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ABACAVIR Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know

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Drug Interactions (FDA Label)

INTERACTIONS Coadministration of TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD with other drugs can alter the concentration of other drugs and other drugs may alter the concentrations of TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD. The potential drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. ( 4 , 7 , 12.3 )

7.1 Effect of Dolutegravir on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Agents In vitro, dolutegravir inhibited the renal organic cation transporters (OCT)2 (IC 50 = 1.93 microM) and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter (MATE)1 (IC 50 = 6.34 microM). In vivo, dolutegravir inhibits tubular secretion of creatinine by inhibiting OCT2 and potentially MATE1. Dolutegravir may increase plasma concentrations of drugs eliminated via OCT2 or MATE1 (dofetilide, dalfampridine, and metformin) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )]</span> . In vitro, dolutegravir inhibited the basolateral renal transporters, organic anion transporter (OAT) 1 (IC 50 = 2.12 microM) and OAT3 (IC 50 = 1.97 microM). However, in vivo, dolutegravir did not alter the plasma concentrations of tenofovir or para-amino hippurate, substrates of OAT1 and OAT3. In vitro, dolutegravir did not inhibit (IC 50 &gt;50 microM) the following: cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A, uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT)1A1, UGT2B7, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), bile salt export pump (BSEP), organic anion transporter polypeptide (OATP)1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, or multidrug resistance protein (MRP)2, or MRP4. In vitro, dolutegravir did not induce CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP3A4. Based on these data and the results of drug interaction trials, dolutegravir is not expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are substrates of these enzymes or transporters. In drug interaction trials, dolutegravir did not have a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of the following drugs: tenofovir, methadone, midazolam, rilpivirine, and oral contraceptives containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. Using cross-study comparisons to historical pharmacokinetic data for each interacting drug, dolutegravir did not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of the following drugs: atazanavir, darunavir, efavirenz, etravirine, fosamprenavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, and boceprevir.

7.2 Effect of Other Agents on the Pharmacokinetics of Dolutegravir Dolutegravir is metabolized by UGT1A1 with some contribution from CYP3A. Dolutegravir is also a substrate of UGT1A3, UGT1A9, BCRP, and P-gp in vitro. Drugs that induce those enzymes and transporters may decrease dolutegravir plasma concentrations and reduce the therapeutic effect of dolutegravir. Coadministration of dolutegravir and other drugs that inhibit these enzymes may increase dolutegravir plasma concentrations. Etravirine significantly reduced plasma concentrations of dolutegravir, but the effect of etravirine was mitigated by coadministration of lopinavir/ritonavir or darunavir/ritonavir and is expected to be mitigated by atazanavir/ritonavir ( Table 6 ) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . In vitro, dolutegravir was not a substrate of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3. Darunavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, rilpivirine, tenofovir, boceprevir, prednisone, rifabutin, and omeprazole had no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir.

7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions There were no drug-drug interaction trials conducted with the abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine fixed-dose combination tablets. Information regarding potential drug interactions with the individual components of TRIUMEQ and TRIUMEQ PD are provided below. These recommendations are based on either drug interaction trials or predicted interactions due to the expected magnitude of interaction and potential for serious adverse events or loss of efficacy. [See Contraindications ( 4 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ).]

Table

6. Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions for Dolutegravir: Alterations in Dose May Be Recommended Based on Drug Interaction Trials or Predicted Interactions a See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )

Table

8 or Table 10 for magnitude of interaction.

Concomitant Drug

Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration Clinical Comment HIV-1 Antiviral Agents Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor: Etravirine a ↓Dolutegravir Use of TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD with etravirine without coadministration of atazanavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, or lopinavir/ritonavir is not recommended. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor: Efavirenz a ↓Dolutegravir In adults and in pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg , adjust dolutegravir dose to 50 mg twice daily. An additional 50-mg dose of TIVICAY should be taken, separated by 12 hours from TRIUMEQ. In pediatric patients weighing 6 to <25 kg , an additional weight-based dose of dolutegravir should be given separated by 12 hours from TRIUMEQ PD.

Other Agents

Antiarrhythmic: Dofetilide ↑Dofetilide Coadministration is contraindicated with TRIUMEQ and TRIUMEQ PD [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Potassium channel blocker: Dalfampridine ↑Dalfampridine Elevated levels of dalfampridine increase the risk of seizures. The potential benefits of taking dalfampridine concurrently with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD should be considered against the risk of seizures in these patients. Carbamazepine a ↓Dolutegravir In adults and in pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg , adjust dolutegravir dose to 50 mg twice daily. An additional TIVICAY 50-mg dose should be taken, separated by 12 hours from TRIUMEQ. In pediatric patients weighing 6 to <25 kg , an additional weight-based dose of dolutegravir should be given separated by 12 hours from TRIUMEQ PD.

Oxcarbazepine Phenytoin

Phenobarbital St. John’s wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) ↓Dolutegravir Avoid coadministration with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD because there are insufficient data to make dosing recommendations. Medications containing polyvalent cations (e.g., Mg or Al): Cation-containing antacids a or laxatives Sucralfate Buffered medications ↓Dolutegravir Administer TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking medications containing polyvalent cations. Oral calcium and iron supplements, including multivitamins containing calcium or iron a ↓Dolutegravir When taken with food, TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD and supplements or multivitamins containing calcium or iron can be taken at the same time. Under fasting conditions, TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD should be taken 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking supplements containing calcium or iron. Metformin a ↑Metformin Refer to the prescribing information for metformin for assessing the benefit and risk of concomitant use of TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD and metformin. Rifampin a ↓Dolutegravir In adults and in pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg , adjust dolutegravir dose to 50 mg twice daily. An additional 50-mg dose of TIVICAY should be taken, separated by 12 hours from TRIUMEQ. In pediatric patients weighing 6 to <25 kg , an additional weight-based dose of dolutegravir should be given separated by 12 hours from TRIUMEQ PD.

Methadone

Abacavir: In a trial of 11 HIV-1–infected subjects receiving methadone-maintenance therapy with 600 mg of abacavir twice daily (twice the currently recommended dose), oral methadone clearance increased [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . This alteration will not result in a methadone dose modification in the majority of patients; however, an increased methadone dose may be required in a small number of patients.

Sorbitol

Lamivudine: Coadministration of single doses of lamivudine and sorbitol resulted in a sorbitol dose-dependent reduction in lamivudine exposures. When possible, avoid use of sorbitol-containing medicines with lamivudine-containing medicines [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

Riociguat

Abacavir: Coadministration with TRIUMEQ resulted in increased riociguat exposure, which may increase the risk of riociguat adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . The riociguat dose may need to be reduced. See full prescribing information for ADEMPAS (riociguat).

Contraindications

TRIUMEQ and TRIUMEQ PD are contraindicated in patients:

Related Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with the use of abacavir or dolutegravir, components of TRIUMEQ and TRIUMEQ PD.

Abacavir

Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with abacavir-containing regimens. See full prescribing information for ZIAGEN (abacavir). Abacavir hypersensitivity reactions have included multi-organ failure and anaphylaxis and typically occurred within the first 6 weeks of treatment with abacavir (median time to onset was 9 days); although abacavir hypersensitivity reactions have occurred any time during treatment [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Patients who carry the HLA‑B*5701 allele are at a higher risk of abacavir hypersensitivity reactions; although, patients who do not carry the HLA‑B*5701 allele have developed hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity to abacavir was reported in approximately 206 (8%) of 2,670 patients in 9 clinical trials with abacavir-containing products where HLA‑B*5701 screening was not performed. The incidence of suspected abacavir hypersensitivity reactions in clinical trials was 1% when subjects carrying the HLA-B*5701 allele were excluded. In any patient treated with abacavir, the clinical diagnosis of hypersensitivity reaction must remain the basis of clinical decision making. Due to the potential for severe, serious, and possibly fatal hypersensitivity reactions with abacavir:

Dolutegravir

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported and were characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and sometimes organ dysfunction, including liver injury. The events were reported in <1% of subjects receiving TIVICAY in Phase 3 clinical trials. Discontinue TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD and other suspect agents immediately if signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions develop (including, but not limited to, severe rash or rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters or peeling of the skin, oral blisters or lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, hepatitis, eosinophilia, angioedema, difficulty breathing). Clinical status, including liver aminotransferases, should be monitored and appropriate therapy initiated. Delay in stopping treatment with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD or other suspect agents after the onset of hypersensitivity may result in a life-threatening reaction. Clinically, it is not possible to determine whether a hypersensitivity reaction with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD would be caused by abacavir or dolutegravir. Therefore, never restart TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD or any other abacavir- or dolutegravir-containing product in patients who have stopped therapy with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD due to a hypersensitivity reaction.

5.2 Patients Co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV: Emergence of Lamivudine-Resistant HBV and the Risk of Posttreatment Exacerbations of HBV All patients with HIV-1 should be tested for the presence of HBV prior to or when initiating TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD. Emergence of Lamivudine Resistant HBV Safety and efficacy of lamivudine have not been established for treatment of chronic HBV in subjects dually infected with HIV-1 and HBV. Emergence of HBV variants associated with resistance to lamivudine has been reported in HIV‑1−infected subjects who have received lamivudine‑containing antiretroviral regimens in the presence of concurrent infection with HBV. If a decision is made to administer TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD to patients co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV, additional treatment should be considered for appropriate treatment of chronic HBV; otherwise, consider an alternative regimen.

Severe Acute

Exacerbations of HBV in Patients Co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV Severe acute exacerbations of HBV have been reported in patients who are co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing lamivudine, and may occur with discontinuation of TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD. Patients who are co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV who discontinue TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD should be closely monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping treatment with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD. If appropriate, initiation of anti-HBV therapy may be warranted, especially in patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis since posttreatment exacerbation of hepatitis may lead to hepatic decompensation and liver failure.

5.3 Hepatotoxicity Hepatic adverse events have been reported in patients receiving a dolutegravir-containing regimen <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )]</span> . Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C may be at increased risk for worsening or development of transaminase elevations with use of TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span> . In some cases, the elevations in transaminases were consistent with immune reconstitution syndrome or hepatitis B reactivation particularly in the setting where anti-hepatitis therapy was withdrawn. Cases of hepatic toxicity, including elevated serum liver biochemistries, hepatitis, and acute liver failure, have also been reported in patients, including pediatric patients receiving a dolutegravir-containing regimen who had no pre-existing hepatic disease or other identifiable risk factors. Drug-induced liver injury leading to liver transplant has been reported with TRIUMEQ. Monitoring for hepatotoxicity is recommended.

5.4 Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues, including abacavir and lamivudine (components of TRIUMEQ and TRIUMEQ PD). A majority of these cases have been in women. Female sex and obesity may be risk factors for the development of lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis in patients treated with antiretroviral nucleoside analogues. See full prescribing information for ZIAGEN (abacavir) and EPIVIR (lamivudine). Treatment with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity, which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked transaminase elevations.

5.5 Risk of Adverse Reactions or Loss of Virologic Response Due to Drug Interactions The concomitant use of TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD and other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )]</span> :

See Table

6 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during therapy with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD, review concomitant medications during therapy with TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD, and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant drugs.

5.6 Immune Reconstitution Syndrome Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including TRIUMEQ or TRIUMEQ PD. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune systems respond may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment. Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

5.7 Different Formulations Are Not Substitutable TRIUMEQ and TRIUMEQ PD are not bioequivalent and are not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . If a pediatric patient switches from the tablets for oral suspension to the tablets, the dosage must be adjusted <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 , 2.5 )]</span> . Incorrect dosing of a given formulation may result in underdosing and loss of therapeutic effect and possible development of resistance or possible clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposure to the individual components.

5.8 Myocardial Infarction Several prospective, observational, epidemiological studies have reported an association with the use of abacavir and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Meta-analyses of randomized, controlled clinical trials have observed no excess risk of MI in abacavir‑treated subjects as compared with control subjects. To date, there is no established biological mechanism to explain a potential increase in risk. In totality, the available data from the observational studies and from controlled clinical trials show inconsistency; therefore, evidence for a causal relationship between abacavir and the risk of MI is inconclusive. As a precaution, the underlying risk of coronary heart disease should be considered when prescribing antiretroviral therapies, including abacavir, and action taken to minimize all modifiable risk factors (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).

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