Anastrozole and Oranges

AJ218x
AJ218x Member Posts: 5
edited December 2021 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

hello,

I am currently on anastrozole. I asked my oncologist if it is okay to eat oranges while on this medication (I was worried that it may interfere with it as grapefruit does with other medications), and she said it was fine to eat them/drink orange juice


however, I would like to hear what other oncologists have said about orange juice/oranges and anastrozole.


I looked up some articles, and it did say it could make the medication less effective. I won't be eating oranges anymore, but I'm curious to hear other thoughts.

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Comments

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited December 2021

    I have been on anastrozole, letrozole and Exemestane. Never heard mention of a problem with respect to oj nor grapefruit. I’ve been on AI’s for 10 years. Is there a reason why you are doubting your mo?

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  • AJ218x
    AJ218x Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2021

    I randomly came across another forum that mentioned citrus fruits interfering with anastrozole, which made me ask my oncologist (I was worried because I have been eating a lot of oranges lately). She told me it was fine to eat oranges/drink orange juice.

    I then asked my aunt who had breast cancer as well, and she told me her oncologist told her to stay away from soy and grapefruits as it can have interactions with medications (including cancer meds).


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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited December 2021

    This stuff comes up in my profession. We tend to tell people to stay away from grapefruit if they are on numerous meds, because grapefruit juice does have many med interactions. It's a better safe than sorry thing.

    I did some searching and could not find anything convincing to make me think oranges are dangerous with aromatase inhibitors. There's one website that suggests it (with the peel/pith being the concern), but according to them there's a whole lot of things to avoid. Like a whole lot. I honestly feel like a lot of that is quite a stretch and assumes the consumption of large quantities. I've always felt if it's a problem, it's on the package insert. Besides, are you munching on orange peels all day?

    I honestly wouldn't worry about it.


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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited December 2021

    I have been on Anastrozole for almost eight years. I have some orange juice or a mixture of orange and lemon juice each morning. Still kicking. 😁

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited December 2021

    I found this article that says only seville oranges have been found to inhibit CYP3A4 as grapefruit does.

    https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/2005-12-5042

    I haven't checked the sources though.

    I take the anastrazole on an empty stomach around 4am between sleeps.

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  • AJ218x
    AJ218x Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2021

    Thank you for all the info. It makes me feel more at ease. I just get so worried about every little thing ever since I've been diagnosed.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited December 2021

    Yes, I consulted a professional at a cancer center and she said for those meds that require avoiding grapefruit, to also avoid Sevilla oranges. But other oranges are ok.

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  • GG27
    GG27 Member Posts: 2,128
    edited December 2021

    I too was told to avoid grapefruit & Seville oranges. They aren't eating oranges, they are used in the production of marmalade.

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