Drug interactions
Imatinib + Nelfinavir
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib and Nelfinavir: 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
Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise imatinib concentrations. This increases the risk of imatinib toxicity, including edema, cytopenias, and hepatotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Nelfinavir 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; Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated imatinib metabolism by nelfinavir.
What to do
Monitor blood counts, liver tests and fluid status, and consider reducing the imatinib dose if toxicity appears.
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 Nelfinavir
- Alfuzosin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Nelfinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Nelfinavir 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. Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise imatinib concentrations. This increases the risk of imatinib toxicity, including edema, cytopenias, and hepatotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Nelfinavir?
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, liver tests and fluid status, and consider reducing the imatinib dose if toxicity appears.
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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