Drug interactions
Deferiprone + Peginterferon alfa 2a
Severity: Major
Deferiprone and Peginterferon alfa 2a: 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
Both drugs can suppress neutrophil counts, and deferiprone carries a boxed warning for agranulocytosis. Used together, the risk of severe neutropenia and serious infection is higher.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deferiprone and Peginterferon alfa 2a 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; Peginterferon alfa 2a belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppressive effects (pharmacodynamic synergism) on neutrophil production.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If it cannot be avoided, monitor the absolute neutrophil count more frequently than the usual weekly schedule and interrupt 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 Peginterferon alfa 2a
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 Peginterferon alfa 2a?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deferiprone and Peginterferon alfa 2a 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. Both drugs can suppress neutrophil counts, and deferiprone carries a boxed warning for agranulocytosis. Used together, the risk of severe neutropenia and serious infection is higher.
How serious is the interaction between Deferiprone and Peginterferon alfa 2a?
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 possible. If it cannot be avoided, monitor the absolute neutrophil count more frequently than the usual weekly schedule and interrupt deferiprone if neutropenia develops.
What other medicines interact with Peginterferon alfa 2a?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Peginterferon alfa 2a with, for example, Clozapine, Hydroxyurea, Pexidartinib. The full list is on the Peginterferon alfa 2a page.
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