FRUIT WARNING: Grapefruit can interfere with certain prescriptions (Image: Getty)
Millions of people who take certain medications are being advised by the NHS to avoid a particular fruit. The health service warns that mixing grapefruit or its juice with some prescriptions can trigger serious side effects.
The caution affects users of widely prescribed drugs, including some statins, anti-anxiety medications, and amlodipine. Statins are among the most common medicines, used to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
These drugs work by limiting cholesterol production in the liver, helping prevent fatty deposits from forming in arteries. They are taken daily and are both a treatment and a preventative measure for high cholesterol-related complications.
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Amlodipine, sold as Istin, is a calcium channel blocker used to manage high blood pressure, reports Charlotte Smith on the Mirror. Taking it helps reduce the risk of future heart problems, heart attacks, and strokes.
The NHS advises: “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.”
Patients on certain types of amlodipine or other routine prescriptions should steer clear of grapefruit. “If you are affected, you may have to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine,” the guidance adds.
The same warnings extend to additional medications, as grapefruit can dangerously boost drug levels in the bloodstream. This may lead to severe complications, including kidney damage or muscle problems.
Grapefruit interferes with enzymes and transport proteins, such as CYP3A4 and P-gp, which are essential for processing drugs in the digestive system. The result is more medication entering the bloodstream than intended, increasing risk.
Not every medicine interacts with grapefruit in the same way, so always check with a GP or pharmacist before making any dietary changes. Read labels carefully and heed any warning about grapefruit on your prescription information.
The same applies to people on various other medications, including the following:
Statins: Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, LovastatinBlood pressure: Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Carvedilol, AmiodaroneAnti-anxiety: Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Midazolam (Versed), sedatives (Benzos)Anti-blood-clotting: Warfarin, Clopidogrel (Plavix)Organ transplant: Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, SirolimusAntihistamines: Fexofenadine (Allegra)Erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil (Viagra)HIV/AIDS: Ritonavir, some protease inhibitors
Avoiding grapefruit while taking these drugs isn’t enough if it’s consumed at any time during your course. Other citrus fruits, including Seville oranges, pomelos, and limes, may produce similar effects, so exercise caution throughout treatment.
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