Complementary and alternative medicine
Use of complementary and alternative medicine is common among the general population and cancer survivors. Some even believe taking herbal or other alternative supplements can cure their cancer and prevent cancer recurrence.
We advise caution for using complementary and alternative medicine, especially during chemotherapy.
- Many herbal supplements may have potential interactions with chemotherapy drugs.
- We also advise being an informed consumer and not being enticed by commercial advertisements for numerous products in stores or available through online purchases.
- You may check potential drug interactions by using this link to the website of natural and complementary products.
- You may also check the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website and follow the key points.
Herbs and drug interactions:
To reduce nausea:
Supplements to avoid during chemotherapy:
- St. John Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- Foods and Supplements that are metabolized in the liver: such as grapefruit juice
- Ginkgo extracts
- Chaparral
- Other drugs that can cause liver damage
Another useful website is from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
