Medications often interact with other medications, food and beverages, health experts say, and may either decrease or increase the effects of the medication. Fresh grapefruit and its juice are known to interfere with the action of some medications, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although there have been some studies that may have point to the ill-effects of grapefruit when taken together with prescription drugs, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the interaction remains unpredictable. Some patients who have experienced these complications have filed lawsuits but the federal panel denies forming of an MDL to consolidate all the lawsuits.
Grapefruit is indeed beneficial for the health but has become widely known to affect several kinds of medications. Most men and women eat or drink grapefruit because of its vitamins and minerals. Some people believe that it helps in curbing one’s appetite and is quickly becoming a popular fruit for those who want to lose weight. It also good for colds because it has a high percentage of vitamin C. For those who are suffering with high cholesterol, they may also benefit with this fruit because it aids in lowering bad cholesterol while increasing the good cholesterol. All these benefits may make the grapefruit a great partner for those taking statins to lower their cholesterol level but reports say otherwise.
Bergamottin is a chemical that is present in grapefruit and acts as a potent inhibitor of drugs. When statin and grapefruit is taken together, the bergamottin will deactivate the enzyme that is responsible for breaking down the statins when ingested. If the drug is not metabolized, it will gradually increase in concentration until it reaches toxic levels. As the level of statin rises in the body, it will lead to several side effects. The possible health complications may include muscle, kidney and liver problems. Patients need to ask their health care providers if they may still be able to eat or drink grapefruit. The danger only lies when grapefruit is consumed together with these cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Consuming grapefruit daily is still a great way to stay healthy but patients may need to keep it to a minimum when they are taking medications. There are several ways to decrease the risk for side effects and patients may consult their doctors for possible options. Although there were some people who have experienced severe muscle damage that lead to kidney failure. Hence, some patients decided to file a case against the pharmaceutical company with the help of a Lipitor lawyer.
URL References:
mayoclinic.com/health/statin-side-effects/MY00205/NSECTIONGROUP=2
bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f1/rr/627070
wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/page/53135
fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm292276.htm
cholesterol.about.com/od/statindrugs/a/grapefruitstat.htm
