Naldemedine Tosylate and Food

Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of naldemedine. This may increase side effects and withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, tearing, runny nose, chills, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, and yawning. You should limit the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with naldemedine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of naldemedine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In pharmacokinetic studies, naldemedine systemic exposure (AUC) was increased approximately 90% by the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor fluconazole and nearly 200% by the potent inhibitor itraconazole. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased exposure to naldemedine may precipitate opioid withdrawal symptoms such as hyperhidrosis, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, chills, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, and yawning.

Food does not significantly affect the overall bioavailability of naldemedine. When administered with a high-fat meal, the rate of naldemedine absorption was decreased, but not the extent. Specifically, naldemedine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was decreased by approximately 35% and time to achieve Cmax was delayed from 0.75 hours in the fasted state to 2.5 hours in the fed state, while naldemedine AUC was not significantly changed.

MANAGEMENT: Naldemedine may be taken with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with naldemedine.