Gefitinib and Fucoidan - 1259580

hain
Posts:113

Hello everyone,

Just hoping if anyone can comment on whether or not Fucoidan supplements (brown seaweed) interacts or has the potential to interact with Gefitinib in any way (prior to starting Fucoidan supplementation)? My mom has stage 4 NSCLC diagnosed over 3 months ago and have been on Gefitinib ever since and has been having great response from it. However, we would like to seek out complimentary therapies for its additive effects. She was on other supplements before but has since stopped due to it interacting with Gefitinib in increasing liver enzyme levels (i.e. curcumin, green tea extract). On the Memorial Sloan-Kettering website there was no mention of it having an effect on the CYP 3A4, so we are hoping that is the only thing to take into consideration. Other than the Gefitinib she is also taking Fish oil, vitamin D, and Melatonin. Thanks a lot!

Best,
Will

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Reply # - October 1, 2013, 02:43 PM

hain
Posts: 113

Not sure if this would provide more useful info but she is also taking Norvasc 5mg (blood pressure), Lipitor 10mg (cholesterol), and a once a week pill for her bones (I forget the name but is also contains Vitamin D).

Reply # - October 1, 2013, 08:45 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

I'm sorry that I don't have any information about Fucoidan, and I don't know if there is any actual information on this. I don't think there should be a significant risk of a negative interaction, but I suspect that there's no definitive information on this subject.

-Dr. West

Reply # - October 2, 2013, 10:17 AM

hain
Posts: 113

Hello Dr. West,

Thank you for your reply. I was just hoping to see if anyone knew someone who successfully or unsuccessfully took both Fucoidan and Gefitinib or have stumbled on any research papers speaking to the potential interactions between the two. I understand this type of research probably doesn't exist today but still thought I'd ask prior to having my mom start the supplements. Also to see if there are any redflags that may be identified by a medical specialist.

Best,
Will

Reply # - October 2, 2013, 11:37 AM

carrigallen
Posts: 194

I looked briefly and did not find a paper speaking to potential interactions between the two. Speaking to a clinical pharmacist may be helpful.

Reply # - October 2, 2013, 11:51 AM

hain
Posts: 113

Thank you for your input Dr. Creelan. We asked our oncologist today who deferred a response to the hospital pharmacist. I will try to get in contact with the pharmacist tomorrow.

Reply # - October 3, 2013, 05:58 AM

dr walko
Posts: 102

Hain,

There does not seem to be much information of fucoidan, especially in terms of metabolism/effect on liver enzymes. The supplement has been reported to have anticoagulant properties so, could increase bleeding risk (though since your mother is not on any blood thinners, this is likely not a big problem). Also, it does have antioxidant properties, so would avoid with any radiation. I cannot find any information on interaction with drugs like gefitinib, but likely studies were not done to assess this so we really do not know.

Best wishes,
Dr. Walko

Reply # - October 3, 2013, 05:36 PM

hain
Posts: 113

Thank you Catdander and Dr. Walko for your replies. I understand that there doesn't seem to be much research on this supplement. I guess the only way to tell is to take the drug for a month and see if there is any effect on the liver with the monthly blood test at the hospital.

Best regards,
Will

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