Drug interactions
Astragalus + Tocilizumab
Severity: Minor
Astragalus and Tocilizumab: 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 function, which could theoretically counter the immunosuppressive effect of tocilizumab. The clinical significance is unknown and no well-documented cases exist.
What this interaction means in plain words
Astragalus and Tocilizumab 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; the mechanism is not established.
What to do
Ask patients about herbal supplement use and advise against astragalus during tocilizumab therapy. Monitor disease control if it is used.
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 Tocilizumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Rubella vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Smallpox vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Astragalus with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Astragalus and Tocilizumab 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 function, which could theoretically counter the immunosuppressive effect of tocilizumab. The clinical significance is unknown and no well-documented cases exist.
How serious is the interaction between Astragalus and Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ask patients about herbal supplement use and advise against astragalus during tocilizumab therapy. Monitor disease control if it is used.
What other medicines interact with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tocilizumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Tocilizumab page.
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