Drug interactions
Maitake + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Maitake 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
Maitake mushroom is claimed to stimulate immune function, which could theoretically oppose mercaptopurine immunosuppression. Clinical evidence for any real effect is lacking.
What this interaction means in plain words
Maitake 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 to avoid maitake supplements while on immunosuppressants. If used, monitor for loss of disease control.
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 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 Maitake with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Maitake 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. Maitake mushroom is claimed to stimulate immune function, which could theoretically oppose mercaptopurine immunosuppression. Clinical evidence for any real effect is lacking.
How serious is the interaction between Maitake 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 to avoid maitake supplements while on immunosuppressants. If used, monitor for loss of disease control.
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.
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