Pomegranate - Opdivo (Nivolumab) Interaction
Herbal: Pomegranate
Also Known As: Punica granatum, Anardana, Dadim, Dadima, Delima, Extrait de Feuille de Grenade, Extrait de Grenade, Extrait de Polyphénol de Grenade, Feuille de Grenade, Fleur de Grenade, Fruit du Grenadier, Fruit of the Dead, Gangsalan, Granaatappel, Granad, Granada, Granado
Drug: Nivolumab
Brand names:
Opdivo
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Nivolumab and Pomegranate. 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
Pomegranate (and pomegranate extract) has several potential drug interactions that should be taken into consideration.
Primarily, pomegranate can affect drugs metabolized by CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 enzymes. This accounts for a very large proportion of the drug interactions associated with pomegranate.
Pomegranate also may have mild antihypertensive effects, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects and hypotension when used with other drugs that lower blood pressure.
Although there is no interaction noted between pomegranate and the drug in question, as always, it is recommended to speak with your doctor before adding on any new medications or supplements so you can be appropraitely monitored.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDPomegranate Overview
Pomegranate is a fruit that is native to parts of the Middle East and South Asia and is currently cultivated around the world. It is known for its bright red, edible seeds and its tart, slightly sweet flavor. It is
It is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and widely consumed as either the fresh fruit, or in different preparations (e.g., as a beverage). Pomegranate is believed to have a number of health benefits. In traditional medicine, it is most often used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Nivolumab Overview
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Nivolumab injection is used alone or in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) to treat certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults and children 12 years of age or older that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. It is also used alone to prevent melanoma from returning after surgery. Nivolumab injection is also used in alone or in combination with ipilimumab and/or other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC), renal cell cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys), Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), head and neck cancer, urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract), colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer), esophageal cancer (cancer of the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), gastric cancer (cancer of the stomach) or gastroesophageal junction cancer (cancer located in the area where the stomach meets the esophagus), and malignant pleural mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the inside lining of the lungs and chest cavity). Nivolumab 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 nivolumab is right for you.
Pomegranate - More Interactions
Pomegranate interacts with 898 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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