This pairing could increase the risk of unwanted side effects and make the medication less effective
Taking certain drugs alongside a fruit juice could be risky, according to an expert (Image: Getty)
A pharmacist has issued a warning over combining some common medications with a certain drink. This pairing could increase the risk of unwanted side effects.
Ian Budd, prescribing pharmacist at online pharmacy Chemist4U, revealed that statins, blood pressure tablets, and antidepressants could all be affected by a particular fruit juice. Having them at the same time could make the drugs less effective, and in other cases, increase the risk of side effects.
He explained: “Grapefruit is the biggest culprit for medication interactions. 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 continued: “This is especially important if you’re taking medicines like statins, blood pressure tablets, some antidepressants, or immune-suppressing drugs.
Grapefruit is the “biggest culprit” for medication interactions, he said (Image: Getty)
“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 is backed by advice from the NHS. On its website the health body warned that those on statins should avoid drinking grapefruit juice. Around eight million people in the UK are prescribed statins.
These are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) in the blood. The NHS said: “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.” Regarding blood pressure medication, it explained that amlodipine, one type of blood pressure medication, can be impacyed by grapefruit.
It said: “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 added: “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.” If you have any concerns about your medication and how to safely take it, you should speak to your GP.
