It has been known for some time that grapefruit can cause adverse reactions when combined with certain drugs, but now doctors say the risks are greater than previously thought.

Some 43 drugs can have serious side effects with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, and this interaction can occur even if grapefruit is consumed many hours before taking the medication.

The fruit can cause overdoses of some drugs by stopping the medicines being broken down in the intestines and the liver.
This can lead to serious effects like, kidney failure, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, even death.

Of particular importance is the reaction with cholesterol lowering medication such as atorvastatin and simvastatin.

Canadian scientists who first discovered the interactions more than 20 years ago, looked again at food interactions to help doctors better understand the serious effects that common foods can have when consumed with certain prescription drugs .

Dr David Bailey lead researcher said: "Many of the drugs that interact with grapefruit are highly prescribed and are essential for the treatment of important or common medical conditions."
Their findings are published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal

If you are in any way concerned about your medication and want to know more about what foods to avoid, ask your pharmacist, GP or Heart Failure nurse for advice.

Source:  Daily Telegraph ; Canadian Medical Association Journal