Drug interactions
Cat's claw + Tocilizumab
Severity: Minor
Cat's claw 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
Cat's claw is claimed to have immunomodulating properties, which in theory could oppose or alter the effect of an immunosuppressant like tocilizumab. Clinical data are lacking and any effect is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cat's claw 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
Possible immunomodulatory activity of cat's claw constituents; the mechanism is not established.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid unregulated herbal immunomodulators during tocilizumab therapy. Monitor disease activity and infection if the patient continues to use it.
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 Cat's claw with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cat's claw 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. Cat's claw is claimed to have immunomodulating properties, which in theory could oppose or alter the effect of an immunosuppressant like tocilizumab. Clinical data are lacking and any effect is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Cat's claw 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: Advise patients to avoid unregulated herbal immunomodulators during tocilizumab therapy. Monitor disease activity and infection if the patient continues to use it.
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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