False Unicorn - Otezla (Apremilast) Interaction
Herbal: False Unicorn
Also Known As: Chamaelirium luteum, Alétris, Blazing Star, Chamaelire Doré, Devil's Bit, Fairywand, False Unicorn Root, Fausse Licorne, Helonias, Plante Étoilée, Starwort, Unicornio Falso
Drug: Apremilast
Brand names:
Otezla
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Apremilast is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
In vitro, false unicorn extract inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity. Theoretically, false unicorn might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates. Drugs that might be affected include some calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil), chemotherapeutic agents (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), glucocorticoids, cisapride (Propulsid), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl (Sublimaze), losartan (Cozaar), fluoxetine (Prozac), midazolam (Versed), omeprazole (Prilosec), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and numerous 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
- Ho SH, Singh M, Holloway AC, Crankshaw DJ. The effects of commercial preparations of herbal supplements commonly used by women on the biotransformation of fluorogenic substrates by human cytochromes P450. Phytother Res. 2011;25(7):983-9.
False Unicorn Overview
False Unicorn, also known as Chamaelirium luteum, is a plant that belongs to the Melanthiaceae family and is native to North America. It is a perennial herb that has small, white flowers and long, narrow leaves. False Unicorn is known for its root, which is used in traditional medicine for its purported hormonal and reproductive system-related benefits, such as for the treatment of menstrual cramps, infertility, and menopausal symptoms.
Apremilast Overview
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Apremilast is used to treat psoriatic arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain and swelling and scales on the skin). It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) in people who may benefit from medications or phototherapy (a treatment that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light). Apremilast is used to treat ulcers in the mouth in people with Behcet's syndrome (a disorder that causes blood vessel swelling in the body). Apremilast is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation.
False Unicorn - More Interactions
False Unicorn interacts with 718 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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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!
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