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Drug Interactions between Gleevec and Tasigna

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

imatinib nilotinib

Applies to: Gleevec (imatinib) and Tasigna (nilotinib)

Imatinib may increase the blood levels of nilotinib. High blood levels of nilotinib can increase the risk and/or severity of side effects such as anemia, bleeding problems, infections, and irregular heart rhythm. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if you develop paleness, fatigue, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, or signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Major

nilotinib food

Applies to: Tasigna (nilotinib)

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with nilotinib unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of nilotinib to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with nilotinib. Food may also increase the blood levels of nilotinib. Therefore, you should take nilotinib on an empty stomach, meaning no food should be eaten for at least two hours before or one hour after taking nilotinib. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

imatinib food

Applies to: Gleevec (imatinib)

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as imatinib. You should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with imatinib. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Bcr-abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors' category:

  • Gleevec (imatinib)
  • Tasigna (nilotinib)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.