If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you
should not use echinacea without first talking to your healthcare provider: Econazole
Echinacea may be useful in combination with
econazole, an antifungal agent used to treat yeast infections (such as athlete's
foot). When echinacea is used together with econazole, recurrence rates of these
infections may be reduced. Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants refers to a group of
medications that are used for two main purposes -- treat cancer and suppress the
immune system following organ transplant so that the new organ is not rejected.
Because echinacea can enhance immune function, it is not advisable to use the
herb with medications in this class, especially for organ transplant. In terms of cancer treatment, however, a couple of test tube studies imply
that echinacea may prove useful when used in conjunction with cyclophosphamide,
one medication in this class. The idea is that using echinacea with this or
other chemotherapy agents that act as immunosuppressants, may allow the
cancer-fighting medicines to kill the tumors while the immune system continues
to be protected. If this theory proves to be correct, then, echinacea could
possibly prevent many of the untoward side effects of chemotherapy.
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Copyright © 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse
of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage
to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or
otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents
of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds
currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a
guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information
provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare
practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts)
regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications
before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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