Valerian - Bavencio (Avelumab) 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: Avelumab
Brand names:
Bavencio
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Avelumab 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
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its strong, distinctive odor and its purported medicinal effects.
Valerian contains a number of active compounds, including valerenic acid and valepotriates, which are believed to have a sedative effect on the body and are may to be helpful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Valerian is also believed to have mild tranquilizing and muscle-relaxing properties and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders.
The root of the valerian plant is most commonly utilized in dietary supplements and is often standardized for valerenic acid content.
Avelumab Overview
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Avelumab injection is used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC; a type of skin cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Avelumab injection is also used to treat urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract) that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body in people whose cancer worsened during or within 12 months after it was treated with platinum chemotherapy medications. It is also used as ongoing treatment for urothelial cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body to help maintain the response to platinum chemotherapy. Avelumab injection is also used in combination with axitinib (Inlyta) as a first treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC; cancer that begins in the kidney) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. Avelumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping the body to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
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.
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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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