Drug interactions
Lamivudine + Peginterferon alfa 2a
Severity: Moderate
Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2a: 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 HIV/HCV coinfected patients on interferon-based therapy, nucleoside analogues have been associated with hepatic decompensation. Lamivudine combined with peginterferon may add to this risk in patients with advanced liver disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2a 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.
Lamivudine belongs to Anti Virals; Peginterferon alfa 2a 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 Peginterferon alfa 2a
Other interactions of Lamivudine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lamivudine with Peginterferon alfa 2a?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2a 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 HIV/HCV coinfected patients on interferon-based therapy, nucleoside analogues have been associated with hepatic decompensation. Lamivudine combined with peginterferon may add to this risk in patients with advanced liver disease.
How serious is the interaction between Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2a?
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 Peginterferon alfa 2a?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Peginterferon alfa 2a with, for example, Clozapine, Deferiprone, Hydroxyurea. The full list is on the Peginterferon alfa 2a page.
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