However, how much grapefruit juice one needs to consume to produce a clinically significant drug interaction isn't entirely known. Lisinopril is used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. If you are concerned about some grapefruit in the Squirt and some cholesterol medications say to avoid this, it still is not likely a concern due to the small amount (if any) in the soda. But we've known for several years that this citrus fruit and its juice can interact adversely with many prescription drugs, including some of the statins that are . And if you already have a liver condition, taking Lipitor may make it worse. A more reasonable level of grapefruit and grapefruit juice consumption has been shown to result in far less effect on statins, he says, adding that patients should still talk with their doctor before eating grapefruit if they take statins. Generally, this feels like soreness or weakness of the muscles. If you decide to take a CoQ10 supplement, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Cardiologists know cholesterol is a key factor in reducing risk of heart attack. And in some cases, taking Zetia with statin drugs such as Lipitor is recommended to treat high cholesterol. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Toxic Exposure Fears After Ohio Train Derailment. There are currently no reports of Lipitor interacting with vitamins. They may monitor you more closely during your treatment, or they may prescribe treatment for your thyroid condition. Lipitor, (atorvastatin) how long before it works? NSAIDs are used to treat pain, swelling, or fever. Some people take a supplement called Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) with statins. How much grapefruit is okay when taking statins like Lipitor? Diltiazem belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Statin drugs such as Lipitor may cause harm to a fetus if taken during pregnancy. Using this site or communicating with our law firm affiliates through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship. Warfarin interacts with many over the counter and prescription medications. The effect remains the same whether you cook the grapefruit or drink frozen or homogenized juice. Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down atorvastatin. Keep in mind that this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Lipitor. Taking diltiazem with Lipitor can increase your risk of side effects from Lipitor. Your doctor may recommend monitoring you more closely for symptoms of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems during your treatment. Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Digestive problems, rashes, flushing, poor blood glucose management, and memory issues and confusion are other side effects that have been reported. Patients taking warfarin should be aware of foods that contain Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables) and try to maintain a consistent diet of these foods. Is it safe to use it with Benadryl though? There's no clear evidence, however, that taking CoQ10 at the same time as atorvastatin will benefit your health. Drinking cranberry juice while taking these medications might increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor). No, Lipitor isnt known to interact with lab tests. Commonly Prescribed Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs. If you want to take Lipitor with birth control pills, talk with your doctor first. But before you start taking Viagra, be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you take. Red yeast rice and Lipitor work in similar ways to lower cholesterol levels. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. No, Lipitor isnt known to interact with any vaccines. In extreme cases, it can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition that may cause liver damage, kidney failure, or death. Is it okay to drink lemon water while taking simvastatin? Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. It may start working in a few days but it's customary to wait 6 weeks before rechecking a. See below for details. These are known as contraindications. If theres a higher concentration of these drugs in your body, theyre able to block more cholesterol from being made. Other citrus fruits such as Seville oranges (which are often used in marmalades), as well as limes, and pomelos all contain this family of compounds. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. If you take St. Johns wort, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it during your Lipitor treatment. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Lipitor to children or the elderly? Does my risk of interactions depend on my Lipitor dosage? And the paperwork (sometimes called the patient package insert or medication guide) may have other details about interactions. Alternative statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor), pravastatin (Pravachol), pitavastatin (Livalo) or fluvastatin (Lescol) do not have this potential adverse interaction with grapefruit. In rare cases, Lipitor can increase your risk of having a stroke. Please feel free to reach out to him directly if you have any inquiries or want to connect! Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. Learn how we can help 4.8k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Calvin Weisberger agrees 2 thanks A 50-year-old member asked: What is lipitor (atorvastatin) used for? I personally tell my folks who have had no issues with taking a statin, Go ahead and eat the grapefruit, but in moderation, says Dr.Hazen. Due to these possible risks, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment if youre pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Pregnancy. If youre pregnant. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. LEGAL INNOVATION | Tu Agente Digitalizador; LEGAL3 | Gestin Definitiva de Despachos; LEGAL GOV | Gestin Avanzada Sector Pblico Health experts advise caution when combining them with coffee, which can also slow blood clotting. Calcium can interfere with the effectiveness of thyroid medication. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. If there's a higher concentration of these drugs in your body, they're able to block more cholesterol from being made. Grapefruit can increase the potency of many drugs (including simvastatin) from the normal dose up to 4 to 5 times of the dosage. Is there a safe amount of grapefruit to consume if I'm taking atorvastatin? Should I let you know if I start taking other medications or supplements during my Lipitor treatment? Severe side effects are rare, but can include muscle fiber breakdown and kidney injury. At this time, its not known if the drug passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed child. Learn more about the link. Milk, Soy Milk, Milk-Based Smoothies. It has been fairly well documented that grapefruit juice can interact with several drugs, including Lipitor (atorvastatin), a 'statin' medication used to lower cholesterol. You shouldn't eat grapefruit if you are on lipitor (atorvastatin). Supplements can affect the way other medicines work. CYP3A4 helps break down the medication in the small intestine, thereby reducing the amount that ever makes it into your blood. Certain health conditions or other factors could raise your risk of harm if you take Lipitor. Statin medications work steadily and reliably to help regulate LDL levels even if you come up short on exercise or indulge in a slice of cheesecake once too often. Add to Medicine Chest. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. The dosage of your cholesterol medication is based on your cholesterol levels. Can you drink cranberry juice while taking statins? Note that the information below does not include all other possible interactions with Lipitor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has required that some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs generally taken by mouth include warnings against drinking grapefruit juice or eating. Does Lipitor interact with other medications? LIPITOR is for adults and children over 10 whose cholesterol does not come down enough with exercise and a low-fat diet alone. Its likely safe for you to have caffeine along with Lipitor. I eat very clean and only drink water(no sodas etc)I also exercise every day. Nevertheless, other studies theorize that only large amounts of grapefruit consumption would cause a clinically significant interaction, and this may be the case with Lipitor specifically. Can I drink grapefruit flavored vodka made with grapefruit essence. Decreased circulation of blood in the brain. Lipitor may interact with a blood pressure drug called diltiazem (Cartia XT). Lee, J. W., Morris, J. K., & Wald, N. J. Civil Lawsuits Filed Over Cheerleading Gym Sex Abuse, Federal Appeals Court Rejects Johnson & Johnsons Bankruptcy Strategy for Baby Powder Lawsuits, Three Types of Product Defects That Can Cause Serious Injuries, Deadly Head-On Collision Caused By Passing Motorist on Hwy 4 in Stanislaus County, Nursing Home Abuse of Antipsychotics Is Being Investigated. StanleyHazen, MD, PhD, co-section head of preventive cardiology, says its a frequent topic of concern. Promptly consult your doctor or. What is known is that statin drug levels can increase by anywhere from 80 percent to 260 percent if the medication is taken at the same time as grapefruit. Living with heart failure requires careful management of your symptoms and lifestyle. Diabetes. For example, a vaginal ring such as etonogestrel ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing) or a contraceptive injection such as medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) may be better options. Statins interfere with the bodys production of cholesterol and help to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), or bad cholesterol, when diet and exercise havent proven effective. A study released in May, showed that pravastatin and simvastatin were associated with a decrease in energy and activity levels among users when compared to a placebo. vicster_6 5 yr. ago. Learn how to stop taking statins safely. Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, work to lower cholesterol byas the name suggestsinhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that controls the rate at which cholesterol is made by the body. Slowly lower the handles behind the back of your head until your elbows bend at . I cannot say whether someone ever established a "safe dose" for grapefeuit juice, but as long as you'd avoid the actual thing and go for pure artificialness, I'd say you should be safe. Statin drugs such as Lipitor can cause liver problems. Yael Cooperman, MD, Written by Keeping your hard-to-manage cholesterol in check can be difficult, but cardiologist Bukola Olubi, MD, says you don't have to give up. Very Important A change in your diet, medicine, or dosage may be necessary. If you have kidney problems and take Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects during your treatment. Don't break LIPITOR tablets before taking. Breastfeeding. 2 Cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been specifically reported to interact with Lipitor. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. Avoid drinking large amounts of cranberry juice if you are taking atorvastatin (Lipitor). The effect of the grapefruit can last up to five hours. Minor Side Effects Whilst taking statins, you might experience any of the following side effects: Abdominal pain Headaches Bloating Nausea Diarrhoea Skin rashes A sensation of 'pins and needles' A bigger concern. Statins. ? This family of chemicals impairs CYP3A4, an enzyme in our body that does a lot of the work breaking down drugs. When statin takers eat large amounts of grapefruit, the level of statins in their blood can increase, raising the possibility of side effects. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can block your bodys ability to break down Lipitor. If youre currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. But as curious as you may be, keep in mind that Hot Pockets totally are not good for you, and on top of that, they aren't that tasty to begin with. Lipitor is the most commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol levels. Your doctor can recommend a different treatment option for you. Squirt, a carbonated soft-drink, contains grapefruit juice, as does Seville orange marmalade, according to Bieber. Common questions about Lipitor and interactions, Side Effects of Lipitor: What You Need to Know, Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to Know, sites.psu.edu/cannabinoid/files/2020/06/Cannabinoid-as-PRECIPITANT-Medication-Affecting-the-Metabolism-of-ANOTHER-OBJECT-Medication_04_25.pdf, labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=587#S7.3, sites.psu.edu/cannabinoid/files/2020/06/NTI-Meds-to-be-Closely-Monitored-when-Co-Administered-with-Cannabinoids_2020_04_25.pdf, The Effects of High Cholesterol on the Body, What You Should Know About Telehealth for Managing High Cholesterol. These medications are used to slow blood clotting and include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others), enoxaparin (Lovenox), and more. It belongs to a group of. Researchers may be able to screen patients most likely to experience muscle weakness and pain, the most common side effects of the drugs, by looking for a genetic variant. People should avoid mixing alcohol and Lipitor or drinking while on Lipitor. If youve had an allergic reaction. Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion). We talked to experts about, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Grapefruit Juice and Statins. In rare cases, Lipitor can raise your risk of high blood sugar. I am crazy in love with Monster Ultra Fiesta but if it contains real grapefruit juice I can't drink it because it interferes with my meds. If the flavor is artificial then it would probably be ok to drink but again check with the pharmacist. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Can You Lower Your Bad Cholesterol Too Much? Can I take weight loss pills? Statins are a class of drugs used to help lower cholesterol. The role of the liver in alcohol metabolism means those who drink heavily could be at greater risk, however. What's more, these higher levels of statins may cause a greater chance for side effects. Several sources report eating as little as one grapefruit can cause issues. The risk of developing rhabdomyolysis by combining statin drugs with grapefruit is minimal, A review published in the American Journal of Medicine proposed that not only is the risk of rhabdomyolysis and serious potential complications low, the resulting increased concentration of statin drugs when combined with grapefruit juice actually improved cholesterol levels (Lee, 2016). Our expert explains if grapefruit is safe to mix with your statins. Fatigue was found to be a real concern for some users. Pomegranate juice, like grapefruit juice, may pose health risks with drugs. Triazolam. If you have diabetes, taking Lipitor can make your condition worse. Caffeine is present in certain food and drinks, such as coffee, chocolate, and tea. If you take medicine for your heart, doctors recommend staying away from some foods because of the risk of interaction. Statins are a class of medications that aim to reduce elevated cholesterol levels in people with a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (also called heart disease), which may contribute to the development of heart attacks and strokes. In the end, the consensus currently stands that consumption of 8 oz or less of grapefruit juice per day while taking statins is generally considered to be okay (Reddy, 2011; Rosenson, 2020). Forget HDL and LDL. While taking atorvastatin ( Lipitor ), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall treatment. However, even small amounts of grapefruit juice can interfere with important intestinal enzymes and change how some medications are metabolized by the body. Brain Bleed After A Detroit Crash: What You Need To Know, Firms Prescient Warning of Fentanyl Dangers Become Tragic Reality. Find out how atorvastatin treats heart problems and how to take it. If you have a history of heavy drinking or liver damage, failing to broach the topic when your doctor first suggests statins could be risky. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions. This can cause a buildup of Lipitor in your body, which raises your risk of side effects. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may have a higher risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis while taking Lipitor. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Answer It has been fairly well documented that grapefruit juice can interact with several drugs, including Lipitor ( atorvastatin ), a 'statin' medication used to lower cholesterol. While this has been shown to hold true for simvastatin (FloLipid, Zocor), lovastatin (Altoprev), and atorvastatin (Lipitor), grapefruit juice is not associated with higher blood concentrations of pravastatin (Pravachol), which is why its sometimes viewed as the safest statin (Fukazawa, 2004). I'm interested specifically in Spindrift grapefruit sparkling water, which contains 10% grapefruit juice (so 1.2 ounces per can). Read on to find out more about healthy cholesterol levels, and if a cholesterol level of 250 ml/dL is considered, Heart disease is a top cause of death in the U.S. MORE: Hidden Danger: OTC Drugs and Driving. A: Certain classes of drugs most notably statins are metabolized (broken down) in your intestines by an enzyme called CYP3A, which normally reduces the amount of drug that enters your bloodstream. Its not known if Lipitor passes into breast milk or what effects the drug may have on a breastfed child. We avoid using tertiary references. Drinking cranberry juice while taking these medications might increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor). For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Learn more about the link. If you already have liver problems, taking Lipitor may make your condition worse. There aren't any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. Avoid a second heart attack if they have cardiovascular disease. They could occur with foods, supplements, vaccines, or even lab tests. Higher concentration of these drugs in your body, theyre able to block more cholesterol from being.. Tell your doctor about other treatment options and alcohol or drink frozen or homogenized juice who... Raise your risk of side effects to these possible risks, your doctor may recommend you. Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do not Sell my Personal information some medications are metabolized by the WebMD marketing sciences department know I... 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How to take it you stop taking it during your treatment, or they may prescribe treatment for your,... Can recommend a different treatment option for you doctor or pharmacist foods because of anything HealthTap... People with high blood pressure drug called diltiazem ( Cartia XT ) taking statins Lipitor! Seville orange marmalade, according to Bieber during your treatment, or.... This can cause liver damage, kidney failure, or they may monitor you more for. Called calcium channel blockers or delay professional medical advice in person because of the of. High-Cholesterol foods as part of your cholesterol medication is based on your cholesterol.... Increase the effects and side effects during your treatment, or death supplements, vaccines, or may..., according to Bieber Morris, J. K., & Wald, N. J can i drink squirt while taking lipitor of.