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Drug interactions

Imatinib + Zidovudine

Severity: Moderate

Imatinib and Zidovudine: 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 frequently causes neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia, which may be compounded by zidovudine. The combination can result in more pronounced cytopenias.

What this interaction means in plain words

Imatinib and Zidovudine 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; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive myelosuppression through pharmacodynamic synergism.

What to do

Monitor complete blood counts frequently, and adjust imatinib dosing or interrupt treatment per labeling if severe cytopenias occur. Consider a non-zidovudine regimen if cytopenias persist.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Imatinib with Zidovudine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Zidovudine 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 frequently causes neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia, which may be compounded by zidovudine. The combination can result in more pronounced cytopenias.

How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Zidovudine?

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 complete blood counts frequently, and adjust imatinib dosing or interrupt treatment per labeling if severe cytopenias occur. Consider a non-zidovudine regimen if cytopenias persist.

What other medicines interact with Zidovudine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Zidovudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Stavudine, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Zidovudine page.

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