Drug General Information (ID: DDIX67CPU1)
Drug Name			Interferon alfa-2a, Recombinant		Drug Info		Ethionamide		Drug Info
Drug Type		Interferons				Small molecule
Therapeutic Class		Interferons				Antituberculosis Agents

Mechanism of Interferon alfa-2a, Recombinant-Ethionamide Interaction (Severity Level: Moderate)
Increased risk of peripheral neuropathy Click to Show/Hide Mechanism Graph
Drug Name		Interferon alfa-2a, Recombinant				Ethionamide
Mechanism		Peripheral neuropathy				Peripheral neuropathy
Key Mechanism Factor 1
		Factor Name		Peripheral neuropathy
		Factor Description		Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves that can cause sensory and motor symptoms, and even paralysis in severe cases. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include: gradual numbness, tingling or prickling in the feet or hands that can spread up the legs and arms; sharp, stinging, pricking or burning sensations; extreme sensitivity to touch; pain during activities that should not cause pain; lack of coordination and falls; muscle weakness; and paralysis if the motor nerves are affected.
Mechanism Description		Increased risk of peripheral neuropathy by the combination of Interferon alfa-2a, Recombinant and Ethionamide

Recommended Action
Management		Patients should be monitored closely for symptoms of neuropathy such as burning, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet. Since the development of peripheral neuropathy may be dose-related for many drugs, the recommended dosages should generally not be exceeded. Consideration should be given to dosage reduction or immediate discontinuation of these medications in patients who develop peripheral neuropathy to limit further damage.

References
1	Carrion C, Espinosa E, Herrero A, Garcia B "Possible vincristine-isoniazid interaction." Ann Pharmacother 29 (1995): 201. [PMID: 7756727]
2	EMEA. European Medicines Agency "EPARs. European Union Public Assessment Reports.".
3	Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online."