Drug interactions
Imatinib + Rifapentine
Severity: Major
Imatinib and Rifapentine: major 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
Rifapentine induces CYP3A4 and can substantially lower imatinib exposure, risking treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Rifapentine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Imatinib belongs to Oncology; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by rifapentine increases imatinib clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible and choose alternative antimycobacterial therapy. If unavoidable, increase the imatinib dose per labeling and monitor response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imatinib and Rifapentine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Rifapentine induces CYP3A4 and can substantially lower imatinib exposure, risking treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible and choose alternative antimycobacterial therapy. If unavoidable, increase the imatinib dose per labeling and monitor response.
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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