Rhubarb - Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Interaction
Herbal: Rhubarb
Also Known As: Rheum officinale, Chinese Rhubarb, Da Huang, Garden Rhubarb, Himalayan Rhubarb, Indian Rhubarb, Medicinal Rhubarb, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Rhapontic Rhubarb, Rhei, Rewandchini, Rheum, Rhei Radix, Rhubarbe, Rhubarbe de Chine, Rhubarbe Indienne
Drug: Levonorgestrel
Brand names:
Plan B, Mirena, Levonelle One Step, Levonelle 1500, Norgeston, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena
![](https://hellopharmacist.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/OBrXo3ni0aNq6p1xr8LXWNogoaVtCExyhTj9MEzw.jpg)
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 23, 2024
Interaction Details
Levonorgestrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use of rhubarb with potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Some animal research suggests that anthraquinones in rhubarb might have hepatotoxic effects. Also, rhubarb use has been linked to at least 24 cases of liver injury, although details on the dose of rhubarb and duration of use in these cases is unclear.
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
- Byeon JH, Kil JH, Ahn YC, Son CG. Systematic review of published data on herb induced liver injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2019;233:190-6.
- Zhao D, Feng SX, Zhang HJ, et al. Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of five rhubarb anthraquinones in rats after oral administration of effective fraction of anthraquinones from rheum officinale. Xenobiotica. 2021;51(8):916-925.
Rhubarb Overview
![Rhubarb](https://hellopharmacist.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/herbals/width_250/bWwdTZZ3m8dE1LIqmdJm2mTETlmn9XinpcjZoI25.jpg)
Levonorgestrel Overview
-
Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly [e.g., a condom that slipped or broke or birth control pills that were not taken as scheduled]). Levonorgestrel should not be used to prevent pregnancy on a regular basis. This medication is to be used as an emergency contraceptive or backup in case regular birth control fails or is used incorrectly. Levonorgestrel is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or preventing fertilization of the egg by sperm (male reproductive cells). It also may work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent development of a pregnancy. Levonorgestrel may prevent pregnancy, but it will not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Rhubarb - More Interactions
Rhubarb interacts with 630 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.