Drug interactions
Lamivudine + Peginterferon alfa 2b
Severity: Moderate
Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2b: 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
Peginterferon alfa-2b combined with nucleoside analogues such as lamivudine, particularly in patients with HIV/HCV coinfection and cirrhosis, has been associated with hepatic decompensation. Interferon-related immune activation and nucleoside-related mitochondrial or hepatic toxicity may add to one another. Patients with advanced liver disease are at greatest risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2b 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 2b belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive hepatotoxic and immune-mediated effects; the precise mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Monitor liver function tests, bilirubin and clinical signs of decompensation (ascites, encephalopathy) regularly, especially in cirrhotic patients. Interrupt or reduce therapy if hepatic function deteriorates.
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 2b
Other interactions of Lamivudine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lamivudine with Peginterferon alfa 2b?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2b 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. Peginterferon alfa-2b combined with nucleoside analogues such as lamivudine, particularly in patients with HIV/HCV coinfection and cirrhosis, has been associated with hepatic decompensation. Interferon-related immune activation and nucleoside-related mitochondrial or hepatic toxicity may add to one another. Patients with advanced liver disease are at greatest risk.
How serious is the interaction between Lamivudine and Peginterferon alfa 2b?
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 tests, bilirubin and clinical signs of decompensation (ascites, encephalopathy) regularly, especially in cirrhotic patients. Interrupt or reduce therapy if hepatic function deteriorates.
What other medicines interact with Peginterferon alfa 2b?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Peginterferon alfa 2b with, for example, Aldesleukin, Deferiprone, Pexidartinib. The full list is on the Peginterferon alfa 2b page.
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