Drug interactions
Imatinib + Tofacitinib
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib and Tofacitinib: 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 is a CYP3A4 inhibitor, though moderate rather than potent. It may raise tofacitinib exposure and add myelosuppressive effects, increasing risk of infection and cytopenias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Tofacitinib 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; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated tofacitinib metabolism plus additive hematologic and immunosuppressive effects.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and signs of infection, and consider reducing the tofacitinib dose if toxicity appears. Reassess the need for both drugs regularly.
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 Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Cladribine + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Tofacitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Tofacitinib Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Tofacitinib Major
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Tofacitinib 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 Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Tofacitinib 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 is a CYP3A4 inhibitor, though moderate rather than potent. It may raise tofacitinib exposure and add myelosuppressive effects, increasing risk of infection and cytopenias.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Tofacitinib?
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 signs of infection, and consider reducing the tofacitinib dose if toxicity appears. Reassess the need for both drugs regularly.
What other medicines interact with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tofacitinib with, for example, Baricitinib, Cladribine, Upadacitinib. The full list is on the Tofacitinib page.
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