Drug interactions
Interferon alfa n3 + Zidovudine
Severity: Major
Interferon alfa n3 and Zidovudine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Interferons may increase zidovudine exposure and both agents cause myelosuppression, which may increase the risk of severe cytopenias. Hepatic decompensation has also been described in HIV/HCV coinfected patients receiving interferon with antiretrovirals.
What this interaction means in plain words
Interferon alfa n3 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.
Why it happens
Additive bone marrow suppression, with possible interferon-mediated reduction in zidovudine hepatic metabolism.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts and liver function frequently. Reduce or stop zidovudine, or switch to an alternative nucleoside, if significant anemia or 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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References
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 n3 with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Interferon alfa n3 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. Interferons may increase zidovudine exposure and both agents cause myelosuppression, which may increase the risk of severe cytopenias. Hepatic decompensation has also been described in HIV/HCV coinfected patients receiving interferon with antiretrovirals.
How serious is the interaction between Interferon alfa n3 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 and liver function frequently. Reduce or stop zidovudine, or switch to an alternative nucleoside, if significant anemia or neutropenia develops.
What other medicines interact with Zidovudine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zidovudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Stavudine, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Zidovudine page.
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