Expert: Diane Cheryl - 3/16/2009

Question
I just found out quite accidentally that grapefruit can interact with birth control pills. Is this true of all pills? I take Zovia (the brand name is Demulen) and I've eaten grapefruit in the past and was going to start a diet that involves eating some grapefruit. Will this lower the pills effectiveness? I'd like to find out as soon as possible. I don't want to get pregnant because of something as minor as eating grapefruit! Your prompt reply would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Christine,

Unfortunately, from what I have read, your facts are correct. I am sending one of the links I found.

http://contraceptivereviewer.com/grapefruit-and-low-dose-birth-control-pills-a-r...

This article is informative and I even learned from it. So basically this article tells that grapefruit can affect the pills and other medications. It also tells why. So hope this helps and you will have to find another diet food, I think.

Also, I'm not sure how old you are, but perhaps you could practice abstinence for a time and go ahead and try the grapefruit diet for a few weeks. If you want to email me anytime, I can be reached at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl