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Drug interactions

Deferiprone + Lomustine

Severity: Major

Deferiprone and Lomustine: 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

Lomustine causes delayed and cumulative myelosuppression, and deferiprone can cause agranulocytosis. Combined use increases the risk of severe neutropenia and serious infection.

What this interaction means in plain words

Deferiprone and Lomustine 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; Lomustine belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive bone marrow suppression.

What to do

Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If unavoidable, monitor absolute neutrophil count more frequently, including during the delayed lomustine nadir, and stop deferiprone for neutropenia.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Deferiprone with Lomustine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deferiprone and Lomustine 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. Lomustine causes delayed and cumulative myelosuppression, and deferiprone can cause agranulocytosis. Combined use increases the risk of severe neutropenia and serious infection.

How serious is the interaction between Deferiprone and Lomustine?

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 where an alternative exists. If unavoidable, monitor absolute neutrophil count more frequently, including during the delayed lomustine nadir, and stop deferiprone for neutropenia.

What other medicines interact with Lomustine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Lomustine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Lomustine page.

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