FDA Says This Common Fruit Can Interfere With Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Medicines

Grapefruit is a fruit that feels like a healthy choice. It packs vitamin C and is a great side for breakfast. But the FDA wants to bring something important to your notice.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect certain medicines, including those for cholesterol and blood pressure. Here’s the full scope.

How Does Grapefruit Get in the Way?

Your body has little helpers known as enzymes. They break down medicine and control how much medicine gets into your blood.

They work great. But grapefruit can prevent these body workers from doing their job. And when this happens, too much medicine goes into your blood stream. This can result in toxicity that can make a safe dose an overdose or render the medicine ineffective.

Which Medicines Are Affected?

The FDA says grapefruit can cause issues with some drugs. Statins are a big group. These drugs assist in reducing cholesterol. Popular ones such as Lipitor and Zocor are on the list.

Blood pressure drugs tagged calcium channel blockers are also affected. Top examples on the list are Adalat CC and Procardia. Grapefruit can also have negative effects on anti-anxiety and allergy medicines like BuSpar and Allegra, respectively.

DID YOU KNOW: According to this medical study, 85+ drugs have the ability to interact with grapefruit. Of this number, up to 43 can cause serious side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory depression, and rhabdomyolysis. This isn’t a rare issue. It touches many people who take common medicines and never think about the impact of their morning juice.

Side Effects to Look Out for

When your body retains too much medicine, side effects will appear. Cholesterol drugs can cause muscle pain or hurt your liver. That said, BP drugs can lower your blood pressure to critical levels, making you feel dizzy or weak.

What Can You Do Right Now?

Most people think you have to give up grapefruit forever to avoid these negative effects. You don’t need to. However, you need to call your pharmacist and ask them, “Can I eat grapefruit with my medicine?” The answer you get can dictate your course of action. 

You can also check prescription bottles. There are many drugs with a grapefruit warning on their packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just drink grapefruit now and take my medicine much later?

You can’t in most cases. Grapefruit can still have an effect on your body 24 hours after you eat it or drink its juice. Taking your medicine several hours after doesn’t fix the problem. If grapefruit is your favorite fruit, ask your doctor for info on the safest way to take drugs without experiencing adverse effects.

Can other fruits cause the same issue?

Seville oranges and tangelos can affect your medication the same way that grapefruit does. If the medicine you’re taking has a grapefruit warning, it’ll be best to avoid those fruits also.

How much grapefruit can lead to an issue?

Even one small glass of grapefruit juice can lead to an interaction. This effect lasts for up to a full day, so don’t neglect even the smallest of amounts.