The NHS has urged millions of people on certain medications including statins and amlodipine to avoid this product due to serious health risksCharlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor and Robert Harries Senior Reporter
12:40, 17 Dec 2025
Certain types of commonly prescribed medications are affected (Image: Getty)
Millions of individuals across the UK currently on certain medications are being advised by the NHS to avoid a particular fruit and its juice. The health service has issued a warning that mixing this fruit or its juice with these medications could result in serious complications and worrying side effects.
This cautionary advice affects patients who have been prescribed some of the most commonly used drugs in the country, including specific statins, amlodipine and anti-anxiety tablets. Statins are frequently prescribed medicines aimed at lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
They work by decreasing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, thus preventing the accumulation of fatty plaque within the arteries. This significantly lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Statins serve a dual role as both a treatment for high cholesterol and a preventative measure against future problems. They are typically taken daily in tablet form.
Amlodipine, sold under the brand name Istin, is a medicine categorised as a calcium channel blocker. It’s utilised to help control high blood pressure (hypertension), reports Chronicle Live.
For those suffering from hypertension, using amlodipine can assist in preventing future heart complications, heart attacks, and strokes.
Those taking certain types of amlodipine medication, particularly calcium channel blockers, are advised not to consume grapefruit. As stated on the NHS website: “Do not take amlodipine with grapefruit juice.
“Having large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase how much amlodipine is in your body and make side effects worse.”
It continued: “If you are affected, you may have to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine.”
Concerning statins, the NHS also states: “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.”
The health service adds: “Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sertraline. It’s also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.”
Medicines affected by grapefruitStatins: Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Lovastatin.Blood pressure: Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Carvedilol, Amiodarone.Anti-anxiety: Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Midazolam (Versed), sedatives (Benzos).Anti-blood-clotting: Warfarin, Clopidogrel (Plavix).Organ transplant: Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, Sirolimus.Antihistamines: Fexofenadine (Allegra).Erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil (Viagra).HIV/AIDS: Ritonavir, some protease inhibitors.
It’s recommended to avoid grapefruit and its juice whilst taking many frequently prescribed drugs, as it can dangerously raise medication levels in your bloodstream, potentially causing serious complications such as kidney damage or muscle breakdown. Other citrus fruits known to interact with medicines include Seville oranges, pomelos, and limes.
Grapefruit blocks enzymes and transport proteins (such as CYP3A4 and P-gp) in your digestive tract from processing and moving drugs into your bloodstream. As a result, this leads to excessive amounts of medication entering your circulation.
The effect of grapefruit juice differs based on the particular medication involved. It’s crucial to speak with your GP or pharmacist before making any changes.
Make sure you read labels thoroughly and stay alert for any warnings about “grapefruit” in your medicine information leaflets.
Simply avoiding taking them at the same time isn’t enough; you should steer clear of grapefruit for the whole period of your treatment, unless your doctor says otherwise. Bear in mind other citrus fruits too, including Seville oranges, pomelos, and limes, may also have similar effects.
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