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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Grapefruit Juice Contraindicated While On Lipitor?

I am sorry Dr. I am an R.N. I take a statin( Lipitor). I wanted to know why grapefruit juice is contraindicated for statins. I read it, but is grapefruit juice the only juice or is it other citrus juices? Dr. I didn t know I needed to pay. I will gladly pay for your answer now. but I don t want a monthly subscription. Just a one time pay.
Thu, 6 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Dear Dr R.N. Hi & Welcome.
This can lead to toxic side effects from Lipitor, such as liver or muscle damage.
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice contains certain organic compounds called Furanocoumarins which block the action of enzymes responsible for the clearance of cholesterol lowering medication Lipitor (Atorvastatin) resulting in increased levels of Lipitor which can result in toxic effects such as liver or muscle damage. Just one grapefruit or one glass of grapefruit juice could be enough to cause an interaction with Lipitor.

There are several other citrus fruits like lemons, lime, tangerines, mandarins, navels, and blood oranges which do not cause such harmful or toxic effects when taken along with Lipitor.
Hope this answers your query.
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Why Is Grapefruit Juice Contraindicated While On Lipitor?

Dear Dr R.N. Hi & Welcome. This can lead to toxic side effects from Lipitor, such as liver or muscle damage. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice contains certain organic compounds called Furanocoumarins which block the action of enzymes responsible for the clearance of cholesterol lowering medication Lipitor (Atorvastatin) resulting in increased levels of Lipitor which can result in toxic effects such as liver or muscle damage. Just one grapefruit or one glass of grapefruit juice could be enough to cause an interaction with Lipitor. There are several other citrus fruits like lemons, lime, tangerines, mandarins, navels, and blood oranges which do not cause such harmful or toxic effects when taken along with Lipitor. Hope this answers your query.