10 replies to this topic

[akjones]

http://www.cbsnews.c...ly-study-warns/

What surprised me is that limes, Seville oranges and pomelos have the same chemical as grapefruit. Has anyone else heard about this, should we be avoiding these other citrus fruits as well?? Does this mean I have to give up Corona?

Andy

[akjones]

Had to look up what a pomelo is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomelo

[Taylor]

I've heard of the other interactions (except for pomelo).  The way I see it, I don't like grapefruit so no worries there.  Hardly anything has Seville oranges in it (they're bitter, so you wouldn't eat them raw), although Earl Grey tea has a derivative from it (but might not have the nasty chemical).

For anything else like limes, I think one in a Corona or two is fine, or squeezed on a fajita, etc.  I think limes probably have a lot less per fruit than grapefruit.

P.S. I think you should give up the Corona and try some Belgian styles, but that's just me

[GerryL]

Seville oranges are mentioned on one or two other sites. What it means for us is your side effects may increase due to the Gleevec hanging around in your liver for a longer period of time. Unless you're taking the high end of Gleevec (800mg), it is probably something more to be aware of.

[Trey]

"Interaction" is the wrong concept.  The issue with these fruits is that they can extend the length of time the drug remains in the body, which effectively increases the dosage. 

Personally, I don't worry about it, and I eat them all.  Especially Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit.  Unless someone is on max dosage (very few are) or has some critical dosing issue, eating these in moderation should not be a problem.

[PhilB]

I seem to recall that the Glivec interaction was more about uptake from the gut than clearance by the liver, and that Glivec is so quickly absorbed that any impact would be marginal if it existed at all.  Either way I certainly don't let it put me off interacting with a grapefruit when I want to.

[felursus]

http://vitals.nbcnew...tists-find?lite

The online NBC article has a link to a chart of drugs in various categories.  It tells you how risky the interaction is (very high, high, medium or low) and what the potential adverse reaction/complication may be. 

[Marnie]

Giving up limes means giving up margaritas.  Can't do it. 

Marnie

[hannibellemo]

Marnie,

I always love your precise answers! Plus, give up margaritas and think of the potential rise in scurvy - scary!

Pat

[felursus]

Regular oranges, such as navels, are ok.  Seville oranges are used in good brands of marmalade.  I don't know how much lime it would take for it to be dangerous - eg whether the slice in your Corona would be harmful.  The degree to which you have to worry depends on whaf drug you are taking - and also your age.

[Trey]

The most important issue is whether a person is on max dosage or not.  As discussed previously, very few of us are on max dosage for our drug, so it does not matter for 90% of us.