For most people, taking a new medication may mean switching up your lifestyle a bit and that includes the foods you eat. A food-drug interaction means that a specific nutrient or compound within the food changes the way your body metabolizes the medication, and this can either enhance or reduce the dose your body gets, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The potential results: an increased risk of side effects, many of which can be dangerous, or the drug not working as it was intended.
Before introducing a medication, ask your pharmacist about any food interactions, including with alcohol, and any adjustments you may have to make to your diet.
What is Ibrance?
Ibrance is a brand of Palbociclib a medication used in combination with anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), or letrozole (Femara) to treat a certain type of hormone receptor-positive, advanced breast cancer (breast cancer that depends on hormones such as estrogen to grow) or breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods) or in men.
Ibrance is also used along with fulvestrant (Faslodex) to treat a certain type of hormone receptor-positive, advanced breast cancer (breast cancer that depends on hormones such as estrogen to grow) or breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in people who have been treated with an antiestrogen medication such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Palbociclib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
How should Ibrance be used?
Ibrance comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once daily for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. Your doctor will decide how many times you should repeat this cycle. Take Ibrance at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take palbociclib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or crush them. Do not take capsules that are broken or cracked.
If you vomit after taking palbociclib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may decrease your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with palbociclib. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
What foods should I avoid while on Ibrance?
In addition to avoiding grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit products while on Ibrance therapy, a new study published in the journal Cell Chemical Biology, has also suggested that breast cancer patients taking such therapy avoid foods rich in xenoestrogens.
Xenoestrogens are “foreign” estrogens, substances that are close enough in molecular structure to estrogen that they can bind to estrogen receptor sites with potentially hazardous outcomes.
To avoid such unfavorable outcomes, you should also avoid the following foods which can alter the levels of estrogen in the body:
Beef: Some studies have shown that red and processed meats may increase estrogen in the body, so limiting these foods may support estrogen regulation and enhance the effectiveness of Ibrance (palbociclib).
Chamomile tea: German chamomile might act like estrogen in the body. Exposure to chamomile can worsen hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids and limit the effectiveness of Ibrance (palbociclib).
Corn oil: The inclusion of corn oil in the diet increases the levels of cholesterol, progesterone, estradiol, and insulin. You should avoid corn oil while on Ibrance (palbociclib).
Grapefruit: Grapefruit & grapefruit juice should be avoided while on Ibrance (palbociclib). Preliminary evidence from animal studies shows that grapes may have an aromatase-inhibiting effect, decreasing estrogen synthesis and increasing androgen precursors.
Smoked meat or fish: Meats cooked at high temperatures, as are grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats, have long been associated with carcinogenic chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Lemons & limes: Limes are a rich source of plant estrogens called isoflavones which can influence your levels of estrogen and affect how Ibrance (palbociclib) works.
Safflower oil: Fats in the diet, such as those found in safflower oil, are essential for hormone regulation and memory. But they can also influence hormonal balance so it’s best to avoid them while on Ibrance (palbociclib).
Soy Bean products: Soy protein isolate, soybean oil, soybean paste, and other soybean products should be avoided while on Ibrance (palbociclib). Soy is unique in that it contains a high concentration of isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen (phytoestrogen) that is similar in function to human estrogen but with much weaker effects. Soy isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and cause either weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity.
Sunflower oil: Sesame and sunflower seeds are among the highest of all estrogenic foods, consuming oil from these seeds while on Ibrance (palbociclib) can negatively affect how this medication works.
Can I drink wine while taking Ibrance?
For most people, drinking alcohol worsens the side effects of Ibrance. Drinking alcohol can irritate sores and also make the pain worse.
What are the side effects of Ibrance?
Like most drugs, Ibrance may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common ones. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Ibrance is taken with certain other medications. The side effects of Ibrance can vary depending on the medication you’re taking it with.
Keep in mind that the side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Ibrance. They may also suggest ways to help with managing the side effects of Ibrance.
Mild side effects
Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects Ibrance can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the prescribing information for Ibrance tablets and capsules.
Mild side effects of Ibrance that have been reported include:
- anemia (low red blood cells), which may lead to dizziness or weakness
- low platelets in your blood, which may cause bruising or minor bleeding
- fatigue (low energy)
- mouth pain or sores
- hair thinning or hair loss*
- stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- skin rash*
- increased liver enzymes on blood test results
- changes in your sense of taste
- mild infections, such as the common cold
- blurred vision
- dry eyes
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest ways to prevent or manage certain side effects.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Ibrance can occur. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Ibrance that have been reported include:
- neutropenia (low level of certain white blood cells)*
- very low levels of other blood cells, such as red blood cells or platelets
- serious lung problems, such as pneumonitis (swelling in your lungs), which may cause shortness of breath and can be life threatening
- allergic reaction*
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
