Drug interactions
Anti-thymocyte + Echinacea
Severity: Minor
Anti-thymocyte and Echinacea: minor 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
Echinacea has immune-stimulating properties in vitro that could theoretically oppose the immunosuppression of anti-thymocyte globulin. This might reduce its efficacy in preventing or treating transplant rejection, but clinical evidence is lacking.
What this interaction means in plain words
Anti-thymocyte and Echinacea have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Anti-thymocyte belongs to Miscellaneous; Echinacea belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism by immune stimulation; not established clinically.
What to do
Advise transplant patients to avoid echinacea products during immunosuppressive therapy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Anti-thymocyte
- Anti-thymocyte + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anti-thymocyte + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Anti-thymocyte + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anti-thymocyte + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anti-thymocyte + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Anti-thymocyte + Rotavirus oral vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Echinacea
- Alefacept + Echinacea Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Echinacea Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin rabbit + Echinacea Moderate
- Azathioprine + Echinacea Moderate
- Basiliximab + Echinacea Moderate
- Cyclosporin + Echinacea Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Anti-thymocyte with Echinacea?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Anti-thymocyte and Echinacea have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Echinacea has immune-stimulating properties in vitro that could theoretically oppose the immunosuppression of anti-thymocyte globulin. This might reduce its efficacy in preventing or treating transplant rejection, but clinical evidence is lacking.
How serious is the interaction between Anti-thymocyte and Echinacea?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise transplant patients to avoid echinacea products during immunosuppressive therapy.
What other medicines interact with Anti-thymocyte?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Anti-thymocyte with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live. The full list is on the Anti-thymocyte page.
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