Can you take Interferon alfa-2b with Pomalidomide?

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.

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.

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.

Pomalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

The use of pomalidomide has been associated with hematological toxicities, followed by anemia and thrombocytopenia. It is recommended to monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia. Monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first 8 weeks and monthly thereafter and depending on findings, patients may require dose interruption and/or modification. Close monitoring is recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pomalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Pomalidomide pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly affected in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment. Pomalidomide should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis and it should be administered after the completion of hemodialysis on dialysis days as the exposure of the drug could be significantly increased. Dose modification, 25% dose reduction (3 mg daily) is recommended at the start of therapy in patients with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis. Close monitoring is recommended.

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

Pomalidomide may cause venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke). It is recommended to initiate precautionary actions to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking) in patients with known risk factors, including those with prior thrombosis. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on the assessment of the patient's underlying risk factors.

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.

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.

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.

Pomalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Pomalidomide is primarily metabolized in the liver by CYP450 1A2 and CYP450 3A4. Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with pomalidomide. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin have also been observed. Reduce the starting dose of pomalidomide by 25% (3 mg daily) in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment and by 50% (2 mg daily) in those patients with severe hepatic impairment. It is recommended to monitor liver function tests monthly and to stop treatment with pomalidomide upon elevation of liver enzymes. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered.

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.

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.

Pomalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

The use of pomalidomide has been associated with the development of neuropathy. Therapy with pomalidomide should be administered cautiously in patients with or at risk for neuropathy. Monitor closely for signs and symptoms associated with neuropathy and evaluate patients accordingly.

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.

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).

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.

Pomalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Smoking.

Cigarette smoking reduces pomalidomide AUC by 32% due to CYP450 1A2 induction. Advise patients that smoking may reduce the efficacy of pomalidomide.

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

Pomalidomide may cause venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke). It is recommended to initiate precautionary actions to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking) in patients with known risk factors, including those with prior thrombosis. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on the assessment of the patient's underlying risk factors.

Pomalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Tumor Lysis Syndrome.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) may occur in patients receiving pomalidomide. Patients with high tumor burden and those with high circulating lymphocyte counts of greater than 25 X 10^9/L have a higher risk of developing TLS. Monitor for signs and symptoms of TLS. Temporary interruption or discontinuation of therapy might be required.

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.

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.