Drug Interactions between semaglutide and Vyvanse

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state. The interaction was suspected in a case report of a 20-year-old male who experienced retrosternal chest pain shortly after drinking alcohol and taking a double dose of his amphetamine/dextroamphetamine medication (Adderall 15 mg X 2) to stay alert. The patient had no family history of cardiovascular diseases, and his past medical history was remarkable only for ADHD. Prior to the episode, the patient had not taken his medication for weeks and had been drinking whiskey the previous three nights before going to bed. The patient was diagnosed with myocardial infarction likely secondary to amphetamine-induced coronary vasospasm.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of amphetamines and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of heart disease.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Taking oral semaglutide with food, beverage, or other oral medications may alter semaglutide absorption and exposure. In a controlled study with healthy volunteers, limited or no measurable semaglutide exposure was observed in subjects that were fed 30 minutes prior to taking oral semaglutide, while all subjects that fasted overnight and 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose had measurable semaglutide exposure. Area under the curve (AUC) and semaglutide peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were approximately 40% greater in subjects that fasted compared to those who did not. AUC and Cmax were also increased with a post-dose fasting period greater than 30 minutes.

MANAGEMENT: It is recommended that oral semaglutide be taken 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day with no more than 4 ounces of plain water to ensure its efficacy. Fasting longer than 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose may lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.