Drug interactions
Interferon alfa 2b + Zidovudine
Severity: Major
Interferon alfa 2b and Zidovudine: 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
Combining interferon alfa with zidovudine increases the risk of hematologic toxicity, especially neutropenia and anemia. Interferon may also modestly raise zidovudine exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Interferon alfa 2b and Zidovudine 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.
Interferon alfa 2b belongs to Anti Virals; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression, with possible reduced zidovudine metabolism by interferon.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts frequently and reduce doses or use growth factors as needed. Consider an alternative antiretroviral to zidovudine in patients receiving interferon.
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 Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Interferon alfa 2b with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Interferon alfa 2b and Zidovudine 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. Combining interferon alfa with zidovudine increases the risk of hematologic toxicity, especially neutropenia and anemia. Interferon may also modestly raise zidovudine exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Interferon alfa 2b and Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor complete blood counts frequently and reduce doses or use growth factors as needed. Consider an alternative antiretroviral to zidovudine in patients receiving interferon.
What other medicines interact with Interferon alfa 2b?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Interferon alfa 2b with, for example, Deferiprone, Hydroxyurea, Pexidartinib. The full list is on the Interferon alfa 2b page.
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