Drug interactions
Hydroxycarbamide + Interferon alfa 2b
Severity: Major
Hydroxycarbamide and Interferon alfa 2b: 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
Cutaneous vasculitic toxicities, including ulceration and gangrene, have been reported in patients receiving hydroxyurea who were also receiving or had previously received interferon therapy. These lesions can be severe and may require stopping treatment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxycarbamide and Interferon alfa 2b 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.
Hydroxycarbamide belongs to Oncology; Interferon alfa 2b belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Mechanism is not established; possible additive vascular and immune-mediated toxicity.
What to do
Examine the skin regularly for early ulceration or vasculitic lesions. Stop hydroxyurea if vasculitic toxicity 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 alfa 2b
Other interactions of Hydroxycarbamide
- Didanosine + Hydroxycarbamide Contraindicated
- Hydroxycarbamide + Stavudine Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydroxycarbamide Major
- Axicabtagene ciloleucel + Hydroxycarbamide Major
- Bcg intravesical live + Hydroxycarbamide Major
- Bcg vaccine live + Hydroxycarbamide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxycarbamide with Interferon alfa 2b?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxycarbamide and Interferon alfa 2b 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. Cutaneous vasculitic toxicities, including ulceration and gangrene, have been reported in patients receiving hydroxyurea who were also receiving or had previously received interferon therapy. These lesions can be severe and may require stopping treatment.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxycarbamide and Interferon alfa 2b?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Examine the skin regularly for early ulceration or vasculitic lesions. Stop hydroxyurea if vasculitic toxicity develops.
What other medicines interact with Interferon alfa 2b?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Interferon alfa 2b with, for example, Deferiprone, Pexidartinib, Pretomanid. The full list is on the Interferon alfa 2b page.
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