Drug interactions
Imatinib + Vemurafenib
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib and Vemurafenib: 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 may raise vemurafenib levels through CYP3A4 inhibition. Vemurafenib itself can prolong the QT interval and cause hepatotoxicity, so higher exposure is a concern. Vemurafenib is also a CYP3A4 inducer and may in turn lower imatinib levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Vemurafenib 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; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of vemurafenib, while vemurafenib may induce CYP3A4 and lower imatinib levels.
What to do
Monitor ECG, electrolytes and liver tests. Watch for loss of imatinib efficacy or vemurafenib toxicity.
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 Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Vemurafenib 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 may raise vemurafenib levels through CYP3A4 inhibition. Vemurafenib itself can prolong the QT interval and cause hepatotoxicity, so higher exposure is a concern. Vemurafenib is also a CYP3A4 inducer and may in turn lower imatinib levels.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Vemurafenib?
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 ECG, electrolytes and liver tests. Watch for loss of imatinib efficacy or vemurafenib toxicity.
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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