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Drug Interactions between amifampridine and Extavia

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

interferon beta-1b amifampridine

Applies to: Extavia (interferon beta-1b) and amifampridine

MONITOR: The use of amifampridine is associated with a dose-related risk of seizures, and the risk may be further increased when coadministered with other drugs that can reduce the seizure threshold. Seizures have occurred in patients without a history of seizures taking amifampridine at recommended dosages and at various times after initiation of treatment. Reported incidence is approximately 2%. Many of the patients were taking medications or had comorbid medical conditions that may have lowered the seizure threshold.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if amifampridine is coadministered with any substance that can reduce the seizure threshold, particularly in the elderly and in patients with other risk factors for seizures (e.g., head trauma; brain tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; metabolic disorders; CNS infections; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; diabetes treated with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin). Consider discontinuation or dose reduction of amifampridine in patients who experience a seizure during treatment. Use of amifampridine is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures.

References (2)
  1. EMEA. European Medicines Agency (2007) EPARs. European Union Public Assessment Reports. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/includes/medicines/medicines_landingpage.jsp&mid
  2. (2018) "Product Information. Firdapse (amifampridine)." Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

interferon beta-1b food

Applies to: Extavia (interferon beta-1b)

MONITOR: Coadministration of beta interferons with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Use of beta interferons has been associated with rare cases of liver injury, including autoimmune hepatitis and severe liver damage leading to hepatic failure, some of which required transplantation. In some cases, these events have occurred in the presence of other drugs that have been associated with hepatic injury. Symptoms of liver dysfunction typically began from 1 to 6 months following the initiation of therapy. Asymptomatic elevation of hepatic transaminases (particularly SGPT) have also been reported but is common with interferon therapy.

MANAGEMENT: The risk of hepatic injury should be considered when beta interferons are used with other potentially hepatotoxic agents (e.g., acetaminophen; alcohol; androgens and anabolic steroids; antituberculous agents; azole antifungal agents; ACE inhibitors; cyclosporine (high dosages); disulfiram; endothelin receptor antagonists; other interferons; ketolide and macrolide antibiotics; kinase inhibitors; minocycline; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; proteasome inhibitors; retinoids; sulfonamides; tamoxifen; thiazolidinediones; tolvaptan; vincristine; zileuton; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, felbamate, and valproic acid; lipid-lowering medications such as fenofibrate, lomitapide, mipomersen, niacin, and statins; herbals and nutritional supplements such as black cohosh, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, kava, pennyroyal oil, and red yeast rice). Liver function tests should be monitored at regular intervals and the interferon dosage reduced if SGPT rises above 5 times the upper limit of normal. The dosage may be gradually re-escalated when enzyme levels return to normal. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, itching, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, malaise, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice. If liver injury is suspected, interferon therapy should be promptly discontinued due to the potential for rapid progression to liver failure.

References (4)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Betaseron (interferon beta-1b)." Berlex Laboratories
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Avonex (interferon beta-1a)." Biogen
  3. (2002) "Product Information. Rebif (interferon beta-1a)." Serono Laboratories Inc
  4. (2014) "Product Information. Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a)." Biogen Idec Inc

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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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.