Drug interactions
Bivalirudin + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Bivalirudin 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 other cytopenias, and bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor, so combining them may raise the risk of bleeding. The effect is additive and pharmacodynamic rather than pharmacokinetic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bivalirudin 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.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk from imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia plus direct thrombin inhibition.
What to do
Check the platelet count before and during bivalirudin use, and monitor for bleeding signs and the ACT where it applies. Adjust anticoagulation if the platelet count falls substantially.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Bivalirudin and Imatinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Bivalirudin with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bivalirudin 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 other cytopenias, and bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor, so combining them may raise the risk of bleeding. The effect is additive and pharmacodynamic rather than pharmacokinetic.
How serious is the interaction between Bivalirudin 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: Check the platelet count before and during bivalirudin use, and monitor for bleeding signs and the ACT where it applies. Adjust anticoagulation if the platelet count falls substantially.
What other medicines interact with Imatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imatinib with, for example, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Imatinib page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
