Health experts are warning the millions of Britons taking statins or other prescription drugs to avoid grapefruit, as it can interfere with the medication's effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects. The warning comes as NHS data reveals a record 5.3 million people in England received statin or ezetimibe prescriptions in 2023-24, with an estimated 7-8 million adults across the UK now taking statins.
Dipa Kamdar, senior lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University, explained that grapefruit juice contains compounds called furanocoumarins, which can block liver enzymes needed to break down certain drugs. This can lead to a dangerous build-up of medication in the body. For statins, increased levels raise the risk of muscle breakdown, a rare but serious side effect.
The NHS advises that grapefruit juice can affect some statins and increase the risk of side effects. The British Heart Foundation specifically warns against eating or drinking grapefruit if taking simvastatin, and advises only occasional, small amounts for those on atorvastatin. Other statins are not thought to be affected.
Other drugs that may interact with grapefruit include ciclosporin (used to prevent organ transplant rejection), amlodipine (a blood pressure drug), and sildenafil (for erectile dysfunction). Kamdar recommends consulting a doctor or pharmacist before consuming even small amounts of grapefruit juice if taking any prescription medication.
