Chlorella - Interferon Alfa-2b Interaction
Herbal: Chlorella
Also Known As: Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Algue Verte d'Eau Douce, Bulgarian Chlorella, Bulgarian Green Algae, Chinese Chlorella, Chlorella Algae, Chlorelle, Clorela, Freshwater Green Algae, Freshwater Seaweed, Green Alga, Green Algae, Japanese Chlorella, Seaweed, Yaeyama Chlorella
Drug: Interferon Alfa-2b
Brand names:
Rebetron, Intron A, Viraferon
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 11, 2025
Interaction Details
Interferon Alfa-2b is classified as belonging to the following category: Photosensitizing Drugs
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Chlorella has been reported to cause photosensitization. In five case reports, patients who had ingested chlorella exhibited swelling followed by erythematopurpuric lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs may exacerbate effects.
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
- Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York, NY: William Morrow and Co., 1999.
- Jitsukawa K, Suizu R, Hidano A. Chlorella photosensitization. New phytophotodermatosis. Int J Dermatol 1984;23:263-8.
Chlorella Overview
Chlorella is a type of single-celled green algae found in freshwater which contains several different vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, such as carotenoids, zeaxanthin, lutein, fiber, nucleic acids, B12, B6, methyl cobalamine, folate, vitamin K, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Chlorella is purported to have detoxifying properties and is often used as a supplement to help support the liver and kidneys. It is also thought to have immune-boosting effects and may help to reduce inflammation.
Interferon Alfa-2b Overview
-
Interferon alfa-2b injection is used to treat a number of conditions.
-
Interferon alfa-2b injection is used
-
alone or in combination with ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere) to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage,
-
to treat chronic hepatitis B infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage,
-
to treat hairy cell leukemia (a white blood cell cancer),
-
to treat genital warts,
-
to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of cancer that causes abnormal tissue to grow on different parts of the body) related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),
-
to treat malignant melanoma (a cancer that begins in certain skin cells) in certain people who have had surgery to remove the cancer,
-
along with another medication to treat follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL; a slow-growing blood cancer).
-
-
Interferon alfa-2b is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. Interferon alfa-2b works to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) by decreasing the amount virus in the body. Interferon alfa-2b may not cure hepatitis B or hepatitis C or prevent you from developing complications from these infections such as cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer. It also may not prevent the spread of hepatitis B or C to other people. It is not known exactly how interferon alfa-2b works to treat cancer or genital warts.
Chlorella - More Interactions
Chlorella interacts with 335 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