Drug interactions
Imatinib + Naproxen
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib and Naproxen: 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 occasionally gastrointestinal bleeding, and naproxen impairs platelet aggregation and damages gastric mucosa. Used together, bleeding risk is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Naproxen 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 belongs to Oncology; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect on hemostasis: imatinib-related reduction in platelet count plus NSAID platelet dysfunction and mucosal injury.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and watch for bleeding signs, particularly with low platelets. Prefer paracetamol for analgesia when possible and consider gastroprotection if an NSAID is needed.
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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen 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 Imatinib with Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Naproxen 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 occasionally gastrointestinal bleeding, and naproxen impairs platelet aggregation and damages gastric mucosa. Used together, bleeding risk is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Naproxen?
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 bleeding signs, particularly with low platelets. Prefer paracetamol for analgesia when possible and consider gastroprotection if an NSAID is needed.
What other medicines interact with Naproxen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.
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