Mifepristone

Based on the long terminal half-life of mifepristone after reaching steady state, at least 2 weeks should elapse after cessation of mifepristone before initiating or increasing the dose of any interacting concomitant medication. Drugs metabolized by CYP3A: Administer drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A at the lowest dose when used with mifepristone ( 7.1 ). CYP3A inhibitors: Caution should be used when mifepristone is used with strong CYP3A inhibitors. Limit mifepristone dose to 900 mg per day when used with strong CYP3A inhibitors ( 7.2 ). CYP3A inducers: Do not use mifepristone with CYP3A inducers ( 7.3 ).

Drugs metabolized by CYP2C8/2C9: Use the lowest dose of CYP2C8/2C9 substrates when used with mifepristone ( 7.4 ). Drugs metabolized by CYP2B6: Use of mifepristone should be done with caution with bupropion and efavirenz ( 7.5 ). Hormonal contraceptives: Do not use with mifepristone ( 7.6 ).

7.1 Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A Because mifepristone is an inhibitor of CYP3A, concurrent use of mifepristone with a drug whose metabolism is largely or solely mediated by CYP3A is likely to result in increased plasma concentrations of the drug. Discontinuation or dose reduction of such medications may be necessary with mifepristone co-administration. Mifepristone increased the exposure to simvastatin and simvastatin acid significantly in healthy subjects. Concomitant use of simvastatin or lovastatin is contraindicated because of the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

[See Contraindications (4.2), Clinical Pharmacology 12.3 ] The exposure of other substrates of CYP3A with narrow therapeutic ranges, such as cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus, may be increased by concomitant administration with mifepristone. Therefore, the concomitant use of such CYP3A substrates with mifepristone is contraindicated. [See Contraindications (4.2)] Other drugs with similar high first pass metabolism in which CYP3A is the primary route of metabolism should be used with extreme caution if co-administered with mifepristone.

The lowest possible dose and/or a decreased frequency of dosing must be used with therapeutic drug monitoring when possible. Use of alternative drugs without these metabolic characteristics is advised when possible with concomitant mifepristone. If drugs that undergo low first pass metabolism by CYP3A or drugs in which CYP3A is not the major metabolic route are co-administered with mifepristone, use the lowest dose of concomitant medication necessary, with appropriate monitoring and follow-up. [See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]

7.2 CYP3A Inhibitors Medications that inhibit CYP3A could increase plasma mifepristone concentrations and dose reduction of mifepristone may be required. Ketoconazole and other strong inhibitors of CYP3A, such as itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, amprenavir and fosamprenavir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir /ritonavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telithromycin, or voriconazole may increase exposure to mifepristone. Caution should be used when strong CYP3A inhibitors are prescribed in combination with mifepristone. The benefit of concomitant use of these agents should be carefully weighed against the potential risks.

The dose of mifepristone should be limited to 900 mg, and strong inhibitors of CYP3A should be used only when necessary. [See Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Warnings & Precautions ( 5.6 ), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]

7.3 CYP3A Inducers No medications that induce CYP3A have been studied when co-administered with mifepristone. Avoid co-administration of mifepristone and CYP3A inducers such as rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and St. John's wort.

7.4 Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C8/2C9 Because mifepristone is an inhibitor of CYP2C8/2C9, concurrent use of mifepristone with a drug whose metabolism is largely or solely mediated by CYP2C8/2C9 is likely to result in increased plasma concentrations of the drug. Mifepristone significantly increased exposure of fluvastatin, a typical CYP2C8/2C9 substrate, in healthy subjects. When given concomitantly with mifepristone, drugs that are substrates of CYP2C8/2C9 (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, and repaglinide) should be used at the smallest recommended doses, and patients should be closely monitored for adverse effects. [See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]

7.5 Drugs Metabolized by CYP2B6 Mifepristone is an inhibitor of CYP2B6 and may cause significant increases in exposure of drugs that are metabolized by CYP2B6 such as bupropion and efavirenz. Since no study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of mifepristone on substrates of CYP2B6, the concomitant use of bupropion and efavirenz should be undertaken with caution. [See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]

7.6 Use of Hormonal Contraceptives Mifepristone is a progesterone-receptor antagonist and will interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, non-hormonal contraceptive methods should be used. [See Use In Specific Populations ( 8.3 )]

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Mifepristone is contraindicated in pregnancy because the use of mifepristone results in pregnancy loss. There are no data that assess the risk of birth defects in women exposed to mifepristone during pregnancy. Available data limited to exposure following a single dose of mifepristone during pregnancy showed a higher rate of major birth defects compared to the general population comparator (See Data ) . Mifepristone administered to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits during organogenesis caused pregnancy loss in all species at clinically relevant doses based on body surface area comparisons (See Data ) .

The inhibition of both endogenous and exogenous progesterone by mifepristone at the progesterone receptor results in pregnancy loss. If mifepristone is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. [See Contraindications ( 4 )] The estimated risk of fetal loss is elevated in patients with active Cushing's syndrome (24-30%), and the risk of major birth defects is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data Human Data There are no data on long term exposure to mifepristone in pregnancy. Available data are limited to exposure to a single dose of mifepristone for pregnancy termination. In a prospective study in France of 46 pregnancies exposed to a single dose of mifepristone alone and 59 pregnancies exposed to a single dose of mifepristone and misoprostol, the overall major birth defect rate (4%) was greater than the general population background rate of 2 to 3% (2 birth defects in each group). There was no pattern of birth defects identified.

Animal Data Reproductive studies were performed in mice, rats and rabbits at doses of 0.25 to 4.0 mg/kg (less than human exposure at the maximum clinical dose, based on body surface area). Because of the anti-progestational activity of mifepristone, fetal losses were much higher than in control animals. Skull deformities were detected in rabbit studies at less than human exposure, although mifepristone did not cause any adverse developmental effects in rats or mice during organogenesis. These deformities were most likely due to the mechanical effects of uterine contractions resulting from antagonism of the progesterone receptor.