Can I take dietary supplements or herbs to alleviate chemotherapy side effects?

It is not recommended to take any dietary supplements or herbs with the goal of alleviating chemotherapy side effects without obtaining explicit approval from your healthcare team [4]. These products can interact with chemotherapy drugs, potentially altering how the drug is absorbed, distributed, or removed from the body, which may lead to reduced treatment effectiveness or increased side effects [4].

Potential Interactions Between Supplements and Chemotherapy

Enzymes and proteins in the body are used to process many cancer drugs. If a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) product interferes with these systems, the cancer drug may not work as it should, reducing therapeutic benefits. For example, some antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, may affect the effectiveness of chemotherapy and may increase the risk of cancer recurrence when used during treatment [4]. Also, some herbs such as St. John's Wort can lower levels of cancer drugs in the blood, making treatment less effective [4].

Examples of Supplements and Herbs That May Interact

• Antioxidants: Vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids (such as catechins in green tea), beta-carotene, and glutathione. Some studies have shown that using them during chemotherapy may increase the risk of mortality and reduce the chances of remaining cancer-free [4].
• Ginseng: May be associated with liver damage when taken with certain cancer drugs [4].
• St. John's Wort: Can interact with other cancer drugs and lower their levels in the blood, reducing their effectiveness. It may also cause side effects such as sensitivity to sunlight, sleep problems, and anxiety [4].
• Thunder God Vine: Can cause many serious side effects, including organ damage, digestive issues, and kidney and liver problems [4].
• Grapefruit: This fruit and its juices can interact with cancer drugs and change how they work in the body [4].

It is very important to discuss any supplements, herbs, or special teas you are considering using with your healthcare team before starting treatment or at any time during it [4].

Safe Strategies for Managing Side Effects

Instead of unproven supplements, there are approved medical methods for managing chemotherapy side effects. Your medical team is the primary resource for providing safe and effective alternatives. For a deeper understanding of how to handle these challenges, you can review Chemotherapy Side Effects Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients (Arabic), which reviews ways to deal with nausea, fatigue, and oral problems [3].

These strategies include:

• Dietary modifications to reduce stomach irritation and avoid nausea [2].
• Meticulous oral and dental care to prevent ulcers and bacterial infections [2].
• Light, appropriate physical activity to reduce feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
• Constant communication with nursing or the doctor to adjust doses of supportive medications prescribed to control pain or vomiting.

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?

In certain cases, home practices are not enough to control symptoms, and some signs may indicate complications that require urgent medical intervention. You must contact your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:

• Fever, chills, or severe sweating (as signs of infection) [2].
• Persistent or bloody diarrhea [2].
• Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents you from consuming fluids or food [2].
• Severe weakness that prevents you from performing simple daily activities [2].
• Any redness, swelling, or discharge at the chemotherapy catheter site (if applicable) [2].
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest [2].
• Severe and persistent headache or the appearance of a new, unexplained rash [2].

Your healthcare team's goal is to ensure your safety, so always keep them informed of any product you are considering adding to your daily regimen to ensure there is no conflict with your overall treatment plan.

Medical references

• Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods and Dietary Supplements - NCI
• After chemotherapy - discharge
• Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer