Seville oranges question about effect on immunosuppressants

@rosemarya any thoughts?

@jodeej That's a great question. I don't drink juices, too many calories, but I would think that maybe a brand like Tropicana would be made from regular oranges. My husband drinks Tropicana red grapefruit juice and occasionally I really would like some of it.
I would go to the websites for various brands and ask that question.
I was surprised too to discover that on immunosuppressants we are not supposed to have pomegranates. I don't recall that being mentioned at all, which is surprising since pomegranates are enjoying much popularity these days, along with Pom juice. My husband and daughter love them and I like them but not being able to eat them is not a big sacrifice for me.
JK

As a general rule for myself, I avoid OJ due to the added sugars. I prefer an orange (benefit of fiber). As for pomegranates, I was never fond of them, so that is not a difficult choice for my. I do avoid any of the popular "with pomegranate" . (I do miss my morning OJ and grapefruit)

Here is the only information that I have found-

Liver Transplant
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-transplant/about/pac-20384842
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, pomegranates, or Seville oranges due to their effect on a group of immunosuppression medications (calcineurin inhibitors)
_______
Transplant Medications 101: Q&A
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/newsfeed/transplant-medications-101-qa/
Are there any foods I should avoid with transplant medications?

We ask you not to have any grapefruit, pomegranate, Seville oranges, or related products for example pomegranate juice. These can lead to your transplant medication becoming toxic. You should also avoid any supplements, vitamins, or herbs unless they’ve been approved by your transplant doctor.

JoDee, Are you keeping a list of these questions for your next appointment? If this is a really bothersome concern, you can message your nurse coordinator on the Patient Portal - Have you ever done that?

@jodeej
Here are a couple posts that you and your husband might find helpful as you proceed post transplant. Questions and comments are always welcome!

- Top Transplant Hacks: Patients Share Their Best Tips and Tricks
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/top-transplant-hacks-patients-share-their-best-tips-and-tricks/
-Living Life After your Transplant,”
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-life-after-your-transplant/
-Changes after Transplant
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/changes-after-transplan
What tips do you have to add?

***To anyone who reads this ***
- What would you like to add ? How do you keep you keep your new organ happy as you return to your regular routine?

Hi! I am a post-heart transplant patient and am very careful reading labels. I just went to the pharmacy to pick up some cough lozenges and Halls drops - citrus flavor - contains grapefruit juices. In very fine print you can see what fruits are used in the product. La Croix sparkling water also has a grapefruit flavor and while it may read artificial/natural flavors, I will stay away from that. I don't want anything affecting my anti-rejection meds and I don't want a misread on my labs and have to take more or less meds as an erroneous result. Please be careful and a bit overly cautious.

@contentandwell we just miss having orange juice in the house. We only have it occasionally, but when I looked at it, I want sure if it was safe to try.

@rosemarya I do message on the portal all the time, I love it. I don't have the ability to message one of the dieticians, though. I wish I did. I will have to write myself a note to ask when we go back in November. Thanks for the links, I'll give them a look. Tim is really missing his over easy eggs. 🙁

@estrada53 isn't it crazy all the places you find grapefruit? You have to be vigilant.

Blessings,
JoDee

Yes, and not only grapefruit, but because pomegranate has experienced such a large comeback and is seen as a health food, it is everywhere too. And blessings to you and your husband as well.

I was told grapefruit, pomegranate and orange mar marmalade will be on my NEVER list after I get my kidney. I’ll miss grapefruit but I get to hahave orange/juice again so it’s an okay tradeoff☺️

@jodeej I also did not have the ability to message the dietician on the portal at MGH. I mentioned it to my first point of contact and she spoke to the dietician, who then gave me her email address to ask questions if I need to. You could try that, the dietician there might also be happy to give that to you.
JK

@contentandwell that's a good idea, thank you!