CURCUMIN,PIPERINE

Background and Date of Approval

Curcumin and piperine are approved for medical use in the management of cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress during cancer treatment.

Uses

Curcumin and piperine are the allies during cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation therapy) and help lower bad cholesterol. They aid in reducing inflammation and prevent cellular damage and oxidative stress during cancer.

How is it administered?

Curcumin and piperine combination is administered as oral supplements under the physician's direction. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Curcumin and piperine based on the disease condition and other factors.

Side Effects

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them. This tablet is generally safe and won't cause serious side effects. However, consult your physician for advice if you experience any uncommon side effects.

Warnings

Some people may be allergic to this tablet and experience hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after taking this drug, you should stop immediately and seek a medical emergency. This drug can stimulate the production of bile, which could be problematic for people with gallbladder disease or gallstones. If you previously had a history of gallbladder-related disease, speak immediately with your doctor before taking this tablet or any other supplements. In addition, if you are scheduled to undergo surgery or any invasive medical procedure, it is important to inform your doctor about all of the supplements and medications you are taking, including Curcumin, Piperine as they may need to be temporarily discontinued to prevent excessive bleeding during the procedure.

Precautions

There is limited data on the safety of this supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid them or speak with your doctor before taking them. Curcumin and piperine have been shown to have blood-thinning effects, which means it can reduce blood's ability to clot. It mainly interacts with medications that are also blood thinners, such as warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and others. If you take any blood-thinning medications, speaking with your healthcare professional before starting the treatment is important. Your healthcare professional may need to adjust your medication dosage or monitor your blood clotting time more closely to prevent serious interactions or side effects.

Word of Advice

Patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss curcumin and piperine use with their doctor. It is not established whether curcumin and piperine pass into breast milk; breastfeeding is not recommended during this treatment. Store curcumin and piperine in a cool, dry place away from children. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as higher doses of natural compounds in this tablet may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited while taking this medication, as alcohol may interfere with absorption and effectiveness of the supplements and may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

References

Mariia Zadorozhna et al; Piperine: role in prevention and progression of cancer; Molecular Biology Reports; Published on Oct 2019; Accessed on 08/07/2021; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31273611/ Sharma RA et al; Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study of oral Curcuma extract in patients with colorectal cancer; Clinical Cancer Research; Published on July 2001; Accessed on 08/07/2021 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11448902/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of curcumin and piperine in adults?

The recommended starting dose of Curcumin and piperine for adults is one tablet twice daily, preferably with food. It is important to regularly follow the dosage instructions on the product label and not exceed the recommended dosage without the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Can I drink alcohol while taking curcumin and piperine?

It is highly advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking curcumin and piperine, as alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness and absorption of the supplements and may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Is it safe to use curcumin and piperine during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy, or planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Can I stop taking curcumin and piperine if I feel better?

No, stopping the medicine without a doctor's advice can abruptly interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment plan and may result in a relapse of symptoms. Your doctor may recommend gradually tapering off the supplements or adjusting the dosage based on your response to treatment.

Who should not take curcumin or piperine?

This tablet may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to any other ingredients in the supplement, you should avoid taking it. It is important to read the ingredient label of any dietary supplement carefully before taking it and to seek medical emergency immediately if you experience any allergic reactions.

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS