Drug interactions
Echinacea + Glatiramer
Severity: Minor
Echinacea and Glatiramer: 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 may theoretically stimulate immune responses and oppose the immunomodulatory effect of glatiramer in multiple sclerosis. This could risk reduced disease control. There is no clinical evidence of an actual effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Echinacea and Glatiramer 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 belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Glatiramer belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic opposition between immune stimulation and immunomodulation.
What to do
Advise patients with multiple sclerosis to avoid echinacea. Monitor for relapse 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 Echinacea
- Alefacept + Echinacea Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Echinacea Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin rabbit + Echinacea Moderate
- Azathioprine + Echinacea Moderate
- Basiliximab + Echinacea Moderate
- Cyclosporine + Echinacea Moderate
Other interactions of Glatiramer
- Anakinra + Glatiramer Minor
- Anti-thymocyte + Glatiramer Minor
- Basiliximab + Glatiramer Minor
- Denosumab + Glatiramer Minor
- Etanercept + Glatiramer Minor
- Glatiramer + Golimumab Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Echinacea with Glatiramer?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Echinacea and Glatiramer 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 may theoretically stimulate immune responses and oppose the immunomodulatory effect of glatiramer in multiple sclerosis. This could risk reduced disease control. There is no clinical evidence of an actual effect.
How serious is the interaction between Echinacea and Glatiramer?
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 with multiple sclerosis to avoid echinacea. Monitor for relapse if it is used.
What other medicines interact with Echinacea?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Echinacea with, for example, Alefacept, Antithymocyte globulin equine, Antithymocyte globulin rabbit. The full list is on the Echinacea page.
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