{"id":640908,"date":"2025-12-18T20:24:41","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T20:24:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/640908\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T20:24:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T20:24:41","slug":"nhs-says-avoid-grapefruit-while-taking-common-medications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/640908\/","title":{"rendered":"NHS says avoid grapefruit while taking common medications"},"content":{"rendered":"

FRUIT WARNING: Grapefruit can interfere with certain prescriptions (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n

Millions of people who take certain medications are being advised by the NHS to avoid a particular fruit. The health service warns that mixing grapefruit or its juice with some prescriptions can trigger serious side effects.<\/p>\n

The caution affects users of widely prescribed drugs<\/a>, including some statins, anti-anxiety medications, and amlodipine. Statins are among the most common medicines, used to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks.<\/p>\n

These drugs work by limiting cholesterol production<\/a> in the liver, helping prevent fatty deposits from forming in arteries. They are taken daily and are both a treatment<\/a> and a preventative measure for high cholesterol-related complications.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/p>\n

Amlodipine, sold as Istin, is a calcium channel blocker used to manage high blood pressure, reports Charlotte Smith on the Mirror<\/a>. Taking it helps reduce the risk of future heart problems, heart attacks, and strokes.<\/p>\n

The NHS advises: “Do not take amlodipine with grapefruit juice<\/a>. Having large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase how much amlodipine is in your body and make side effects worse.”<\/p>\n

Patients on certain types of amlodipine or other routine prescriptions<\/a> should steer clear of grapefruit. \u201cIf you are affected, you may have to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine,” the guidance adds.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Obsessed<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The same warnings extend to additional medications, as grapefruit can dangerously boost drug levels in the bloodstream. This may lead to severe complications, including kidney damage<\/a> or muscle problems.<\/p>\n

Grapefruit interferes with enzymes and transport proteins, such as CYP3A4 and P-gp, which are essential for processing drugs in the digestive system. The result is more medication entering the bloodstream than intended, increasing risk.<\/p>\n

Not every medicine interacts with grapefruit in the same way, so always check with a GP or pharmacist<\/a> before making any dietary changes. Read labels carefully and heed any warning about grapefruit on your prescription information.<\/p>\n

The same applies to people on various other medications, including the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n