Drug interactions
Interferon alfa 2b + Lamivudine
Severity: Moderate
Interferon alfa 2b and Lamivudine: moderate 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
In patients with HIV/HCV coinfection receiving interferon-based therapy, nucleoside analogues have been associated with hepatic decompensation. Lamivudine combined with interferon may add to this risk in those with advanced liver disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Interferon alfa 2b and Lamivudine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Interferon alfa 2b belongs to Anti Virals; Lamivudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive hepatic toxicity; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Monitor liver function and for signs of decompensation such as ascites, encephalopathy and rising bilirubin. Stop or reassess therapy if decompensation occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Interferon alfa 2b
Other interactions of Lamivudine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Interferon alfa 2b with Lamivudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Interferon alfa 2b and Lamivudine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. In patients with HIV/HCV coinfection receiving interferon-based therapy, nucleoside analogues have been associated with hepatic decompensation. Lamivudine combined with interferon may add to this risk in those with advanced liver disease.
How serious is the interaction between Interferon alfa 2b and Lamivudine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor liver function and for signs of decompensation such as ascites, encephalopathy and rising bilirubin. Stop or reassess therapy if decompensation occurs.
What other medicines interact with Interferon alfa 2b?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Interferon alfa 2b with, for example, Deferiprone, Hydroxycarbamide, Pexidartinib. The full list is on the Interferon alfa 2b page.
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