Holy Basil - Actemra (Tocilizumab) Interaction
Herbal: Holy Basil
Also Known As: Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum
Drug: Tocilizumab
Brand names:
Actemra
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Tocilizumab and Holy Basil. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
While holy basil is generally considered a safe supplement with many different medications, and there is no known interaction in this case, it is important to be aware of some of its potential interactions.
Blood Thinning Drugs
- Holy Basil may have mild blood-thinning properties.
- Combining Holy Basil with medications like Warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs could increase the risk of bleeding.
Blood Pressure Medications
- Holy Basil may have mild hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects.
- Combining Holy Basil with medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, could potentially enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects.
Diabetes Medications
- Holy Basil may have a hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effect.
- Combining Holy Basil with diabetes medications like insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs could potentially enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects.
Sedatives
- Holy Basil has calming properties and may enhance the effects of sedatives or anxiety medications.
- Combining Holy Basil with medications like benzodiazepines or sleep aids could potentially increase drowsiness or sedation.
Always talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplement, including Holy Basil. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific medical history, medications, and overall health condition to ensure your safety and well-being.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDHoly Basil Overview
Tocilizumab Overview
-
Tocilizumab injection is used alone or in combination with other medications to relieve the symptoms of certain types of arthritis and other conditions including:
-
rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in adults who have not been helped by other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs),
-
giant cell arteritis (a condition that causes swelling of blood vessels, especially in the scalp and head) in adults,
-
systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD; also known as scleroderma-associated ILD: a lung disease that involves scarring of the lungs) in adults,
-
polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA; a type of childhood arthritis that affects five or more joints during the first six months of the condition, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in children 2 years of age or older.
-
systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA; a condition in children that causes inflammation in different areas of the body, causing fever, joint pain and swelling, loss of function, and delays in growth and development) in children 2 years of age or older,
-
cytokine release syndrome (a severe and possibly life-threatening reaction) in adults and children 2 years of age or older after receiving certain immunotherapy infusions.
-
-
Tocilizumab injection is in a class of medications called interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of interleukin-6, a substance in the body that causes inflammation.
Holy Basil - More Interactions
Holy Basil interacts with 206 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. |
Return to the main herbal interaction checker page
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.