Ribavirin
Severe
Database
Synergistic + additive teratogenicity
Strict contraception; haematology monitoring
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Drug reference
interferon α2b
Recombinant interferon alfa-2b (immunomodulator/antiviral) · Immunomodulator
START
Indication-specific (e.g., HCL: 2 MU/m² SC 3×/week)
TYPICAL MAX
20 MU/m² IV daily (high-dose melanoma adjuvant)
STOP IF
Severe depression, autoimmunity, profound cytopenia, or cardiac event
WATCH
Mood/suicidality, CBC, LFTs, TSH, fundoscopy, cardiac symptoms
CDSCO approvedATC L03AB05
KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label
- ONSET
- 1h · SC absorption
- PEAK
- 6h · Tmax
- t½
- 2.5h · t½
- DURATION
- 2d · schedule
EXCRETION
Proteolytic catabolism; renal clearance
route + CYP
INTERACTIONS
1 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
Avoid (esp. with ribavirin — teratogenic).
FDA category + note
Top interactionssee all 5 →
- RibavirinSevereDatabaseKimi deep-research + Cla
Mechanism
Recombinant human interferon alfa-2b binds type-I IFN receptors and triggers JAK-STAT signalling, inducing antiviral genes (ISGs), MHC class I expression, and immunomodulation; pleiotropic antiviral, antiproliferative and immunostimulant effects.
Indications
Chronic hepatitis B (historical / specific scenarios)Chronic hepatitis C (largely superseded by DAAs)Hairy cell leukaemiaMalignant melanoma (adjuvant)Kaposi sarcoma in HIVFollicular lymphomaMultiple myeloma (selected)Condylomata acuminata (intralesional)
Dosing
- Adult
- Hairy cell leukaemia: 2 million units/m² SC/IM 3 times weekly. Melanoma: 20 million units/m² IV 5 days/week for 4 weeks then 10 million units/m² SC 3×/week for 48 weeks. Hepatitis: 3–5 million units SC 3 times weekly.
- Pediatric
- Selected: weight-based (specialist).
- Renal adjustment
- Reduce in severe impairment; monitor.
- Hepatic adjustment
- Avoid in decompensated liver disease.
- Geriatric
- Caution (cardiac/neuropsychiatric).
- Max dose
- Up to 20 million units/m² IV daily (high-dose melanoma)
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antiviral/immunologic effect within days
Peak effect
~3–12 h (SC)
Duration
Effect over days–weeks (cytokine induction)
Half-life
~2–3 h
Bioavailability
SC/IM well absorbed
Protein binding
Not applicable (protein)
Metabolism
Renal/hepatic proteolysis
Excretion
Catabolised; renal clearance contribution
Contraindications
- Severe psychiatric illness / suicidal ideation
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Decompensated cirrhosis
- Severe cardiac disease
- Hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy (with ribavirin)
Side effects
Common
Flu-like syndrome (fever/chills/myalgia)FatigueAnorexia / weight lossDepressionCytopeniasInjection-site reactions
Serious
- Severe depression / suicidal ideation (boxed)
- Autoimmune disorders (thyroid, hepatic, haematologic)
- Severe cytopenias
- Cardiac arrhythmia / ischaemia
- Retinopathy
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Avoid (esp. with ribavirin — teratogenic).
Lactation
Avoid breastfeeding during therapy.
Drug interactions
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Moderate
Database
Additive hepatic injury
Monitor LFTs
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Live Vaccines
Moderate
Database
Immunomodulation
Avoid live vaccines during therapy
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Theophylline
Moderate
Database
Reduced theophylline clearance
Monitor theophylline levels
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Zidovudine
Moderate
Database
Additive myelosuppression
Monitor CBC; consider dose reduction
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Related guidelines
Ask House about interferon α2b
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-20 · House clinical team·Cockpit curated: 2026-05-20