Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Acetylsalicylic acid and Imatinib: moderate 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
Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and occasionally hemorrhage, and aspirin impairs platelet function. Together they may increase the risk of bleeding, notably gastrointestinal bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Imatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk from imatinib-related reduced platelet counts and aspirin's irreversible platelet inhibition.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts regularly and watch for signs of bleeding. Avoid higher-dose aspirin where possible and reassess the need for aspirin if platelets fall.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Acetylsalicylic acid and Imatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and occasionally hemorrhage, and aspirin impairs platelet function. Together they may increase the risk of bleeding, notably gastrointestinal bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Imatinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor complete blood counts regularly and watch for signs of bleeding. Avoid higher-dose aspirin where possible and reassess the need for aspirin if platelets fall.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
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