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Drug interactions

Insulin lispro + Tongkat ali

Severity: Minor

Insulin lispro and Tongkat ali: 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

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) has been reported to have glucose-lowering activity and could add to insulin's effect. This may cause hypoglycemia, though human data are scarce.

What this interaction means in plain words

Insulin lispro and Tongkat ali have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Possible additive hypoglycemic effect; the mechanism is not well characterized.

What to do

Monitor blood glucose in patients using tongkat ali and reduce the insulin dose if low readings occur.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Insulin lispro with Tongkat ali?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Insulin lispro and Tongkat ali have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) has been reported to have glucose-lowering activity and could add to insulin's effect. This may cause hypoglycemia, though human data are scarce.

How serious is the interaction between Insulin lispro and Tongkat ali?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose in patients using tongkat ali and reduce the insulin dose if low readings occur.

What other medicines interact with Insulin lispro?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin lispro with, for example, Alogliptin-pioglitazone, Ethanol, Metreleptin. The full list is on the Insulin lispro page.

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