Drug interactions
Dabrafenib + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Dabrafenib 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 may raise dabrafenib concentrations by inhibiting CYP3A4 and CYP2C8, which contribute to its clearance. Dabrafenib in turn induces CYP3A4 and may reduce imatinib levels over time, so the net effect on both drugs is unpredictable. This may increase dabrafenib toxicity such as pyrexia and skin reactions or reduce imatinib efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dabrafenib 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.
Dabrafenib belongs to Oncology; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of dabrafenib, while dabrafenib induces CYP3A4, which metabolizes imatinib.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If used together, monitor for dabrafenib toxicity and for loss of imatinib response, and consider imatinib plasma level monitoring.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Other interactions of Dabrafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dabrafenib with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dabrafenib 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 may raise dabrafenib concentrations by inhibiting CYP3A4 and CYP2C8, which contribute to its clearance. Dabrafenib in turn induces CYP3A4 and may reduce imatinib levels over time, so the net effect on both drugs is unpredictable. This may increase dabrafenib toxicity such as pyrexia and skin reactions or reduce imatinib efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Dabrafenib 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: Avoid the combination where possible. If used together, monitor for dabrafenib toxicity and for loss of imatinib response, and consider imatinib plasma level monitoring.
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.
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