Eating Grapefruit while taking Hydroxyurea

[Sheena2020]

I have PV and have been taking Hydroxyurea for 3 years. I recently ran across some information online that one should not eat grapefruit while taking it, but my doctors never told me to avoid eating grapefruit. Anyone heard of this from a reliable source? Thanks!

UPDATE: I sent a message to my MPN Specialist's office and they told me there is no interaction noted with grapefruit/grapefruit juice and Hydroxyurea.

[hunter5582]

I have never heard of an issue with hydroxyurea and grapefruit. Grapefruit can interact with some drugs, which is why there is usually a warning on the instructions that come with the medication. I check the drug-food interaction on the professional version epocrates app. epocrates.com/online/intera... . It does not show any interaction.

Suggest you review your concern with either your MPN care team of pharmacist for verification.

[Sheena2020 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you for checking! I do plan on asking at my next appointment. The hematologist that originally prescribed Hydroxyurea to me told me what to expect when taking it, like staying out of the sun, but never mentioned grapefruit!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hi Sheena2020, I have not heard this either, and it is not in the patient information leaflet in my box, I have just checked. Can you tell me where you read this information, thanks.

Grapefruit and Seville oranges should be avoided if you are taking Ruxolitinib (jakavi).

Best wishes, Maz

[Sheena2020 in reply to Mazcd]

Thank you for checking your leaflet! I have read a lot about Hydroxyurea in the past 3 years and have never read about grapefruit. Nor have any of the doctors I have seen told me about it. But I do plan on asking at my next appointment.

This is where I found that info...

nutritionalnews.net/foods-t...

Like I said, it may not be a reliable source.

[CelticCrow68]

taken from the Cancer Research page on Hydroxy

Cancer drugs can interact with medicines, herbal products, and some food and drinks. We are unable to list all the possible interactions that may happen. An example is grapefruit or grapefruit juice which can increase the side effects of certain drugs.

Tell your healthcare team about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies. Also let them know about any other medical conditions or allergies you may have.

[Sheena2020 in reply to CelticCrow68]

I have also read that certain cancer drugs had possible interactions with grapefruit, but not specifically Hydroxyurea. I don't eat a lot of grapefruit, but I do plan on asking about this at my next appointment.

[bjay22]

I've only heard about possible problems with eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice if you take statins.

[Otterfield]

I never heard this about Hydroxycarbamide, but we should not have it with Anagrelide or Ruxolitinib. Also no Seville Oranges with Ruxolitinib.

[Sheena2020 in reply to Otterfield]

Yes, I read that too.

[msr6637]

I don't know about grapefruit interacting with Hydrea. However,

"Recent studies have shown that eating 1/2 to a whole grapefruit every day can lower your hematocrit levels.[3] The higher your levels, the more effective grapefruit will be.

◦ This is because naringin, a flavonoid seen in high concentrations in grapefruit, can lead to phagocytosis, which is a process that naturally removes red blood cells from your blood, converting them into other uses.

Mexican oregano has a much higher amount of naringin than grapefruit.

A few years ago, I used both of these to avoid a phlebotomy. IT WORKED !!!