Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen 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 gastrointestinal bleeding, and ibuprofen adds antiplatelet effects and gastric injury. The combination may increase the risk of hemorrhage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen 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.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk from imatinib-related thrombocytopenia and NSAID platelet inhibition and mucosal damage.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and watch for gastrointestinal or other bleeding; prefer paracetamol for analgesia when platelet counts are low.
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 Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen 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 Ibuprofen with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen 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 gastrointestinal bleeding, and ibuprofen adds antiplatelet effects and gastric injury. The combination may increase the risk of hemorrhage.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen 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 blood counts and watch for gastrointestinal or other bleeding; prefer paracetamol for analgesia when platelet counts are low.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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