Drug interactions
Peginterferon alfa 2b + Zidovudine
Severity: Major
Peginterferon alfa 2b and Zidovudine: major 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
Both drugs suppress the bone marrow, and together they raise the risk of anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In patients with HIV and hepatitis C coinfection, this has led to severe anemia and the need for dose reductions.
What this interaction means in plain words
Peginterferon alfa 2b 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.
Peginterferon alfa 2b belongs to Anti Virals; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression, with possible interferon-related effects on zidovudine exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antiretroviral is available. If it must be used, monitor full blood counts frequently and reduce doses or give erythropoiesis support as needed.
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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Other interactions of Peginterferon alfa 2b
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 Peginterferon alfa 2b with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Peginterferon alfa 2b 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. Both drugs suppress the bone marrow, and together they raise the risk of anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In patients with HIV and hepatitis C coinfection, this has led to severe anemia and the need for dose reductions.
How serious is the interaction between Peginterferon alfa 2b 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: Avoid the combination where an alternative antiretroviral is available. If it must be used, monitor full blood counts frequently and reduce doses or give erythropoiesis support as needed.
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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