Probiotics/ oregano oil

Hi Etna,

Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community. I see from your profile that you’ve joined a few of our online groups. I hope they’re a good source of support.

I’m sorry to read that you needed antibiotics for a urinary infection. Unfortunately, chemotherapy can have a big effect on the immune system. It reduces your body’s defences against infection.

I’m not sure from your message if you have let your hospital team know about this infection. If you haven’t, it’s important to let them know.

Although the most common side effects of antibiotics affect the digestive system, your team would want to know about these too. We’d recommend getting in touch with your cancer treatment helpline or oncology team before your next cycle of chemotherapy.

You are right to be cautious about using probiotics. Cancer Research UK have this information on their website on the use of supplements and food and drinks containing probiotics during chemotherapy. They recommend that they are avoided when the immune system is low.

Before using any supplement, we would always recommend speaking to your oncologist or pharmacist. Sometimes there’s limited research around the use of specific supplements, or the possible interaction between them and cancer treatments. Your consultant may wish to err on the side of caution and recommend you avoid certain supplements.

If you’d like to speak to one of our Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist in a store near to you, we have details here. Or if you’d prefer to book a free video call appointment, you can do that here.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes,

Carole (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref/KG

Thanks, I did check with my local pharmacy they said yes it was fine, interesting in what your saying.

Yes I did let my team know about my infection they advised me on having myself tested at GP and  it was fine to take antibiotics.

I might give my team   a call & ask to see what they think then.

I took the blood cell injection to boost my white blood cells.

Antibiotics rip that to pieces.

Thanks