Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Imatinib
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Imatinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Carbamazepine markedly lowers imatinib exposure, which can lead to treatment failure in CML or GIST. Labeling advises avoiding strong CYP3A4 inducers where possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine 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.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, increasing imatinib clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a non-inducing antiepileptic. If it cannot be avoided, raise the imatinib dose with close monitoring of response and, where available, imatinib trough levels.
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?
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References
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
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 Carbamazepine with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine 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. Carbamazepine markedly lowers imatinib exposure, which can lead to treatment failure in CML or GIST. Labeling advises avoiding strong CYP3A4 inducers where possible.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine 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 and use a non-inducing antiepileptic. If it cannot be avoided, raise the imatinib dose with close monitoring of response and, where available, imatinib trough levels.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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