For years Lipitor users have been warned to avoid grapefruit because on the possibility of a dangerous interaction. In a new study by Watson Clinic published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, cardiologists Patrick J. Reddy, MD, and Kevin F. Browne, Jr., MD call this myth into question. Their research indicates that typical consumption of grapefruit juice is safe with Lipitor and there is no necessity for reducing the dosage of Lipitor when consuming grapefruit juice.
“As a cardiologist and prescribing physician, a number of my patients have asked me about grapefruit-drug interactions with statins, and atorvastatin in particular,” says Dr. Reddy. “But until now, we have not known the effects of consuming typical amounts of grapefruit juice on the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in patients requiring treatment. While there is a potential grapefruit-statin interaction with other statins (for example, simvastatin and lovastatin), this interaction does not appear to be significant with grapefruit and atorvastatin.”
This will be welcome news to grapefruit lovers worldwide. We urge you to consult with your physician before making any change in your diet. But if they say it is ok, come on over and order a few!