Bee Venom - Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) Interaction
Herbal: Bee Venom
Also Known As: Apis Venenum Purum, Apitoxin, Apitoxine, Pure Bee Venom, Yellow Hornet, Yellow-Jacket Venom
Drug: Atezolizumab
Brand names:
Tecentriq
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 22, 2025
Interaction Details
Atezolizumab is classified as belonging to the following category: Immunosuppressants
Bee venom might stimulate immune system activity.Theoretically, bee venom might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
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
- Cuende E, Fraguas J, Pena JE, et al. Beekeepers' arthropathy. J Rheumatol 1999;26:2684-90.
- Bomalaski JS, Ford T, Hudson AP, Clark MA. Phospholipase A2-activating protein induces the synthesis of IL-1 and TNF in human monocytes. J Immunol 1995;154:4027-31.
Bee Venom Overview
Bee venom, a liquid produced by honeybee glands, is used in traditional medicine in Asia, eastern Europe, and South America. It contains melittin, which is believed to have therapeutic effects, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), a major antigen responsible for adverse effects. Other components include serotonin, hyaluronidase, and histamine. PLA2 causes smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure reduction. Bee venom stimulates an allergenic response and decreases leukocyte sensitivity, making it useful for desensitization to bee stings. However, it also has pro-inflammatory effects and can sensitize nociceptor cells, inducing pain.
Atezolizumab Overview
-
Atezolizumab injection is used alone or with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults. Atezolizumab injection is also used in combination with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and melanoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults. Atezolizumab is also used alone to treat certain types of alveolar soft tissue sarcomas (cancer that forms in muscles, fat, or nerves) in adults and children 2 years of age or older. Atezolizumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the action of a certain protein in cancer cells. This helps the person's immune system to fight against the cancer cells, and helps to slow tumor growth.
-
Your doctor will review your specific type of cancer and past treatment history and other available treatments to determine if atezolizumab injection is right for you.
Bee Venom - More Interactions
Bee Venom interacts with 112 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 supplement 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.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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!
Ask A Pharmacist