Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise cyclosporine concentrations, while cyclosporine may increase imatinib exposure through transporter and enzyme effects. Both drugs may therefore show increased toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin 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.
Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Mutual inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein reduces clearance of both drugs.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function, and adjust the cyclosporine dose as required. Monitor for imatinib adverse effects such as edema, cytopenias and hepatotoxicity.
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 Cyclosporin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Aliskiren + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Dengue vaccine 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 Cyclosporin with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise cyclosporine concentrations, while cyclosporine may increase imatinib exposure through transporter and enzyme effects. Both drugs may therefore show increased toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin 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 cyclosporine trough levels and renal function, and adjust the cyclosporine dose as required. Monitor for imatinib adverse effects such as edema, cytopenias and hepatotoxicity.
What other medicines interact with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclosporin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Aliskiren, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cyclosporin page.
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