Pharmacist Warns: Avoid Grapefruit Juice If You Take Statins
Ian Budd, a prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, says even one glass of grapefruit juice can affect statins, blood pressure tablets and antidepressants for up to a day. NHS guidance also warns of side-effect risks. Up to eight million people in the UK take statins.
A pharmacist has warned people taking statins, blood pressure tablets or some antidepressants to avoid grapefruit juice, saying even one glass can change how the body handles the drugs for up to one day.
Ian Budd, a prescribing pharmacist at online pharmacy Chemist4U, said grapefruit and its juice are "one of the most common causes of food and medicine interactions". The pharmacist's advice to avoid the drink with statins matches guidance from the NHS.
As many as eight million people in the UK are prescribed statins, which lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol, in the blood.
Why grapefruit matters
Budd said grapefruit contains natural chemicals that block an enzyme in the liver. That enzyme helps break down certain medicines.
"When that happens, your body can't process the drug as it normally would, so more of it stays in your system," he said. "That can make side effects stronger or more likely."
He said the warning applies especially to statins, blood pressure tablets, some antidepressants and immune-suppressing drugs. "It's safest to avoid it completely with these medications," he said.
Taking them together could make the drugs less effective or, in some cases, raise the risk of side effects, according to Budd.
What the NHS says
The NHS says on its website: "Grapefruit juice can affect some statins and increase your risk of side effects. A doctor may advise you to avoid it completely or only consume small quantities."
For blood pressure, the health service singled out amlodipine. It says large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of amlodipine in the body and worsen side effects.
Patients should tell their doctor about increased side effects such as dizziness, flushing or headaches after eating grapefruit or drinking its juice, the NHS says. Otherwise, it says, people can eat and drink normally while taking amlodipine.
Other food and drug clashes
Budd said food plays a bigger role in medication safety than many people realize. Even foods seen as healthy, including fruit, vegetables and supplements, can alter how a drug works or how well the body absorbs it.
He gave two examples. Grapefruit juice at breakfast can interfere with blood pressure medication, antidepressants or cholesterol medication. Foods high in vitamin K can affect how blood thinners work.
People with concerns about their medication should seek advice from their GP, the advice says.
"These are small details, but they can make a real difference in how well your treatment does its job," Budd said.
