Can you take Ifosfamide with Interferon alfa-2b?
1 drug interaction and 26 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- ifosfamide
- interferon alfa-2b
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
ifosfamide interferon alfa-2b
Applies to: ifosfamide and interferon alfa-2b
Using ifosfamide together with interferon alfa-2b or other chemotherapy drugs may increase the risk of side effects, especially those that affect the bone marrow or gastrointestinal tract.
You may experience a greater number or more severe side effects such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- mouth sores
- abdominal pain
- delayed wound healing
- impaired bone marrow function resulting in low numbers of different types of blood cells
You may also be more likely to develop anemia, bleeding problems, or infections due to low blood cell counts.
You should seek medical attention if you develop:
- paleness
- fatigue
- dizziness
- fainting
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- fever
- chills
- diarrhea
- sore throat
- muscle aches
- shortness of breath
- blood in phlegm
- weight loss
- red or inflamed skin
- body sores
- pain or burning during urination
You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use these medications.
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
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
ifosfamide Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: ifosfamide
Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are receiving treatment with ifosfamide, as this may decrease the anticancer effects of ifosfamide and may increase its adverse effects on your nervous system and your kidneys.
Do not use alcohol while you are receiving treatment with ifosfamide. This may increase nervous system side effects such as somnolence, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and impairment of thinking and judgment; and may also increase nausea and vomiting.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed.
Also, avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
25 potential interactions Applies to: 20 conditions, including Depression, Underactive Thyroid, Heart Failure, Seizures, and Peripheral Neuropathy.
Arrhythmia
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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.
Bleeding Disorder
Major:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a major potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.
Treatment with ifosfamide may cause myelosuppression and significant suppression of immune responses, which can lead to severe or fatal infections. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Complete blood counts should be obtained prior to administration of each dose and unless clinically essential, ifosfamide should be withheld if white blood cell counts falls below 1,500 to 2,000/mm3 and/or platelet counts falls below 50,000/mm3. Ifosfamide should be given cautiously, if at all, to patients with presence of an infection, severe immunosuppression or compromised bone marrow reserve, as indicated by leukopenia, granulocytopenia, extensive bone marrow metastases, prior radiation therapy, or prior therapy with other cytotoxic agents.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Major:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Treatment with ifosfamide may cause myelosuppression and significant suppression of immune responses, which can lead to severe or fatal infections. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Complete blood counts should be obtained prior to administration of each dose and unless clinically essential, ifosfamide should be withheld if white blood cell counts falls below 1,500 to 2,000/mm3 and/or platelet counts falls below 50,000/mm3. Ifosfamide should be given cautiously, if at all, to patients with presence of an infection, severe immunosuppression or compromised bone marrow reserve, as indicated by leukopenia, granulocytopenia, extensive bone marrow metastases, prior radiation therapy, or prior therapy with other cytotoxic agents.
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
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.
Depression
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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.
Fever
Major:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a major potential interaction with Fever.
Treatment with ifosfamide may cause myelosuppression and significant suppression of immune responses, which can lead to severe or fatal infections. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Complete blood counts should be obtained prior to administration of each dose and unless clinically essential, ifosfamide should be withheld if white blood cell counts falls below 1,500 to 2,000/mm3 and/or platelet counts falls below 50,000/mm3. Ifosfamide should be given cautiously, if at all, to patients with presence of an infection, severe immunosuppression or compromised bone marrow reserve, as indicated by leukopenia, granulocytopenia, extensive bone marrow metastases, prior radiation therapy, or prior therapy with other cytotoxic agents.
Heart Failure
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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.
Hyperthyroidism
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a major potential interaction with Infection.
Because of their cytotoxic effects on rapidly proliferating tissues, antineoplastic agents frequently can, to varying extent, induce myelosuppression. The use of these drugs may be contraindicated in patients with known infectious diseases. All patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting infection such as fever, sore throat, or local infection during antineoplastic therapy. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Major:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a major potential interaction with Infection.
Treatment with ifosfamide may cause myelosuppression and significant suppression of immune responses, which can lead to severe or fatal infections. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Complete blood counts should be obtained prior to administration of each dose and unless clinically essential, ifosfamide should be withheld if white blood cell counts falls below 1,500 to 2,000/mm3 and/or platelet counts falls below 50,000/mm3. Ifosfamide should be given cautiously, if at all, to patients with presence of an infection, severe immunosuppression or compromised bone marrow reserve, as indicated by leukopenia, granulocytopenia, extensive bone marrow metastases, prior radiation therapy, or prior therapy with other cytotoxic agents.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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.
Moderate:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Ifosfamide is metabolized by the liver to a biologically active form. Metabolic activation and therapeutic activity may be altered in patients with hepatic impairment. Therapy with ifosfamide should be administered cautiously in patients with compromised hepatic function. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended.
Parkinsonism
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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.
Moderate:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.
Administration of ifosfamide can cause CNS toxicity and other neurotoxic effects. The risk of CNS toxicity and other neurotoxic effects necessitates careful monitoring of the patient. Neurologic manifestations consisting of somnolence, confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision, psychotic behavior, and extrapyramidal symptoms, have been reported following ifosfamide therapy. There have also been reports of peripheral neuropathy associated with ifosfamide Episodes of depressive psychoses and hallucinations have been reported during ifosfamide therapy. These neurological symptoms are usually reversible, but ifosfamide should be discontinued and supportive care maintained until symptoms completely resolve. Therapy with ifosfamide should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to psychotic episodes.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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).
Moderate:
ifosfamide
Ifosfamide has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Ifosfamide is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Approximately 12% to 18% of ifosfamide is excreted unchanged in the urine. Additionally, iIfosfamide is both nephrotoxic and urotoxic. Hemorrhagic cystitis due to metabolites excreted in the urine can develop during therapy with ifosfamide. Adequate hydration and use of a prophylactic agent such as mesna prior to each course of ifosfamide therapy can reduce bladder irritation and hematuria. Clinical signs of renal toxicity such as elevation in BUN or serum creatinine or decrease in creatinine clearance have been reported. Therapy with ifosfamide should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to cystitis or impaired renal function. Close clinical monitoring of serum and urinary chemistries is recommended.
Seizures
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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.
Ulcerative Colitis
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Ulcerative Colitis.
Fatal and nonfatal ulcerative or hemorrhagic/ischemic colitis have been observed within 12 weeks of the start of alpha interferon treatment. Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever are the typical manifestations. Treatment should be discontinued immediately in patients who develop these signs and symptoms. The colitis usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks of discontinuation of alpha interferons.
Underactive Thyroid
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b 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
ifosfamide
A total of 605 drugs are known to interact with ifosfamide.
- Ifosfamide is in the drug class alkylating agents.
- Ifosfamide is used to treat the following conditions:
interferon alfa-2b
A total of 272 drugs are known to interact with interferon alfa-2b.
- Interferon alfa-2b is in the drug class antineoplastic interferons.
- Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat the following conditions:
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
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