Arimidex and Hypericum

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone, I could do with a very quick response to this query if possible

as patient coming this afternoon to collect Rx. Her first consultation was

yesterday, 40 years old, dx with oestrogen and Her 2 neu positive, grade II

breast cancer last year. Lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed, followed by 6x

epirubicin and cyclophosamide, plus 20 sessions of radiotherapy. Was prescribed

17 IV infusions of herceptin but as heart function deteriorated after 5 she

elected to stop (consultant told her that recent research showed that women

taking 5 lots of herceptin in trials did as well as those having the full

17).Became menopausal following chemo, elected to have both ovaries removed June

08.Taking Arimidex. Now doing really well, changing her life and diet,

addressing lots of emotional issues from the past. Had a recent stay in

Australia and saw naturopath/herbalist who prescribed her a herbal tincture

which has really improved her joint stiffness and most importantly, her mood.

This mixture contains Hypericum and I am wondering about its impact on the

metabolism of Arimidex. I have checked my most up to date interactions book

(Jonathon Treasure's) and he doesn't mention a problem with Arimidex/Hypericum

but I wanted to get other practitioners thoughts on this. This is my main query

- this mix has clearly made a really positive impact on this patients mood and

this is really important to her at the current time.

The mixture also contains Trifolium and I'm wondering about that too -

especially in the light of Chanchal's recent 3 day seminar series when she said

that the effect of phyto oestrogen containing plants in post menopausal women

with oestrogen receptive cancers problematic and, as I remember, she didn't give

them.

All thougths much appreciated.

Regards

Sue Salmon

Huddersfield