Drug interactions
Heparin + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Heparin 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 can cause thrombocytopenia and other cytopenias, which increases the bleeding risk of anticoagulation with heparin. Heparin is usually preferred over warfarin in imatinib-treated patients because imatinib interacts with warfarin metabolism.
What this interaction means in plain words
Heparin 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.
Heparin belongs to Cardiovascular; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk through imatinib-related myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia combined with heparin anticoagulation.
What to do
Check the platelet count before and during combined therapy and adjust or hold heparin if thrombocytopenia develops. Monitor for bleeding and anti-Xa or aPTT as appropriate.
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 Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
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 Heparin with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Heparin 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 can cause thrombocytopenia and other cytopenias, which increases the bleeding risk of anticoagulation with heparin. Heparin is usually preferred over warfarin in imatinib-treated patients because imatinib interacts with warfarin metabolism.
How serious is the interaction between Heparin 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: Check the platelet count before and during combined therapy and adjust or hold heparin if thrombocytopenia develops. Monitor for bleeding and anti-Xa or aPTT as appropriate.
What other medicines interact with Heparin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Heparin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Oritavancin. The full list is on the Heparin page.
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