Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with narcotics, hypnotics, or sedatives may potentiate the neuropsychiatric side effects of ropeginterferon alfa-2b. Serious and life-threatening or fatal neuropsychiatric reactions have been reported in patients receiving interferon alfa products, including ropeginterferon alfa-2b. These reactions may occur in patients with or without previous psychiatric illness. Serious neuropsychiatric reactions were observed in 3% of patients treated with ropeginterferon alfa-2b during the clinical development program. In two open label trials consisting of 178 patients receiving ropeginterferon alfa-2b monotherapy (dosed every 2 to 4 weeks) for the treatment of polycythemia vera, 80% of whom were exposed for 12 months or longer, there were 17 reported cases of depression, depressive symptoms, depressed mood, and listlessness. Of these seventeen cases, 3.4% of the patients recovered with temporary treatment interruption and 2.8% discontinued treatment. Other central nervous system effects, including suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, aggression, bipolar disorder, mania and confusion, have been reported with other interferon alfa products.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of ropeginterferon alfa-2b with narcotics, hypnotics, or sedatives should be avoided when possible. Otherwise, patients should be closely monitored for effects of excessive central nervous system toxicity and symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Consider psychiatric consultation and treatment if such symptoms emerge, and discontinuation of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in patients with persistently severe or worsening neuropsychiatric signs or symptoms.

GENERALLY AVOID: Acute ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.