Drug interactions
Astragalus + Azathioprine
Severity: Moderate
Astragalus and Azathioprine: 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
Astragalus has reported immune-stimulating properties that could in theory oppose the effect of azathioprine. This may reduce immunosuppressive control, for example in transplant or autoimmune disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Astragalus and Azathioprine 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.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between herbal immune stimulation and azathioprine immunosuppression.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid astragalus while on azathioprine. If used, monitor for disease flare or graft dysfunction.
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 Azathioprine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Azathioprine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Febuxostat Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Astragalus with Azathioprine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Astragalus and Azathioprine 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. Astragalus has reported immune-stimulating properties that could in theory oppose the effect of azathioprine. This may reduce immunosuppressive control, for example in transplant or autoimmune disease.
How serious is the interaction between Astragalus and Azathioprine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid astragalus while on azathioprine. If used, monitor for disease flare or graft dysfunction.
What other medicines interact with Azathioprine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Azathioprine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Febuxostat. The full list is on the Azathioprine page.
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