NHS alerts that grapefruit could also be dangerous for thousands and thousands on statins and anxiousness meds
NHS health guidance warns millions in the UK taking certain medications to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice due to dangerous interactions
Millions of Brits taking certain medications are being warned by the NHS to steer clear of a specific type of fruit. The health service states that combining the fruit and its juice with particular medicines can lead to serious consequences and alarming side effects.
The warning impacts patients prescribed some of the nation’s most frequently used drugs, including certain statins, amlodipine and anti-anxiety medication. Statins are commonly prescribed medicines that assist in reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
They function by reducing the quantity of cholesterol produced by the liver, helping to prevent fatty deposits from building up in the arteries, reports the Mirror.
This dramatically reduces the risk of suffering heart attacks and strokes. Statins act as both a remedy for elevated cholesterol and a preventative measure against future complications.
Patients typically consume them daily as tablets. Amlodipine, marketed under the brand name Istin, belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.
It’s prescribed to assist in reducing high blood pressure (hypertension). For those with elevated blood pressure, taking amlodipine can help prevent future cardiac issues, heart attacks, and strokes.
Individuals taking certain varieties of amlodipine medications, particularly calcium channel blockers, must avoid consuming grapefruit. According to a statement 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 went on: “If you are affected, you may have to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine.”
The identical warning extends to individuals taking numerous other medications, including the following:. It’s advisable to steer clear of grapefruit and its juice whilst on many routine medicines as it can perilously elevate drug levels in your bloodstream, potentially triggering severe complications such as kidney harm or muscle deterioration.
Additional citrus varieties that may interfere with medications include Seville oranges, pomelos, and limes. Grapefruit blocks enzymes and transport proteins (such as CYP3A4 and P-gp) within your digestive system from processing and transporting drugs into your circulation.
Consequently, this results in an overabundance of medication flooding your bloodstream. Not every medicine reacts identically to grapefruit juice.
Always consult your GP or chemist before implementing any modifications. Make certain to scrutinise labels and look out for any cautions regarding “grapefruit” on your medication information leaflets.
Simply avoiding simultaneous consumption isn’t sufficient; you must avoid grapefruit throughout your entire treatment period, unless your doctor advises differently. Consider other citrus varieties as well, such as Seville oranges, pomelos, and limes, as they may produce comparable effects.
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