Valerian - Opdivo (Nivolumab) Interaction
Herbal: Valerian
Also Known As: Valeriana officinalis, All-Heal, Amantilla, Baldrian, Baldrianwurzel, Belgium Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Garden Valerian, Tagar, Tagara, Valeriana, Valeriana Pseudofficinalis, Valériane Mexicaine
Drug: Nivolumab
Brand names:
Opdivo
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 26, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Nivolumab and Valerian. 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 there is no known interaction between valerian and the drug in question here, it does have potential interactions with other drugs that are important to be aware of.
For example, valerian may enhance the effects of central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. This means that combining valerian with these drugs can lead to excessive sedation and other side effects, such as dizziness and impaired coordination.
Similarly, if you take a drug that causes you to feel tired (e.g., Benadryl), valerian may enhance that effect.
Valerian may also interact with certain medications metabolized by the liver, such as statins and some antidepressants, as it can affect the liver enzymes that break down these drugs. For example, valerian may affect drugs metabolized via the CYP3A4 enzyme.
This can result in increased levels of these medications in the bloodstream, leading to potential side effects and toxicity.
We have hundreds of interactions listed for valerian that you can find in this interaction tool, but as always, if you are taking any prescription medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before using valerian or any other supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDValerian Overview
Nivolumab Overview
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Nivolumab injection is used alone or in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) to treat certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults and children 12 years of age or older that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. It is also used alone to prevent melanoma from returning after surgery. Nivolumab injection is also used in alone or in combination with ipilimumab and/or other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC), renal cell cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys), Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), head and neck cancer, urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract), colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer), esophageal cancer (cancer of the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), gastric cancer (cancer of the stomach) or gastroesophageal junction cancer (cancer located in the area where the stomach meets the esophagus), and malignant pleural mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the inside lining of the lungs and chest cavity). Nivolumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
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Your doctor will review your specific type of cancer and past treatment history and other available treatments to determine if nivolumab is right for you.
Valerian - More Interactions
Valerian interacts with 878 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.