Drug interactions
Deferiprone + Interferon beta 1a
Severity: Major
Deferiprone and Interferon beta 1a: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Deferiprone can cause neutropenia and agranulocytosis, and interferon beta can also lower white cell counts. Combined use may increase the risk of severe neutropenia and serious infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deferiprone and Interferon beta 1a can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Deferiprone belongs to Miscellaneous; Interferon beta 1a belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppressive effects on neutrophils.
What to do
Avoid the combination if an alternative exists. If both are necessary, monitor absolute neutrophil count more often than usual and stop deferiprone if neutropenia develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Interferon beta 1a
Other interactions of Deferiprone
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Abemaciclib + Deferiprone Major
- Acalabrutinib + Deferiprone Major
- Ado-trastuzumab emtansine + Deferiprone Major
- Ado-trastuzumab + Deferiprone Major
- Aldesleukin + Deferiprone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deferiprone with Interferon beta 1a?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deferiprone and Interferon beta 1a can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Deferiprone can cause neutropenia and agranulocytosis, and interferon beta can also lower white cell counts. Combined use may increase the risk of severe neutropenia and serious infection.
How serious is the interaction between Deferiprone and Interferon beta 1a?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if an alternative exists. If both are necessary, monitor absolute neutrophil count more often than usual and stop deferiprone if neutropenia develops.
What other medicines interact with Interferon beta 1a?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Interferon beta 1a with, for example, Etrasimod, Hydroxyurea, Idecabtagene vicleucel. The full list is on the Interferon beta 1a page.
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