Lipitor and Grapefruit

Filed in archive Digestive Health on May 18, 2007

Were you aware that lipitor and Grapefruit were a bad combination? I've been taking lipitor for cholesterol for over a year, and I often have half a grapefruit for breakfast. Nobody warned me. Sure, I know we should take responsibility for our own health, but a person can't think of every little thing to check on when prescribed a new medication.

If it hadn't been for a note in today's Cholesterol Network Newsletter, I still wouldn't have known that I shouldn't be eating grapefruit.

What are the dangers of eating grapefruit while taking lipitor? It can cause a serious muscle reaction called Rhabdomyolysis. According to Hub Pages:

Rhabdomyolysis is a severe muscle reaction that can cause death. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain or weakness-especially if you have flu-like symptoms or a fever or any other unusual signs. These may be early warnings of muscle or liver problems.

When considering using lipitor grapefruit or any drink containing grapefruit juice should be avoided. Information sheets that accompany Lipitor detail this information.

I don't recall receiving any information when I was prescribed lipitor. If you are taking lipitor or an cholesterol drug, be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist about dietary restrictions.