Drug interactions
Astragalus + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Astragalus and Mercaptopurine: 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
Astragalus is claimed to stimulate immune activity, which could theoretically counteract the intended immunosuppression of mercaptopurine. Clinical data on this combination are essentially absent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Astragalus and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic opposition from herbal immunostimulation; no established mechanism.
What to do
Advise patients on immunosuppressive therapy to avoid astragalus supplements. If used, monitor for loss of disease control such as IBD flares or transplant rejection.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Astragalus and Mercaptopurine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Mercaptopurine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Febuxostat + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Mercaptopurine + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Astragalus with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Astragalus and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Astragalus is claimed to stimulate immune activity, which could theoretically counteract the intended immunosuppression of mercaptopurine. Clinical data on this combination are essentially absent.
How serious is the interaction between Astragalus and Mercaptopurine?
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 patients on immunosuppressive therapy to avoid astragalus supplements. If used, monitor for loss of disease control such as IBD flares or transplant rejection.
What other medicines interact with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mercaptopurine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Azathioprine, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Mercaptopurine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
