued.(1)

DISCUSSION: Pretreatment and concurrent therapy with rifampin increased erlotinib clearance by 3-fold and decreased the erlotinib area-under-curve (AUC) by 66% to 80%. This is equivalent to a dose of about 30 mg to 50 mg in NSCLC.(1) In a study, pretreatment with rifampin for 11 days decreased the AUC of a single 450 mg dose of erlotinib to 57.6% of the AUC observed with a single 150 mg dose of erlotinib.(1) In a case report, coadministration of phenytoin (180mg daily) and erlotinib (150mg daily) increased the phenytoin concentration from 8.2mcg/ml to 24.2mcg/ml and decreased the erlotinib concentration 12-fold (from 1.77mcg/ml to 0.15mcg/ml) and increased the erlotinib clearance by 10-fold (from 3.53 L/h to 41.7 L/h).(2) In a study, concurrent use of sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) and erlotinib (150 mg daily) decreased the concentration minimum (Cmin), concentration maximum (Cmax), and AUC of erlotinib.(3) In an animal study, concurrent use of dexamethasone and erlotinib decreased the AUC of erlotinib by 0.6-fold.(4) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 include: barbiturates, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, and rifapentine.(5,6) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, sotorasib, telotristat, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(5,6) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dicloxacillin, echinacea, eslicarbazepine, flucloxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginkgo, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, mobocertinib, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(5,6)

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)

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 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 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)

Slt Immunosuppress; Immunomodulator/Ropeginterferon Alfa-2B

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

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: Avoid concurrent use of myelosuppressive agents.(1-2) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor for effects of excessive immunosuppression.

DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 20% of patients experienced leukopenia. Interferon alfa products may cause fatal or life-threatening infections.(1-2)

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

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)

Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Tacrolimus

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers may accelerate the metabolism of tacrolimus.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of tacrolimus.(1)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of tacrolimus recommends monitoring tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and adjusting tacrolimus dose if needed. Monitor clinical response closely.(1)

DISCUSSION: A 13-year-old cystic fibrosis patient with a history of liver transplant on stable doses of tacrolimus underwent 2 separate courses of nafcillin therapy (a moderate CYP3A4 inducer). During the 1st course of nafcillin, his tacrolimus levels started to fall 3 days after starting nafcillin, became undetectable at day 8, and recovered to therapeutic levels without a change in tacrolimus dose 5 days after discontinuation of nafcillin. During the 2nd course of nafcillin, tacrolimus level became undetectable 4 days after starting nafcillin and recovered 3 days after stopping nafcillin.(2) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 50-80% and include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, elagolix, etravirine, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, modafinil, nafcillin, repotrectinib, telotristat, and tovorafenib.(3,4) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 20-50% and include: armodafinil, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, elafibranor, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, meropenem-vaborbactam, nevirapine, oritavancin, omaveloxolone, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, relugolix, rufinamide, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, suzetrigine, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(3,4)

Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Ubrogepant

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of ubrogepant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of ubrogepant.(1)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends a dosage adjustment of ubrogepant when coadministered with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers. Initial dose of ubrogepant should be 100 mg. If a second dose is needed, the dose of ubrogepant should be 100 mg.(1)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of ubrogepant with rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, resulted in an 80% reduction in ubrogepant exposure. No dedicated drug interaction studies were conducted to assess concomitant use with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers. Dose adjustment for concomitant use of ubrogepant with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers is recommended based on a conservative prediction of 50% reduction in exposure of ubrogepant.(1) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 50-80% and include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pexidartinib, rifabutin, telotristat, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(2,3) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 20-50% and include: armodafinil, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, elafibranor, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, meropenem-vaborbactam, methylprednisolone, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, relugolix, repotrectinib, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, suzetrigine, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(2,3)

Selected Moderate-Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Exemestane

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of exemestane.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of exemestane.(1)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of exemestane recommends that patients receiving concurrent therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inducer receive 50 mg of exemestane daily after a meal.(1) It may be prudent to consider a dosage increase for patients receiving weaker CYP3A4 inducers.

DISCUSSION: In a study in 10 healthy postmenopausal subjects, pretreatment with rifampin (a strong CYP3A4 inducer, 600 mg daily for 14 days) decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of a single dose of exemestane (25 mg) by 54% and 41%, respectively.(1) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 80% or more and include: carbamazepine, enzalutamide, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, and St. John's wort.(1-3) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 50-80% and include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, rifabutin, sotorasib, telotristat ethyl, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(2,3) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 20-50% and include: armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, elafibranor, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, gingko, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, lorlatinib, meropenem-vaborbactam, methylprednisolone, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, suzetrigine, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(2,3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Atogepant

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak CYP3A4 inducers may increase the metabolism of atogepant by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of weak CYP3A4 inducers with atogepant may result in decreased levels and clinical effectiveness of atogepant.(1)

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

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of atogepant recommends that patients on concomitant weak CYP3A4 inducers receive atogepant 30 mg or 60 mg once daily for prevention of episodic migraines and receive atogepant 60 mg once daily for prevention of chronic migraines.(1) Patients receiving concurrent therapy with CYP3A4 inducers and atogepant should be observed for decreased clinical effectiveness.

DISCUSSION: In a study of healthy subjects, rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of atogepant by 60% and 30%, respectively. Topiramate, a weak CYP3A4 inducer, decreased atogepant AUC and Cmax by 25% and 24%, respectively.(1) Weak CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, methylprednisolone, mobocertinib, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(1,2)

*None.

• Lactation

• Bradycardia
• Child-pugh class C hepatic impairment
• Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe) GFR 15-29 ml/min
• Disease of liver
• Elevated serum amylase
• Elevated serum lipase
• Hypertension
• Increased creatine kinase level
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pregnancy

• Hyperglycemia
• Kidney disease with likely reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)

The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 25% of patients) include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, rash, cough, myalgia, headache, hypertension, vomiting, and dyspnea.

More Frequent

• Hypertension
• Hypokalemia
• Hyponatremia
• Leukopenia

Less Frequent

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Bradycardia
• Hypophosphatemia
• Hypoxia
• Interstitial lung disease
• Interstitial pneumonitis
• Lymphopenia
• Pneumonia
• Thrombocytopenic disorder
• Visual changes

More Frequent

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dyspnea
• Elevated serum amylase
• Elevated serum lipase
• Fatigue
• Headache disorder
• Hyperglycemia
• Myalgia
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Less Frequent

• Acute abdominal pain
• Anorexia
• Arthralgia
• Back pain
• Dry skin
• Fever
• Increased creatine kinase level
• Insomnia
• Muscle rigidity
• Muscle spasm
• Pain
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Skin photosensitivity
• Skin rash

No enhanced messaging available.

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

Although there are no clinical data in pregnant women to date, animal studies and its mechanism of action suggest that brigatinib may cause fetal harm.

It is not known whether brigatinib is distributed into human milk or if the drug has any effect on milk production or the breast-fed infant. Because of the potential for adverse reactions to brigatinib in breast-fed infants, advise females not to breast-feed while receiving the drug and for at least 1 week after the drug is discontinued.

The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric patients.

Clinical studies of brigatinib did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults. In the principal efficacy studies evaluating brigatinib in patients with NSCLC, 26.7% were >=65 years of age and 7.5% were >=75 years of age. No clinically important differences in safety or efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults in this study.

Age does not have a clinically important effect on the pharmacokinetics of brigatinib.