Can you take Adalimumab with Infergen?
1 drug interaction and 27 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- adalimumab
- Infergen (interferon alfacon-1)
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
interferon alfacon-1 adalimumab
Applies to: Infergen (interferon alfacon-1) and adalimumab
Using interferon alfacon-1 together with adalimumab may increase the risk of nerve damage, which is a potential side effect of both medications.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.
Let your doctor know if you develop weakness, numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in your hands, feet, or limbs.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease interactions
27 potential interactions Applies to: 25 conditions, including Depression, Underactive Thyroid, Heart Failure, COPD, and Seizures.
Arrhythmia
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Autoimmune Disorders
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Autoimmune Disorders.
Antiviral interferons may exacerbate autoimmune disorders such as myositis, thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or autoimmune hepatitis. Therapy should be avoided or administered with extreme caution in patients with autoimmune disorders.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Moderate:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Cases of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia, some with a fatal outcome, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocking agents. Caution should be exercised when treating patients who have ongoing or a history of significant hematologic abnormalities. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.
Moderate:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Interferons (alfa and gamma) induce a dose-dependent, generally mild, myelosuppression. Leukopenia is the primary manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less frequently. Therapy with interferons (alfa and gamma) should be administered cautiously to patients with bone marrow suppression. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Central Nervous System Disorders
Major:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.
The use of TNF blocking agents has been associated with rare cases of CNS manifestations of systemic vasculitis, seizure and new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disorders, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Care should be exercised when considering the use of these agents in patients with neurologic disorders and discontinuing the agent is recommended if these disorders develop during therapy.
COPD
Moderate:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.
In controlled trials of other TNF blockers, other than adalimumab, in adult patients at higher risk for malignancies (i.e., patients with COPD with a significant smoking history and cyclophosphamide-treated patients with Wegener's granulomatosis), a greater portion of malignancies occurred in the TNF blocker group compared to the control group.
Depression
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Depression.
Interferons (alfa or beta) can induce depression and suicidal behavior. Suicidal attempts and suicides have been reported. Therapy with interferons (alfa or beta) should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to mental depression. Clinical monitoring of psychological status is recommended.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Flu-like symptoms frequently associated with interferon-alfa therapy can precipitate ketoacidosis in diabetic patients. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical monitoring of blood glucose concentrations and anti-diabetic therapy is recommended.
Heart Failure
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Moderate:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. Cases of worsening CHF have also been observed with adalimumab. Adalimumab has not been formally studied in patients with CHF; however, in clinical trials of another TNF blocker, a higher rate of serious CHF-related adverse reactions was observed. Exercise caution when using adalimumab in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.
History, Skin Cancer
Major:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a major potential interaction with History, Skin Cancer.
In clinical trials malignancies have been observed in patients receiving TNF-blockers agents. Patients with psoriasis should be monitored for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), particularly those patients who have had prior prolonged phototherapy treatment. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocker therapy. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Postmarketing cases of fatal hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers. Caution should be exercised when considering these agents in the treatment of patients with a history of malignancies or in continuing treatment in patients who develop malignancies while receiving these agents.
Hyperthyroidism
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.
Infection
Major:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a major potential interaction with Infection.
There have been reports of serious infections, including sepsis and opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, parasitic, or other opportunistic pathogens including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis and tuberculosis with TNF blockers. Treatment with these agents should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including clinically important localized infections. Caution and close monitoring is recommended when considering their use in patients with a history of recurrent infections, underlying conditions which may predispose them to infections, or chronic, latent, or localized infections. Administration of these agents should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.
Infectious Hepatitis
Moderate:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a moderate potential interaction with Infectious Hepatitis.
The use of TNF blockers has been associated with reactivation of hepatitis B, in some cases fatal, in patients who were previously infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Therefore, screening for viral hepatitis should be performed in accordance with published guidelines before starting therapy with these agents. Monitor patients at risk or with evidence of current or prior HBV infection for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation. Prescribers should exercise caution in prescribing TNF blockers in patients previously infected with HBV. It is recommended to monitor patients with evidence of current or prior HBV infection for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation during and for several months following therapy. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, therapy should be stopped and antiviral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated. The safety of resuming these agents after HBV reactivation is controlled is not known. Therefore, prescribers should weigh the risks and benefits when considering resumption of therapy.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Liver Disease
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Hepatotoxicity, including fatal cases, has been reported in patients treated with interferon alpha. Additionally, the risk of hepatic decompensation and death is increased in patients with cirrhosis. Any patient developing liver function abnormalities during treatment should be monitored closely and treatment should be discontinued if appropriate. Interferon-alfa is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and decompensated liver disease.
Lymphoma
Major:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a major potential interaction with Lymphoma.
In clinical trials malignancies have been observed in patients receiving TNF-blockers agents. Patients with psoriasis should be monitored for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), particularly those patients who have had prior prolonged phototherapy treatment. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocker therapy. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Postmarketing cases of fatal hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers. Caution should be exercised when considering these agents in the treatment of patients with a history of malignancies or in continuing treatment in patients who develop malignancies while receiving these agents.
Pancytopenia
Moderate:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a moderate potential interaction with Pancytopenia.
Cases of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia, some with a fatal outcome, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocking agents. Caution should be exercised when treating patients who have ongoing or a history of significant hematologic abnormalities. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.
Parkinsonism
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Parkinsonism.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Moderate:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.
Paresthesia and numbness have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to peripheral neuropathy.
Psychosis
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Proteinuria (rare), not associated with a decrease in serum protein, is the most common renal toxicity observed with interferon- alfa therapy. Increased BUN and serum creatinine levels, hematuria, acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome have also been reported. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously to patients with severe renal dysfunction. Renal function should be evaluated in all patients before initiation of interferon- alfa therapy. In addition, patients with any degree of renal impairment should be carefully monitored for laboratory abnormalities and decreased creatinine clearance. A reduced dose of medication is recommended in patients with low CrCl (less than 50 mL/min - 30 mL/min).
Seizures
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Seizures.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Skin Cancer
Major:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a major potential interaction with Skin Cancer.
In clinical trials malignancies have been observed in patients receiving TNF-blockers agents. Patients with psoriasis should be monitored for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), particularly those patients who have had prior prolonged phototherapy treatment. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocker therapy. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Postmarketing cases of fatal hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers. Caution should be exercised when considering these agents in the treatment of patients with a history of malignancies or in continuing treatment in patients who develop malignancies while receiving these agents.
Tuberculosis, Active
Major:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a major potential interaction with Tuberculosis, Active.
Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis or new tuberculosis infections have been observed in patients receiving TNF blocking agents, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Cases of active tuberculosis have also occurred in patients being treated with these agents during treatment for latent tuberculosis. Prior to initiating TNF blocking agents, patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis infection with a tuberculin skin test and periodically during therapy. Patients testing positive in tuberculosis screening should be treated by standard medical practice prior to therapy with TNF blocking agents. Anti-tuberculosis therapy should also be considered prior to initiation of therapy in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Tuberculosis should be strongly considered in patients who develop a new infection during treatment, especially in patients who have previously or recently traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, or who have had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis, Latent
Major:
adalimumab
Adalimumab has a major potential interaction with Tuberculosis, Latent.
Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis or new tuberculosis infections have been observed in patients receiving TNF blocking agents, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Cases of active tuberculosis have also occurred in patients being treated with these agents during treatment for latent tuberculosis. Prior to initiating TNF blocking agents, patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis infection with a tuberculin skin test and periodically during therapy. Patients testing positive in tuberculosis screening should be treated by standard medical practice prior to therapy with TNF blocking agents. Anti-tuberculosis therapy should also be considered prior to initiation of therapy in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Tuberculosis should be strongly considered in patients who develop a new infection during treatment, especially in patients who have previously or recently traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, or who have had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis.
Underactive Thyroid
Major:
Infergen
The interferon alfacon-1 in Infergen has a major potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.
Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.
More resources
adalimumab
A total of 574 drugs are known to interact with adalimumab.
- Adalimumab is in the following drug classes: antirheumatics, TNF alfa inhibitors.
-
Adalimumab is used to treat the following conditions:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Behcet's Disease (off-label)
- Crohn's Disease
- Crohn's Disease, Active
- Crohn's Disease, Maintenance
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Reiter's Syndrome (off-label)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sarcoidosis (off-label)
- Spondyloarthritis (off-label)
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Uveitis
Infergen
A total of 226 drugs are known to interact with Infergen.
- Infergen is in the drug class interferons.
- Infergen is used to treat Hepatitis C.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| 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. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.