Hi, I drink lots of green tea which has a friend worried as they heard something this week stating that it not good for you if taking post cancer meds. Couldn't find anything online so just wondering if any truth in it. Anyone else heard this?
Hello and a very warm welcome to Cancer Chat, TB23.
I've had a quick look on our website for more information on green tea and cancer medications, and found some information: Green tea
It has some detail on using green tea safely, which says that: "like any other herbal product or drug, it may affect how you absorb medicines and may change the way some drugs work.
A laboratory study in 2013 showed that the substance in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) might increase the actions of some anti cancer drugs. But this substance may also reduce the effect of other drugs.
Recent research has raised concerns about a possible interaction between green tea and the drug bortezomib (Velcade). Animal research has suggested that green tea may stop Velcade from working so well. Do remember that we'd need much more research to find out if green tea has the same effect in humans. But if you are taking Velcade, you might want to avoid green tea or the extract EGCG, which some people take as a supplement in liquid or capsules. If you have any worries, talk it over with your cancer specialist.
There are no reports of any other harmful effects from using green tea. Our advice is to always read the product labels. And if you are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you need to check with your doctor about possible interactions."
I do hope that's of some help.
If you'd like to chat about this with one of our cancer nurses, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm).
