Like Grapefruit? Watch for Drug Interactions

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Ever had a jaw dropping moment? I didand now I know why I am not eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruitjuice any longer. I did not realize this and was having someproblems with a statin. My wife found something in her drug guidesaying not to drink grapefruit juice if taking this drug. Now it isin WebMD (Medscape reprint), and I thank them for that. This topic was also a MedicalNews Today article in May 2006, and even then doctors were saying it was not news. I wish this would get morepublicity, but the media does not think it is important enough or willgenerate enough interest. For anyone taking statins, this isimportant!
The article clearly states the problemwith grapefruit, which contains furanocoumarins, (furanocoumarins area class of organic chemical compounds produced by a variety ofplants) is creating potentially fatal side effects in many drugs. The number of drugs being affected has in the last four years hasrisen from 17 drugs, and now stands at more than 85 drugs that may beaffected by grapefruit. Seville oranges (often used in marmalade),limes, and pomelos also contain the active ingredients(furanocoumarins), but have not been as widely studied.
“The listincludes some statins that lower cholesterol (such as atorvastatin,lovastatin, and simvastatin), some antibiotics, cancer drugs, andheart drugs. Most at risk are older people who use more prescriptionsand buy more grapefruit.” The gist of the situation isthe grapefruit, which contains furanocoumarins, blocks an enzyme thatnormally breaks down certain medications in the body. When thishappens, medication levels in the body can become toxic. This is notpresently on the FDA's list of things to watch for, but should be.
Grapefruit interacts with drugs takenorally and one 7-ounce glass of grapefruit juice used once a day forthree days can affect simvastatin and makes it a 330% concentrationgreater than taking simvastatin with water. It does not matter ifthe grapefruit is taken with simvastatin or hours before you take it. This may cause muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis, which can belife threatening. Rhabdomyolysis is an acute, fulminant, potentiallyfatal disease that destroys skeletal muscle and is often accompaniedby the excretion of myoglobin in the urine.
In addition to statins, grapefruit mayinteract with some antibiotics, cancer drugs, heart drugs andhormonal drugs. Many can interact and have more of a potentialdeadly effect if taken in close proximity to drinking grapefruitjuice. Therefore, if you are taking any of the above types of drugs,remember to talk with your physician or your pharmacist to know ifyou need to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Remember that the other fruits mentioned above may also need to beavoided.
This is a reminder that not all of anentire drug class may interact with grapefruit products, so be surefor your health, that you talk to your physician to possiblysubstitute a related drug that will not interact with your favoritefruit. Never stop taking a prescription drug unless you have talkedto your doctor first. He/she may feel it is better for you not to usegrapefruit than switch you to a grapefruit-friendly drug.
Grapefruit is a great aid to mostdiets, but always double check with you doctor or pharmacist to avoidproblems of grapefruit having a dangerous interaction with the drugyou are taking. A good rule is “better safe than sorry.”