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Expert: Eric Brandt - 1/15/2004


Question
I would like to know why some drugs, such as Lipitor, say not to drink or eat grapefruit.  Does it mean never or just with the pills? Also, what happens to the pill if you do eat grapefruit?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Cliff,
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice when takinf Lipitor.
The juice of the grapefruit contains a substance that interferes with the breakdown and subsequent elimination of Lipitor. This results in higher than desired blood levels of Lipitor and increases the chances of developing adverse effects.
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