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Drug interactions

Apalutamide + Imatinib

Severity: Major

Apalutamide and Imatinib: major interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Apalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and can substantially lower imatinib plasma concentrations. This may lead to loss of response in CML or GIST.

What this interaction means in plain words

Apalutamide and Imatinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Apalutamide belongs to Endocrine; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Apalutamide induces CYP3A4, increasing the metabolic clearance of imatinib.

What to do

Avoid the combination if possible. If it cannot be avoided, monitor clinical and molecular response and consider imatinib dose increase per labeling guidance for strong inducers.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Apalutamide with Imatinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Apalutamide and Imatinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Apalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and can substantially lower imatinib plasma concentrations. This may lead to loss of response in CML or GIST.

How serious is the interaction between Apalutamide and Imatinib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible. If it cannot be avoided, monitor clinical and molecular response and consider imatinib dose increase per labeling guidance for strong inducers.

What other medicines interact with Apalutamide?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Apalutamide with, for example, Cabotegravir, Cobicistat, Doravirine. The full list is on the Apalutamide page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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