Apple Cider Vinegar - Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Interaction
Herbal: Apple Cider Vinegar
Also Known As: ACV, Cider Vinegar, Vinagre de Manzana, Vinagre de Sidra de Manzana, Vinaigre de Cidre
Drug: Pembrolizumab
Brand names:
Keytruda
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Pembrolizumab and Apple Cider Vinegar. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
The use of apple cider vinegar or the amounts of ACV in supplements is unlikely to cause clinically significant drug interactions at recommended dosages.
However, it is important to be aware of potential interactions, especially with medications that lower blood glucose levels, as these interactions have been theoretically proposed, but as I've written in my analysis on individual interaction detail pages, even this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant for most.
In terms of side effects, it is uncommon for individuals to experience any adverse effects from taking ACV, but some mild side effects, such as nausea and indigestion, have been reported. It is important to consider that these side effects could be additive if taken with other medications that cause similar symptoms.
As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including ACV, to ensure its safe and appropriate use for your specific medical situation.
Apple Cider Vinegar Overview
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is the fermented juice from crushed apples. ACV is typically made by crushing apples and adding yeast and bacteria to the mixture, which ferments the sugars in the apples and turns them into alcohol. This alcohol is then converted into vinegar through a second fermentation process. ACV contains pectin, vitamins, minerals, and acid in the form of acetic acid or citric acid. While it is most popularly used in salad dressings and cooking, apple cider vinegar has been used medicinally as it is thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and may help to boost the immune system.
Pembrolizumab Overview
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Pembrolizumab injection is used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC; a type of skin cancer), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC; skin cancer). It is also used to prevent the return of melanoma after surgery. Pembrolizumab injection is also used alone and/or in combination with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of lung cancer (non-small-cell lung cancer; NSCLC), head and neck cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL; non-Hodgkin lymphoma), urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract), bladder cancer, colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine), gastric cancer (cancer of the stomach), esophageal cancer (cancer of the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), cervical cancer (cancer that begins in the opening of the uterus [womb]), cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer), renal cell carcinoma (RCC, a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys), breast cancer, and certain other solid tumors. Pembrolizumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
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Your doctor will review your specific type of cancer and past treatment history and other available treatments to determine if pembrolizumab is right for you.
Apple Cider Vinegar - More Interactions
Apple Cider Vinegar interacts with 160 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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