Ibrance and Diet: What Foods and Drinks Should You Avoid?

Turmeric (also known as curcumin) is an herb usedTrusted Source in dietary supplements for several health conditions. Scientists don’t know for sure if Ibrance interacts with turmeric. Some research suggests it may slow down how your body processesTrusted Source Ibrance. But the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets doesn’t recommend avoiding it.

Scientists are researchingTrusted Source turmeric as a treatment for cancer. Although it may have some beneficial effects, there’s not enough evidence yet to recommend it as a treatment.

Seek professional medical advice before ingesting turmeric with Ibrance. Healthcare professionals can help you determine if it’s safe to do so.

One older sourceTrusted Source suggests avoiding St. John’s wort when taking Ibrance. St. John’s wort is a dietary supplement promoted for many uses, such as an aid to help treat depression. But research shows that it can interactTrusted Source in serious or life threatening ways with several medications.

If you have questions about eating specific foods while taking Ibrance, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional. Also, tell them about any medications you take and any allergies or medical conditions you have. This includes supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter drugs.

Alcohol is not known to interact with Ibrance. But Ibrance can cause similar side effects as alcohol, including tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. So you may be more likely to have these side effects if you drink alcohol during Ibrance treatment.

Talk with a healthcare professional if you have questions about drinking alcohol with Ibrance.

Ibrance may also cause serious side effects, including:

• low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that protects the body from infection)
• lung problems or pneumonitis (severe inflammation of the lungs that may be fatal)
• chest pain
• cough
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Tell your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms while taking Ibrance. If you have serious side effects, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

If you are taking Ibrance, your diet can affect how well the medication works. Follow these simple tips to stay safe during your treatment:

• Avoid grapefruit: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. It can cause too much medication to build up in your body, which increases your risk of side effects.
• Watch for other fruits: Some doctors also suggest avoiding starfruit, pomegranate, and Seville oranges (often used in marmalade).
• Be careful with herbs: Stay away from St. John’s wort. You should also talk with your doctor before using turmeric supplements, as they may interfere with your treatment.
• Limit alcohol: Alcohol does not have a known “drug interaction” with Ibrance, but it can make side effects like nausea, tiredness, and mouth sores feel much worse.
• Ask your doctor: Always tell your healthcare team about any vitamins or herbs you take to make sure they are safe for you.