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Drug interactions

Interferon beta 1b + Zidovudine

Severity: Moderate

Interferon beta 1b and Zidovudine: 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

Interferons can cause bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity, which may compound the hematologic toxicity of zidovudine. Interferon-related effects on zidovudine clearance have also been proposed. Patients may develop worse anemia, neutropenia or liver dysfunction.

What this interaction means in plain words

Interferon beta 1b and Zidovudine 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 beta 1b belongs to Central Nervous System; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity; a possible reduction in zidovudine clearance is not firmly established.

What to do

Monitor complete blood counts and liver function tests regularly. Reduce the zidovudine dose or switch agents if cytopenias or hepatic decompensation develop.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Interferon beta 1b with Zidovudine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Interferon beta 1b and Zidovudine 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. Interferons can cause bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity, which may compound the hematologic toxicity of zidovudine. Interferon-related effects on zidovudine clearance have also been proposed. Patients may develop worse anemia, neutropenia or liver dysfunction.

How serious is the interaction between Interferon beta 1b and Zidovudine?

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 complete blood counts and liver function tests regularly. Reduce the zidovudine dose or switch agents if cytopenias or hepatic decompensation develop.

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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