Cordyceps - Imfinzi (Durvalumab) Interaction
Herbal: Cordyceps
Also Known As: Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Caterpillar Fungus, Caterpillar Mushroom, Champignon Chenille, Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Cs-4, Dong Chong Xia Cao, Dong Chong Zia Cao, Hsia Ts'Ao Tung Ch'Ung, Jinshuibao Jiaonang, Jinshuibao Pian, Tochukaso, Vegetable Caterpillar
Drug: Durvalumab
Brand names:
Imfinzi
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Durvalumab is classified as belonging to the following category: Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that cordyceps stimulates the immune system. However, limited clinical research suggests that taking cordyceps may lower the necessary therapeutic dose of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, which suggests that cordyceps may have an immunosuppressive effect.
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
- Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis: part I. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:289-303.
- Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: part II. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:429-57.
- Chen YJ, Shiao MS, Lee SS, Wang SY. Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the proliferation and differentiation of human leukemic U937 cells. Life Sci 1997;60:2349-59.
- Chen GZ, Chen GL, Sun T, et al. Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on murine T lymphocyte subsets. Chin Med J (English) 1991;104:4-8.
- Zhu XY, Yu HY. [Immunosuppressive effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on cellular immune response]. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1990;10:485-7, 454.
- Hong T, Zhang M, Fan J. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for kidney transplant recipients (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009698. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009698.pub2.
Cordyceps Overview
Cordyceps is a type of fungi that grows on insects and other small animals. It is found in many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and North America but when used as a dietary supplement, specific cells (Cs-4 strain) of the fungus can be cultivated in a laboratory. In traditional medicine, cordyceps is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including respiratory problems, fatigue, and weakness. It is also used to improve athletic performance and boost the immune system but more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks
Durvalumab Overview
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Durvalumab is used alone to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that spread to nearby tissues and cannot be removed by surgery but has not worsened after being treated with other chemotherapy medications and radiation treatments. It is also used in combination with tremelimumab-actl (Imjudo) and platinum-based chemotherapy to treat a certain type of NSCLC that has spread throughout the lungs and to other parts of the body. Durvalumab injection is also used in combination with chemotherapy agents to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) in adults whose cancer has spread throughout the lungs and to other parts of the body. It is also used in combination with chemotherapy agents to treat biliary tract cancer (BTC; cancer in the organs and ducts that make and store bile, the liquid made by the liver) in adults whose cancer has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body. Durvalumab is also used in combination with tremelimumab-actl to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer) that cannot be treated with surgery. Durvalumab injection 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.
Cordyceps - More Interactions
Cordyceps interacts with 239 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.
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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!
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