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Drug Interactions between interferon alfa-2b / ribavirin and interferon alfacon-1

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

interferon alfa-2b interferon alfacon-1

Applies to: interferon alfa-2b / ribavirin and interferon alfacon-1

MONITOR: The risk of peripheral neuropathy may be increased during concurrent use of two or more agents that are associated with this adverse effect. Patient risk factors include diabetes and age older than 60 years. In some cases, the neuropathy may progress or become irreversible despite discontinuation of the medications.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised during concomitant use of agents with neurotoxic effects. Patients should be monitored closely for symptoms of neuropathy such as burning, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet. Since the development of peripheral neuropathy may be dose-related for many drugs, the recommended dosages should generally not be exceeded. Consideration should be given to dosage reduction or immediate discontinuation of these medications in patients who develop peripheral neuropathy to limit further damage. If feasible, therapy should generally be reinstituted only after resolution of neuropathy symptoms or return of symptoms to baseline status. In some cases, permanent dosage reductions may be required.

References

  1. Carrion C, Espinosa E, Herrero A, Garcia B "Possible vincristine-isoniazid interaction." Ann Pharmacother 29 (1995): 201
  2. Argov Z, Mastaglia FL "Drug-induced peripheral neuropathies." Br Med J 1 (1979): 663-6
  3. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006):
  4. EMEA. European Medicines Agency "EPARs. European Union Public Assessment Reports. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/includes/medicines/medicines_landingpage.jsp&mid" (2007):
View all 4 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

ribavirin food

Applies to: interferon alfa-2b / ribavirin

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of ribavirin. Administration of a single oral dose of ribavirin following a high-fat meal delayed absorption (Tmax was doubled) but increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by up to 70% compared to administration in the fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, ribavirin should be administered with or immediately after a meal.

References

  1. "Product Information. Copegus (ribavirin)." Roche Laboratories (2003):
  2. "Product Information. Rebetol (ribavirin)." Schering-Plough Corporation (2004):

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Antiviral alfa interferons

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antiviral alfa interferons' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'antiviral alfa interferons' category:

  • interferon alfa-2b/ribavirin
  • interferon alfacon-1

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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