Drug interactions
Interferon alfa 2b + Palifermin
Severity: Moderate
Interferon alfa 2b and Palifermin: 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
Palifermin is a keratinocyte growth factor given to reduce oral mucositis from myelotoxic chemotherapy. When it is given close to cytotoxic therapy, mucositis became more severe and longer lasting. Interferon alfa 2b is an antineoplastic/antiproliferative agent, so the same caution is applied.
What this interaction means in plain words
Interferon alfa 2b and Palifermin 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; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin stimulates epithelial cell proliferation, which may increase susceptibility of rapidly dividing mucosal cells to antiproliferative agents.
What to do
Avoid giving palifermin within 24 hours before, during or after antineoplastic therapy. Monitor oral mucosa if the agents are used in the same period.
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 Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Interferon alfa 2b with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Interferon alfa 2b and Palifermin 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. Palifermin is a keratinocyte growth factor given to reduce oral mucositis from myelotoxic chemotherapy. When it is given close to cytotoxic therapy, mucositis became more severe and longer lasting. Interferon alfa 2b is an antineoplastic/antiproliferative agent, so the same caution is applied.
How serious is the interaction between Interferon alfa 2b and Palifermin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid giving palifermin within 24 hours before, during or after antineoplastic therapy. Monitor oral mucosa if the agents are used in the same period.
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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