Drug interactions
Gefitinib + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Gefitinib 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
Gefitinib is metabolized by CYP3A4 and imatinib inhibits this enzyme, so gefitinib exposure may increase. This could worsen diarrhea, rash and liver toxicity, and rarely interstitial lung disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gefitinib 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.
Gefitinib belongs to Oncology; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of gefitinib.
What to do
Monitor for diarrhea, skin reactions and liver enzymes, and interrupt or reduce gefitinib if toxicity occurs.
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 Gefitinib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gefitinib with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gefitinib 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. Gefitinib is metabolized by CYP3A4 and imatinib inhibits this enzyme, so gefitinib exposure may increase. This could worsen diarrhea, rash and liver toxicity, and rarely interstitial lung disease.
How serious is the interaction between Gefitinib 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 for diarrhea, skin reactions and liver enzymes, and interrupt or reduce gefitinib if toxicity occurs.
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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