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Can you take Interferon alfa-2b with Pegaspargase?

1 drug interaction and 23 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

interferon alfa-2b pegaspargase

Applies to: interferon alfa-2b and pegaspargase

Talk to your doctor before using interferon alfa-2b together with pegaspargase. Combining these medications may increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage.

You may need more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

Let your doctor know immediately if you develop:

  • right upper quadrant pain
  • increasing abdominal size
  • fever
  • swelling
  • rash
  • itching
  • loss of appetite
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dark urine
  • and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes

These may be signs and symptoms of liver damage.

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

23 potential interactions Applies to: 21 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:

pegaspargase

Pegaspargase has a major potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

The use of pegaspargase is contraindicated in patients who developed significant bleeding with previous L-asparaginase therapy. Pegaspargase interferes with coagulation factors, and both thrombosis and hemorrhage have been observed. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered with extreme caution to patients with or predisposed to coagulopathies. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms of thrombosis or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoetic function and coagulation profiles is recommended.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

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.

Moderate:

pegaspargase

Pegaspargase has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Hyperglycemia requiring insulin therapy has been reported during pegaspargase therapy. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered cautiously to patients with diabetes mellitus.

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.

History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder

Major:

pegaspargase

Pegaspargase has a major potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of pegaspargase is contraindicated in patients who developed significant bleeding with previous L-asparaginase therapy. Pegaspargase interferes with coagulation factors, and both thrombosis and hemorrhage have been observed. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered with extreme caution to patients with or predisposed to coagulopathies. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms of thrombosis or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoetic function and coagulation profiles is recommended.

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.

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:

pegaspargase

Pegaspargase has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Reversible liver abnormalities such as elevated liver transaminase and bilirubin levels and decreased albumin synthesis have been reported during pegaspargase therapy. Fatty changes and liver failure have occurred. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any sign or symptoms of hepatic dysfunction such as jaundice, dark urine, right upper quadrant pain, or anorexia. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to compromised hepatic function. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended.

Pancreatitis

Major:

pegaspargase

Pegaspargase has a major potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

The use of pegaspargase is contraindicated in patients with or a history of pancreatitis. Pegaspargase can cause decreased insulin synthesis or inflammation and/or necrosis of cells of the pancreas. Fulminant and fatal pancreatitis has occurred. Clinical monitoring of pancreatic function, including serum amylase levels, 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.

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).

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.

Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder

Major:

pegaspargase

Pegaspargase has a major potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of pegaspargase is contraindicated in patients who developed significant bleeding with previous L-asparaginase therapy. Pegaspargase interferes with coagulation factors, and both thrombosis and hemorrhage have been observed. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered with extreme caution to patients with or predisposed to coagulopathies. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms of thrombosis or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoetic function and coagulation profiles is recommended.

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

interferon alfa-2b

A total of 272 drugs are known to interact with interferon alfa-2b.

pegaspargase

A total of 556 drugs are known to interact with pegaspargase.

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.