Drug interactions with boceprevir and telaprevir.
CONCISE REVIEW A review of drug interactions with boceprevir and telaprevir: implications for HIV and transplant patients
Kyle J. Wilby,* Erica D. Greanya,† Jo-Ann E. Ford,‡ Eric M. Yoshida,§ Nilufar Partovi||
* BSP, ACPR, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
† BScPharm, ACPR, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Solid Organ Transplantation, Vancouver General Hospital;
and Clinical Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
‡ RN, MsN, Associate Director, Clinical Research and Associate Director, BC Hepatitis Program,
Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
§ MD, MHSc, FRCP(C), FACP, FACG. Professor of Medicine and Head,
Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
|| Pharm D, Coordinator, Clinical Pharmacy Services and Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Transplantation and Immunology, Vancouver General Hospital; and
Clinical Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. ABSTRACT Purpose. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major problem affecting up to 170 million people worldwide. Two protease inhibitors have recently been approved that will revolutionize treatment. Our objective was to summarize and evaluate the literature pertaining to the pharmacokinetics of boceprevir and telaprevir, in order to provide clinicians with insight into the management of actual and potential drug interactions. Summary. A standardized search using MEDLINE (1948-November 2011), EMBASE (1980-November 2011), IPA (1970-November 2011), Google, and Google Scholar that combined the search terms boceprevir, telaprevir, pharmacokinetics, drug interaction, and drug metabolism was performed. Manual reference searches of chosen articles were completed. Monographs and articles, conference proceedings, and abstracts were evaluated. Boceprevir and telaprevir are both substrates and inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 and tela- previr is a substrate of p-glycoprotein. Levels of boceprevir are decreased in patients taking efavirenz but effects with other antiretrovirals are minimal or unknown. Coadministration with efavirenz may compromise telaprevir levels and should be avoided. Telaprevir may increase levels of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, atorvas- tatin, and amlodipine, which may expose patients to increased adverse effects. Conclusions. Significant drug-drug interactions occur with both boceprevir and telaprevir. Until studies are reported and expe- rience is gained with these agents, clinicians will need to be careful when administering in high-risk popu- lations and those receiving chronic therapy with interacting agents. Studies are urgently needed in HIV patients taking antiretrovirals and patients taking chronic immunosuppresion as these populations are at increased risk of experiencing clinically significant interactions. Key words. Hepatitis. Hepatitis C. Protease inhibitors. INTRODUCTION
hosis which may lead to transplantation or prema-
ture death. These complications are associated with
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health
significant morbidity, as well as stress and psycho-
problem affecting up to 170 million people world-
logical suffering. The only treatment available prior
wide.1 While many are not aware of infection, others
to 2011 was pegylated interferon and ribavirin.2
become symptomatic and go on to develop liver cirr-
When administered together for 48 weeks, these
agents were able to produce clinical cure in approxi-
mately 40-50% of patients with genotype-1 infec-
Correspondence and reprint request: Dr. Nilufar Partovi
tion.3,4 For those who failed previous treatment, the
Department of Pharmacy. Vancouver General Hospital
likelihood of success with a second course, while
855 West 12th Avenue. Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
reasonable for those who relapsed after previous res-
ponse, is dismal at < 20% for those who were non-
Manuscript received: November 11, 2011.
responders.5 The low rates of success in genotype 1
Manuscript accepted: November 25, 2011.
infection meant any patients had to manage compli-
cations of liver disease, with significant morbidity
The objective of this review is to summarize and
and mortality, or await transplantation. Of those
evaluate the literature pertaining to the pharmaco-
with chronic HCV infections, two special groups,
kinetics of boceprevir and telaprevir in order to
those with HIV co-infection and those who have un-
provide clinicians with insight into the manage-
dergone liver transplantation, where post-transplant
ment of actual and potential drug interactions. As
HCV recurrence is universal, are well-recognized to
of this writing, neither boceprevir nor telaprevir
have an accelerated natural history of the disease.6,7
are licensed for use in patients co-infected with
Unfortunately, treatment with pegIFN and ribavirin
HIV or post-transplantation. Definitive clinical
in these groups is far less likely to be associated
trials in these special populations are either on-
with treatment success compared to the non-HIV
going or are in the planning stages. Given the seve-
and non-transplant patient populations.8,9
rity of HCV infection in the post-transplant setting
In 2011, two new licensed agents have changed
and in patients co-infected with HIV, it is anticipa-
the management of hepatitis C infection. Boceprevir
ted that some patients from these special groups
and telaprevir are both orally administered inhibi-
will be considered for off-label use of these antiviral
tors of the HCV protease NS 3/4A. When combined
with peginterferon and ribavirin for genotype-1 in-
fection, success rates have increased to 68-75% for
Data sources
treatment naïve and doubled to 60-65% of treatment
experienced patients.10-13 Given the significant im-
A standardized search using MEDLINE (1948-Au-
provements in response rates for these difficult to
gust 2011), EMBASE (1980-August 2011), IPA
treat patients, these protease inhibitors, in combina-
(1970-August 2011), Google, and Google Scholar
tion with peginterferon and ribavirin, are now the
that combined the search terms boceprevir, telapre-
best treatment option for the treatment of HCV ge-
vir, pharmacokinetics, drug interaction, and drug
metabolism was performed. Articles, conference pro-
As with any new agent, the potential for drug-
ceedings, and abstracts that described pharmacoki-
drug interactions needs to be assessed. Both of these
netics and drug-drug interactions between
agents are substrates and inhibitors of the cytochro-
boceprevir, telaprevir, and other agents were identi-
me P450 3A (CYP3A) metabolic pathway.14,15 As
fied. Manual reference searches of chosen articles
many commonly used medications utilize the CYP3A
were completed to identify articles missed by the
metabolic pathway, the potential for many drug-
electronic search. Monographs produced by the ma-
drug interactions exists and the clinical significance
of these interactions needs to be assessed to ensure
Pharmacokinetics
Two populations of particular interest are pa-
tients infected with the human immunodeficiency vi-
Few pharmacokinetic studies have been comple-
ted with boceprevir. According to manufacturer
immunusuppression, such as solid organ transplant
data, boceprevir is readily absorbed following oral
patients. Many commonly used antiretrovirals for
administration with a median time to maximum
the treatment of HIV affect the CYP3A metabolic pa-
serum concentration (Tmax) of 2 h. Food enhances
thway, or are themselves substrates. The same is
absorption up to 60% at steady-state but no effects
also true for immunosuppressive agents. These
were seen when assessed for meal type (fat content)
agents have narrow therapeutic windows in which
or timing in comparison to food intake (before, du-
optimal efficacy and safety can be achieved. The im-
ring, or after a meal). The mean apparent volume of
pact of introducing an agent that may interact with
distribution is 717 L and it is not highly protein
HIV or immunosuppression therapy, such as boce-
bound (75% after a single oral dose). Boceprevir is
previr or telaprevir, may be significant, resulting in
primarily metabolized by the aldoketoreductase
treatment failure or development of serious adverse
(AKR)-mediated pathway to inactive ketone metabo-
events. As substrates of CYP3A, boceprevir and tela-
lites. It is also a substrate of CYP3A4/5 and is an in-
previr are also vulnerable to the influence of antire-
hibitor of this enzyme. It has a mean plasma
trovirals and immunosuppressants on this pathway.
half-life of 3.4 h and therefore reaches steady state
It is therefore essential to characterize the clinical
after approximately 1 day of three times a day do-
significance of any potential interaction, in order to
sing. There is minimal elimination of unchanged
achieve the best possible patient outcomes.
Drug interactions with boceprevir and telaprevir.
Telaprevir is administered orally and is a subs-
(a CYP3A inducer), Cmin levels of boceprevir decrea-
trate of the gastrointestinal efflux transporter
sed by 44%.16 It is unknown if this would result in
p-glycoprotein. Food increases absorption and it
HCV treatment failure so coadministration should be
is recommended to be taken with food to maximize
avoided until further evaluations are complete. Teno-
this benefit. It is minimally bound to plasma proteins
fovir, a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibi-
and has an approximate apparent volume of distri-
tor (NRTI) does not appear to significantly alter the
bution of 252 L. It is extensively metabolized by
pharmacokinetics of boceprevir.16 Similarly, the HIV
hepatic hydrolysis, reduction and oxidation through
protease inhibitor (PI) ritonavir does not appear to in-
the CYP3A enzyme pathway. It also acts as a potent
teract with boceprevir.16 However, the effects of HIV
inhibitor of the CYP 3A enzyme. It is primarily
protease inhibitors with or without ritonavir boosting
eliminated in the feces and has a mean plasma half-
are unknown and should be avoided until experience is
There are currently no available drug interaction
DRUG INTERACTIONS
studies with immunosuppressant agents. Plasma
concentrations of the calcineurin inhibitors cyclos-
Boceprevir
porine and tacrolimus would be expected to increase
due to inhibition of CYP3A by boceprevir. Cyclospo-
By utilizing multiple routes of metabolism (aldo-
rine is a substrate of CYP 3A but is also an inhibi-
ketoreductase and CYP3A), boceprevir is less prone
tor,17 and therefore may potentially increase the
to drug interactions. A summary of selected interac-
levels of boceprevir, resulting in increased frequency
tions is reported in table 1. Manufacturer studies
of adverse events including anemia. If coadministra-
have shown coadministration with aldoketoreducta-
tion cannot be avoided, careful therapeutic drug mo-
se inhibitors (ibuprofen and diflunisal) does not re-
nitoring, and likely empiric dose reduction of these
sult in clinically significant changes to boceprevir
agents is indicated to ensure optimal efficacy and
exposure.14 There is therefore no need to avoid
avoid dose related toxicities. While no data is availa-
ble, it is our opinion that co-administration of boce-
Drug interaction studies have assessed pharmacoki-
previr and the mammalian target of rapamycin
netic changes between boceprevir and three antiretro-
inhibitor (mTOR) sirolimus should be avoided. The
virals. When coadministered with the non-nucleoside
long half-life of sirolimus of 60 h, as well as the sig-
reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) efavirenz
nificant adverse effect of anemia would make concu-
Table 1. Established and theoretical drug-drug interactions with boceprevir.
Effects unknown in combination with otherHIV protease inhibitors.
Expected increase in cyclosporine exposure.
Therapeutic drug monitoring indicated for dose optimization.
Expected increase in tacrolimus exposure.
Therapeutic drug monitoring indicated for dose optimization.
Expected increase in sirolimus exposure.
Therapeutic drug monitoring indicated for dose optimization.
Non-hormonal contraception should be used while taking boceprevir.
n Increases in pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum concentration, minimum concentration, area under the curve).
p Decreases in pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum concentration, minimum concentration, area under the curve).
rrent therapy with the HCV protease inhibitors diffi-
ceprevir. Unfortunately, no data is available asses-
cult to manage and may provide additive toxicity.18
sing theoretical interactions with potent inducers
Potential interactions exist between boceprevir
(eg. rifampin, phenytoin) or inhibitors (eg. clari-
and other agents that utilize and affect the CYP3A
thromycin, voriconazole) of the CYP system.
pathway. When coadministered with ketoconazole, a
potent CYP3A inhibitor, boceprevir exposure was
Telaprevir
increased (131% increase in AUC, 41% increase in
Cmax).16 The clinical effects of this interaction are
Telaprevir is both a substrate and potent inhibi-
unknown. Oral contraceptive agents also utilize the
tor of CYP3A and is prone to many drug-drug inte-
CYP3A pathway. Drospirenone levels increased
ractions with other agents that utilize or affect this
metabolic pathway. It may displace medication from
Cmax increased 99% and 57% respectively) and put
plasma proteins, which may decrease plasma con-
patients at risk of adverse events.16 These agents
centrations of concurrently administered medications
should not be used concomitantly. Conversely,
which are highly protein bound.15 It is also a subs-
ethinyl estradiol concentrations were minimally
trate of p-glycoprotein and may inhibit or saturate
affected (AUC decrease of 24%).16 Until more infor-
this transporter and higher concentrations of subs-
mation is obtained, use of non-hormonal methods of
trates may be observed. Few studies have assessed
birth control is preferred during treatment with bo-
clinical effects of these interactions but recommen-
Table 2. Established and theoretical drug-drug interactions with telaprevir.
Avoid combination. Current trial assessing efficacy
and safety of increased telaprevir doses.
No dosage adjustment necessary. Not suitable for ritonavir-boosting.
Avoid combination due to HCV treatment failure.
Avoid combination due to HIV/HCV treatment failure.
Avoid combination due to HIV/HCV treatment failure.
safety being evaluated in ongoing clinical trial.
4-fold increase in cyclosporine exposure.
Therapeutic drug monitoring indicated fordose optimization.
Possible 70-fold increase in tacrolimus exposure.
Expected increase in sirolimus exposure.
Therapeutic drug monitoring indicated for doseoptimization.
If combination unavoidable, use lowest possible doses
Non-hormonal contraception should be used while
n Increases in pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum concentration, minimum concentration, area under the curve). p Decreases in pharmacokinetic parame-ters (maximum concentration, minimum concentration, area under the curve).
Drug interactions with boceprevir and telaprevir.
dations can be made based on preliminary data.
tions of telaprevir. Dose-normalized comparisons
When initiating any potentially interacting agent,
were significantly increased for both Cmax and
the most current data should be obtained to ensure
AUC of cyclosporine when administered with tela-
appropriate dosage adjustments and monitoring oc-
previr. Cmax increased 1.3 times baseline and AUC
curs. Potential and actual drug interactions for
increased 4.5 fold from baseline. The mean half-life
commonly used agents are presented in table 2.
of cyclosporine increased from 12 h at baseline
Coadministration with antiretrovirals is concer-
to 53 h at steady state dosing, a greater than 4 fold
ning for both efficacy and safety of HIV and HCV
change. Although telaprevir concentrations were
therapy. Initial studies with the NNRTI efavirenz
obtained, samples were not taken in the absen-
show significant decreases in telaprevir concentra-
ce of cyclosporine and conclusions cannot be
tions and this combination should be avoided.19 This
made regarding cyclosporine’s effect on its phar-
effect is likely due to induction effects of efavirenz
on CYP 3A.20 According to subsequent analysis, it
For tacrolimus, in a similar fashion, healthy vo-
was determined that higher doses of telaprevir may
lunteers were given a 2 mg dose of tacrolimus for
overcome the metabolic induction effects of efavi-
pharmacokinetic assessment in the absence of tela-
renz. This belief is currently being confirmed in cli-
previr. A minimum washout period of 14 days occu-
nical trials. When coadministered with the HIV PI’s
rred and then patients received telaprevir 750 mg
fosamprenavir, lopinavir, and darunavir (all boosted
every 8 h for days 1 to 13. On day 8, representing
with ritonavir), concentrations of telaprevir were
steady-state dosing of telaprevir, a 0.5 mg dose of ta-
significantly decreased and concentrations of fosam-
crolimus was given. Dose-normalized comparisons
prenavir and darunavir were decreased.19 The me-
were significantly increased for both Cmax and AUC
chanism of this interaction is unknown.
of tacrolimus. Cmax increased 9.3-fold and AUC in-
Combination with telaprevir should be avoided to
creased 70-fold from baseline. The mean half-life of
reduce failure of HIV viral suppression and HCV
tacrolimus increased from 40 h at baseline to 196 h
treatment failure. Atazanavir-based regimens are
at steady state dosing. Unfortunately no baseline
less affected than the other PI’s.19 Combination regi-
data was obtained for telaprevir concentrations to
mens of telaprevir with ritonavir-boosted atazanavir
assess the affect of tacrolimus on its pharmacokine-
are currently under investigation in clinical trials.
tics. However, given less significant inhibition of
It was initially believed that telaprevir could be
CYP 3A4 with tacrolimus as compared to cyclospori-
boosted by low-dose ritonavir to maximize exposure
ne, there is potential for less impact on teleprevir
and decrease dosing frequency. Preliminary studies
in rat and human hepatic microsomes showed rito-
The results of this study confirm significant inte-
navir significantly inhibited the metabolism of tela-
ractions exist between cyclosporine, tacrolimus and
previr.21 These findings were assessed in a clinical
telaprevir that may expose patients to toxicity from
trial with healthy volunteers and it is reported that
calcineurin inhibitors. No major adverse events
ritonavir has minimal affect on steady-state telapre-
were recorded during the study, however, due to the
vir concentrations.22 Therefore, ritonavir boosting
minimal dose design this is not an unexpected fin-
of telaprevir is not a viable therapeutic option.
ding.23 An extended dosing regimen, without ade-
A pharmacokinetic study was identified that as-
quate dose adjustment of calcineurin inhibitor, is
sessed the effect of telaprevir on cyclosporine and
likely to result in undesired effects, such as nephro-
tacrolimus in healthy volunteers.23 For cyclospori-
toxicity. While some are advocating that the combi-
ne, pharmacokinetic parameters were mearsured
nation of these agents should be avoided until safe
after receiving a single oral dose of cyclosporine
dosing regimens are established,23 it is likely that
100 mg in the absence of teleprevir. After a manda-
these interactions will be encountered, so clinicians
tory eight day washout period, patients received
need to be aware and provide appropriate empiric
750 mg of telaprevir every eight hours for days 1
dose adjustment of calcineurin inhibitors at initia-
through 11 and a 10 mg daily dose of cyclosporine
tion of PI therapy followed by very close therapeutic
was given on days 1 and 8. Through measurement
drug monitoring. In fact, the degree of drug interac-
of whole-blood concentrations of cyclosporine and
tion may require dosing of cyclosporine and tacroli-
plasma concentrations of telaprevir on days 1 and
mus intermittently based on drug levels. Logistics of
8, pharmacokinetic profiles of both cyclosporine
this approach may be difficult depending on availabi-
and teleprevir were captured. The concentrations
lity and turn around time for therapeutic drug moni-
obtained on day 8 represent steady-state concentra-
A pharmacokinetic study was recently completed
HIV patients are especially vulnerable to drug-
that assessed interactions with amlodipine and ator-
drug interactions due to the complexity of treatment
vastatin, both substrates of CYP3A4.25 Healthy vo-
regimens and the importance of maintaining suppres-
lunteers were given single doses of amlodipine and
sed HIV-viral loads. Disruptions in therapy could
atorvastatin at baseline and again at steady state of
compromise HIV care and result in development of
telaprevir. For amlodipine, the mean Cmax and
resistance to antiretrovirals, exposure to undesired
AUC increased 1.27 and 2.79-fold respectively. The
adverse effects, and failure of therapy. Ongoing clini-
mean half-life increased from 41 to 95 h, which was
cal trials have been designed to help guide future
attributed to decreases in clearance. For atorvasta-
treatment decisions. Until then, clinicians will need
tin, the mean Cmax and AUC were increased 10.6
to weigh the benefits and risks of using boceprevir or
and 7.88-fold respectively. There was no statistically
telaprevir in patients taking antiretrovirals, compa-
significant difference in half-life. Metabolites of ator-
red to using standard therapy alone.
vastatin also appeared to be affected by telaprevir
Transplant patients and those requiring immuno-
but limited data and large variability inhibit inter-
suppression are also at high risk for clinically signi-
pretation of the results. Study investigators noted
ficant drug interactions. Tacrolimus, a first-line
no major adverse events but this study also utilized
agent, is especially increased by telaprevir to expo-
a single dose design. The potential for serious adver-
sure 70-fold that of regular dosing.23 Cyclosporine
se events to occur with chronic dosing has contrain-
was also affected, although to a lesser extent. These
dicated the use of atorvastatin with telaprevir.
findings have important implications for patients.
Amlodipine should be avoided if possible but may be
Increased exposure puts patients at risk of serious
used in lower doses and titrated carefully, in order
and life-threatening adverse drug reactions. It is
to avoid supra-therapeutic effects and toxicity.
therefore essential that dose optimization studies be
An interaction of great therapeutic importance is
completed to prevent these adverse consequences.
coadministration with oral contraceptive pills.
For any patient using these agents in combination,
Ethinyl estradiol Cmax, Cmin, and AUC decreased
therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressant
by 26, 37, and 28% respectively when both telaprevir
levels is essential for management of care.
and ethinyl estradiol were at steady state.26 Corres-
This review summarized the available pharmaco-
ponding increases in luteinizing hormone and folli-
kinetic literature pertaining to boceprevir and tela-
cle stimulating hormone were seen in relation to
previr and associated drug interactions. The major
these changes in estrogen levels. Non-hormonal con-
limitation of this review is the lack of published
traception should be recommended while patients
data and the reliance on unpublished data from ma-
are taking telaprevir, in order to prevent treatment
nufacturer sources or abstracts to guide treatment
decisions. Until future studies are reported and ex-
perience is gained with these agents, clinicians will
need to be especially careful when administering in
high-risk populations and those receiving chronic
Significant drug-drug interactions occur with
therapy with interacting agents. Studies are urgent-
both boceprevir and telaprevir. We have reviewed
ly needed in HIV patients taking antiretrovirals and
and discussed potential and confirmed interactions
patients taking chronic immunosuppresion as these
and have provided recommendations for therapy
populations are at increased risk of experiencing cli-
where appropriate. While boceprevir is less suscep-
tible to metabolic interactions due to multiple pa-
thway metabolism, clinicians need to be cautious
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
when using this agent in combination with other
agents that use or affect CYP3A. Telaprevir is a po-
In regards to hepatitis C, Dr. Eric Yoshida has
tent CYP3A inhibitor and has greater potential to
been an investigator of clinical trials sponsored by:
cause significant drug-drug interactions. While
Boeringher Ingelheim Inc., Gilead Sciences Inc.,
data is available assessing some potential interac-
Hoffman LaRoche Inc., Human Genome Sciences,
tions, clinicians need to be especially careful when
Merck Inc., Norvartis Inc., Pfizer Inc., Schering
initiating this agent and should frequently monitor
Plough Inc., Tibotec Inc., Vertex Pharmaceuticals
the pharmacokinetic literature to become aware of
Inc. He has received honouraria for CME lectures
updated dosage recommendations and contraindica-
sponsored by Merck Inc and Hoffman LaRoche Inc.
He has received honouraria for presentations given
Drug interactions with boceprevir and telaprevir.
at Advisory Board Meetings of Vertex Pharmaceuti-
14. Merck & Co. Victrelis (boceprevir) Product Monograph
cals Inc. No funds were given for the completion of
[Internet]. Whitehouse Station, NJ 2011. Accessed August5, 2011. Available from: http://www.merck.ca/assets/
15. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. Incivek (telaprevir) Product
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Cosenza, 5 luglio 2012 Comunicazione N.096 www.asspenscarical.altervista.org Non passa giorno che, durante le visite in ambulatorio, almeno un paziente mi dica: “ho letto che finalmente c’è un nuovo farmaco che sostituisce il Coumadin. Come posso fare per averlo?” Rispondo, allora, che il farmaco esiste, si chiama Dabigatran (Pradaxa), ma è attualmente utilizzabile in Ita
Colloidal Silver -- By Patrick H. Bellringer - Reposted April 26, 2009 May 3, 2003 By Patrick H. Bellringer Colloidal silver (CS) is a natural antibiotic which has been used throughout the world for centuries as a means to destroy microbes of all kinds and to correct many health problems. It was removed from public use in the United States in the 1920's and 1930's by the medical profession in