By the way, doctor: Can I have my Lipitor and grapefruit juice, too?
By the way, Doctor
Q. I recently started taking Lipitor for high cholesterol. The label says: “Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at any time while taking this medication.” My doctor didn’t warn me about grapefruit. Several medically trained friends have never heard of such a thing. I love grapefruit. Is there really anything to worry about?
A. Like you, I love the taste of grapefruit. But grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain many otherwise healthy nutrients that can raise the blood levels of certain medications, including some of the statin drugs, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor). High blood levels increase the risk of side effects, particularly muscle damage.
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