Drug interactions
Encorafenib + Imatinib
Severity: Major
Encorafenib and Imatinib: major 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, the main enzyme metabolizing encorafenib, and may substantially raise its exposure. Increased encorafenib levels raise the risk of QT prolongation, dermatologic toxicity and other adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Encorafenib 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.
Encorafenib belongs to Oncology; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of encorafenib.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If unavoidable, reduce encorafenib to one-third of the current dose, monitor ECG and electrolytes, and return to the previous dose after imatinib has been stopped for 3-5 half-lives.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Encorafenib 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
Other interactions of Encorafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Encorafenib with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Encorafenib 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. Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme metabolizing encorafenib, and may substantially raise its exposure. Increased encorafenib levels raise the risk of QT prolongation, dermatologic toxicity and other adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Encorafenib 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 if possible. If unavoidable, reduce encorafenib to one-third of the current dose, monitor ECG and electrolytes, and return to the previous dose after imatinib has been stopped for 3-5 half-lives.
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.
