Echinacea - Stelara (Ustekinumab) Interaction
Herbal: Echinacea
Also Known As: American Cone Flower, Black Sampson, Black Susans, Comb Flower, Coneflower, Echinaceawurzel, Hedgehog, Igelkopfwurzel, Indian Head, Kansas Snakeroot
Drug: Ustekinumab
Brand names:
Stelara
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 20, 2025
Interaction Details
Ustekinumab is classified as belonging to the following category: Immunosuppressants
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy because of its immunostimulant activity.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Chavez ML, Chavez PI. Echinacea. Hosp Pharm 1998;33:180-8.
- Luettig B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, et al. Macrophage activation by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea. J Natl Cancer Inst 1989;81:669-75.
- Stimpel M, Proksch A, Wagner H, et al. Macrophage activation and induction of macrophage cytotoxicity by purified polysaccharide fractions from the plant Echinacea purpurea. Infect Immun 1984;46:845-9.
- Barrett B. Medicinal properties of Echinacea: a critical review. Phytomedicine 2003;10:66-86.
Echinacea Overview
Echinacea is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family and is native to cental and eastern North America. It is known for its purple, cone-shaped flowers. In traditional medicine, echinacea has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. It is believed to work by stimulating the immune system and helping the body to fight off infection. Some studies have suggested that echinacea may be effective at reducing the severity and duration of colds and other respiratory infections, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Ustekinumab Overview
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Ustekinumab injection is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) in adults and children 6 years or older who may benefit from medications or phototherapy (a treatment that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light). It is also used alone or in combination with methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall) to treat psoriatic arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain and swelling and scales on the skin) in adults. Ustekinumab injection is also used to treat Crohn's disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever) in adults. Ustekinumab injection is also used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum) in adults. Ustekinumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by stopping the action of certain cells in the body that cause the symptoms of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Echinacea - More Interactions
Echinacea interacts with 787 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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