Drug interactions
Peginterferon alfa 2b + Warfarin
Severity: Moderate
Peginterferon alfa 2b and Warfarin: 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
Interferon therapy has been associated with changes in anticoagulant response, and the INR may rise in some patients taking warfarin. Peginterferon can also lower platelet counts, which adds to the bleeding risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Peginterferon alfa 2b and Warfarin 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 belongs to Anti Virals; Warfarin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
The mechanism is not well established; interferon-related suppression of hepatic drug metabolism, inflammation and thrombocytopenia may contribute.
What to do
Check INR more often when peginterferon is started, changed or stopped, and adjust the warfarin dose to the result. Monitor platelet counts and watch for bleeding.
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 Warfarin
- Defibrotide + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Warfarin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Warfarin Major
- Adagrasib + Warfarin Major
- Amiodarone + Warfarin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Peginterferon alfa 2b with Warfarin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Peginterferon alfa 2b and Warfarin 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 therapy has been associated with changes in anticoagulant response, and the INR may rise in some patients taking warfarin. Peginterferon can also lower platelet counts, which adds to the bleeding risk.
How serious is the interaction between Peginterferon alfa 2b and Warfarin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check INR more often when peginterferon is started, changed or stopped, and adjust the warfarin dose to the result. Monitor platelet counts and watch for bleeding.
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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