Ibrance (palbociclib) is a prescription drug used to slow the progression of metastatic breast cancer. Foods to avoid while taking Ibrance include grapefruit and grapefruit products. Healthcare professionals may also recommend avoiding other foods or drinks.

Ibrance is a targeted therapy medication called a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Targeted therapy drugs target certain cells and stop them from growing and making more cells. Ibrance comes as both oral tablets and oral capsules and is taken in combination with hormone therapy medications.

This article addresses foods and beverages you should avoid when taking Ibrance.

Orange juice is not listed as a food product to avoid in the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules or tablets. But some research suggests that Seville oranges may interact with many medications, including anticancer drugs.

You should avoid drinking grapefruit juice and eating grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking Ibrance. Grapefruit interferes with how your body processes Ibrance. This may increase the amount of Ibrance in your blood, which can raise your risk of side effects from the drug.

Some sources suggest that you should not drink pomegranate juice during Ibrance treatment. One older source suggests avoiding eating starfruit or drinking starfruit juice while taking Ibrance. These may interact with Ibrance and affect the drug’s level in your system.

If you have questions about consuming specific foods or beverages during Ibrance treatment, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional.

Turmeric (also known as curcumin) is an herb used in dietary supplements for several health conditions. Scientists don’t know for sure if Ibrance interacts with turmeric. Some research suggests it may slow down how your body processes Ibrance. But the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets doesn’t recommend avoiding it.

Scientists are researching turmeric as a treatment for cancer. Although it may have some beneficial effects, there’s not enough evidence yet to recommend it as a treatment.

Seek professional medical advice before ingesting turmeric with Ibrance. Healthcare professionals can help you determine if it’s safe to do so.

One older source suggests avoiding St. John’s wort when taking Ibrance. St. John’s wort is a dietary supplement promoted for many uses, such as an aid to help treat depression. But research shows that it can interact in serious or life threatening ways with several medications.

If you have questions about eating specific foods while taking Ibrance, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional. Also, tell them about any medications you take and any allergies or medical conditions you have. This includes supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter drugs.

Alcohol is not known to interact with Ibrance. But Ibrance can cause similar side effects as alcohol, including tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. So you may be more likely to have these side effects if you drink alcohol during Ibrance treatment.

Talk with a healthcare professional if you have questions about drinking alcohol with Ibrance.

Ibrance may also cause serious side effects, including:

Tell your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms while taking Ibrance. If you have serious side effects, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

If you are taking Ibrance, your diet can affect how well the medication works. Follow these simple tips to stay safe during your treatment:

  • Avoid grapefruit: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. It can cause too much medication to build up in your body, which increases your risk of side effects.
  • Watch for other fruits: Some doctors also suggest avoiding starfruit, pomegranate, and Seville oranges (often used in marmalade).
  • Be careful with herbs: Stay away from St. John’s wort. You should also talk with your doctor before using turmeric supplements, as they may interfere with your treatment.
  • Limit alcohol: Alcohol does not have a known “drug interaction” with Ibrance, but it can make side effects like nausea, tiredness, and mouth sores feel much worse.
  • Ask your doctor: Always tell your healthcare team about any vitamins or herbs you take to make sure they are safe for you.

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.