Date of report 17 May 2024
Reported case interaction between
Elvitegravir and Dexamethasone
Elvitegravir and Dexamethasone
Drugs suspected to be involved in the DDI
Complete list of drugs taken by the patient
Dexamethasone administered as epidural injection
Clinical case description
A 53-year old male with a controlled HIV infection on elvitegravir/c + TAF + FTC + darunavir received an epidural injection of dexamethasone to treat back pain. Dexamethasone is a weak-moderate inducer of CYP3A4 and therefore has the potential to reduce the exposure of elvitegravir/c and darunavir. On the other hand, elvitegravir/c and darunavir are strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 and therefore have the potential to increase dexamethasone exposure which consequently may increase the risk of Cushing syndrome. Subsequent investigations indicated no deleterious effects as the measurement of morning cortisol was 396 nmol/L, additionally darunavir and elvitegravir concentrations remained within the therapeutic range (darunavir concentration was 4585 ng/mL corresponding to percentile 75; elvitegravir was 2215 ng/mL corresponding to percentile 90).
Clinical Outcome
Editorial Comment
Coadministration has not been studied. Dexamethasone is metabolized by CYP3A4 and cobicistat may increase dexamethasone concentrations due to inhibition of CYP3A4. A dose reduction of the glucocorticoid may be necessary with monitoring for symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. Dexamethasone is a dose-dependent inducer of CYP3A4 and is a moderate CYP3A4 inducer at doses above 16 mg. In this case the patient received a single dose of dexamethasone (dose unknown), but chronic or high doses of dexamethasone may significantly decrease cobicistat and elvitegravir and darunavir plasma concentrations, which may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. Use with caution. Alternative corticosteroids should be considered. No a priori dose adjustment of tenofovir alafenamide or emtricitabine are needed
University of Liverpool Recommendation
Potential interaction - may require close monitoring, alteration of drug dosage or timing of administration