Grapefruit Is a Culprit in More Drug Reactions

NY Times ^ | DECEMBER 17, 2012 | RONI CARYN RABIN

[Chances Are]

From MedicineNet.com: Large quantities of grape fruit juice (>1 quart daily) also will increase blood levels of simvastatin and should be avoided.

This is what my literature says.

I take a daily dose of 20mg of simvastatin for cholesterol control. I take it because I also have a mild case of diabetes.

When I was first diagnosed with the diabetes, my cholesterol reading as 204, and he (my doctor) said if I didn't have the diabetes he wouldn't be worried about my cholesterol at all.

So I took it, and saw my cholesterol levels drop to 145. That was a couple of years ago. Now it pretty much stays in the 160s.

I've been drinking grapefruit juice every day for 40 years. I love the stuff. But when I went on the simvastatin, I stopped taking it...for a while.

Now, in the mornings, I'll have a bit that covers a little more than the bottom of a glass just so I can enjoy it while washing down a One-A-Day vitamin pill (50+ for men, of course!)

I tell the doc when I have cold coming on, and we both agree to suspend the simvastatin for a couple of days while drinking the grapefruit juice to combat the cold.

Hey, it works for me!

But my case is probably atypical, and I agree with those posters who say if you're taking potentially life-saving drugs, do the smart thing, and follow the instructions - to the letter.

Grapefruit juice is tasty, sure, but it ain't worth croaking over!

CA....

[loungitude]

I had a pleasant prescription once. The label said “alcohol may intensify effect” and, it also said “Avoid grapefruit juice”. Hmmm.... Greyhound!