Drug interactions
Imatinib + Venetoclax
Severity: Major
Imatinib and Venetoclax: 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
Imatinib may raise venetoclax concentrations through CYP3A4 inhibition. Higher exposure increases the risk of tumor lysis syndrome during ramp-up and of neutropenia. Moderate CYP3A inhibitors require venetoclax dose reduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Venetoclax 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; Venetoclax belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing venetoclax clearance.
What to do
Reduce the venetoclax dose by at least 50% when coadministered with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor. Monitor closely for tumor lysis syndrome and neutropenia.
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 Venetoclax
- Clarithromycin + Venetoclax Contraindicated
- Itraconazole + Venetoclax Contraindicated
- Ketoconazole + Venetoclax Contraindicated
- Posaconazole + Venetoclax Contraindicated
- Venetoclax + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Venetoclax Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Venetoclax?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imatinib and Venetoclax 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 may raise venetoclax concentrations through CYP3A4 inhibition. Higher exposure increases the risk of tumor lysis syndrome during ramp-up and of neutropenia. Moderate CYP3A inhibitors require venetoclax dose reduction.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Venetoclax?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the venetoclax dose by at least 50% when coadministered with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor. Monitor closely for tumor lysis syndrome and neutropenia.
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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