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Nutrition and daily life

Tea and medicines: when caution is needed

Tea is an everyday drink and medicines are the basis of treatment. Sometimes they affect each other. This section covers the main interactions and simple rules.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Tea, water and an open pill organiser on a table.
Figure 1.Tea and medicines side by side.

01Short answer

Ordinary amounts of tea cause no problems with most medicines, but there are exceptions. Green tea and its extract (EGCG) can reduce the effect of bortezomib. Tannins reduce the absorption of iron supplements. Caffeine combined with some medicines can increase palpitations and sleeplessness. Take tablets with water and tell your doctor or pharmacist about every tea, herb and supplement.

02Simple explanation

Take tablets with water.

Green tea may affect bortezomib.

Tea reduces iron absorption.

Tell your pharmacist everything.

03Scientific explanation

MSK: EGCG binds bortezomib and reduced its effect in lab studies; patients on this drug are advised to avoid green tea products.

Iron: tea tannins can reduce absorption of plant iron and iron tablets; leave 1–2 hours between them.

NCI: it has not been shown in people that tea prevents or treats cancer.

MedlinePlus: about 400 mg of caffeine a day is generally considered safe for adults; during treatment watch your sleep and heart rate.

04What happens in the body?

How to take tablets

With a glass of water; unless your doctor says otherwise, not with tea, juice or milk.

Ask your pharmacist
Figure 2.Ask your pharmacist.

Your list

Add teas, herbal infusions and supplements to your medicine list and show it at every visit.

Water and a tablet in front, tea behind.
Figure 3.Tablets with water — Tea and medicines: when caution is needed

Safe brewing

Freshly boiled water, a clean teapot and a fresh brew. During neutropenia avoid cold tea that has stood for hours.

Iron and medicines

Drink tea about an hour after meals; do not take extract capsules without your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed pack, fresh brew, right temperature, drink hot.

Sealed pack — Dry place.1Sealed packDry place.
Fresh brew — Not old cold tea.2Fresh brewNot old cold tea.
Right water — Boiled.3Right waterBoiled.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
FlavourTradition.
FluidsA warm drink.
SafetyBoiled water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
How to take tabletsWith a glass of water; unless your doctor says otherwise, not with tea, juice or milk.
Your listAdd teas, herbal infusions and supplements to your medicine list and show it at every visit.
Safe brewingFreshly boiled water, a clean teapot and a fresh brew. During neutropenia avoid cold tea that has stood for hours.
Iron and medicinesDrink tea about an hour after meals; do not take extract capsules without your doctor.

07Key terms

Interaction
When one substance changes the effect of another.
Bortezomib
A medicine used for blood cancers.
Caffeine
A stimulant.
Polyphenols
Antioxidant plant compounds.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Tablets with water.
  • Green tea and bortezomib: caution.
  • Iron 1–2 hours apart.
  • Brew with boiled water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Which medicines don’t mix with tea?

It depends on your medicine; check your list with a pharmacist.

Does black tea interact?

Mainly with iron absorption and through caffeine; ordinary amounts are usually fine.

Does this tea treat leukemia?

No. Tea is a pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Which medicines don’t mix with tea?

  2. Does black tea interact?

  3. Does this tea treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Green Tea
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs. Green Tea
  3. MedlinePlus. Caffeine
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  5. National Cancer Institute. Diet and Cancer Risk
  6. IDDSI. Framework
  7. FDA. Refrigerator Thermometers
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food manual
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation (PDQ®) – Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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