It can affect how the body processes the medication
A pharmacist has delivered a warning about the potential risks of combining certain everyday medications with a specific fruit juice. Ian Budd, a prescribing pharmacist at internet pharmacy Chemist4U, previously pointed out that statins, blood pressure medicines, and antidepressants could all be affected by grapefruit juice.
Taking them simultaneously could make the medications less potent or, in certain cases, increase the likelihood of adverse reactions. “Grapefruit is the biggest culprit for medication interactions,” he stated.
“Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are one of the most common causes of food and medicine interactions. They contain natural chemicals that block an enzyme in your liver, which helps break down certain medicines.
“When that happens, your body can’t process the drug as it normally would, so more of it stays in your system. That can make side effects stronger or more likely.”
He added: “This is especially important if you’re taking medicines like statins, blood pressure tablets, some antidepressants, or immune-suppressing drugs. Even one glass of grapefruit juice can have an effect that lasts for up to one day, so it’s safest to avoid it completely with these medications.”
His warning receives backing from NHS guidance. The health organisation has warned on its website that individuals taking statins should be careful about consuming grapefruit juice.
Around eight million people across the UK are currently prescribed statins, a class of drugs specifically formulated to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol, in the blood.
NHS advice says: “Grapefruit juice can affect some statins and increase your risk of side effects. A doctor may advise you to avoid it completely or only consume small quantities.”
On the subject of blood pressure medications, the health service highlighted that amlodipine, a widely-used blood pressure treatment, can also be affected by grapefruit consumption. It stated: “Having large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of amlodipine in your body and make side effects worse. If you are affected, you may have to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine.
“Tell your doctor if you have any increased side effects, such as feeling dizzy, flushing or getting headaches, after eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Otherwise, you can eat and drink normally while taking amlodipine.”
Ian went on to say: “As pharmacists, our goal is to help people understand how to use medications safely and effectively, and food plays a bigger role than many people realise. Even choices we think are health, like fruits, vegetables, or supplements, can sometimes affect how your medication works or how well your body absorbs it.
“For example, something as simple as having grapefruit juice with breakfast can interfere with blood pressure medication, antidepressants or cholesterol medication, while foods high in vitamin K can impact how blood thinners work.
“These are small details, but they can make a real difference in how well your treatment does its job.”
Anyone with concerns about their medication and how to take it correctly should seek advice from their GP.