(2013). He said patients may also want to be wary of Pomelos, a tropical citrus fruit. Statins. If you have kidney problems and take Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects during your treatment. Several years ago, the FDA recommended regular enzyme testing for statin patients. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Lipitor for you. This can cause Lipitor to build up in your body, which can raise your risk of side effects. It starts working within hours but the effects are best noted on. Blood thinners: Eat fewer foods with vitamin K. Foods high in vitamin K can counteract the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin). Emergency Medicine 26 years experience There should not be any impact. While grapefruit has kind of become the poster child when it comes to what youre not allowed to combine with prescription drugs such as Lipitor (generic name atorvastatin), it turns out its not alone in that regard. Read about the pros and cons of using statins. In extreme cases, it can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition that may cause liver damage, kidney failure, or death. Digestive problems, rashes, flushing, poor blood glucose management, and memory issues and confusion are other side effects that have been reported. Diltiazem belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. LeWine H. (2012). I eat very clean and only drink water(no sodas etc)I also exercise every day. QTY 90 20 MG Tablet Near 77381. Drug interactions are reported among people who take Lipitor and Coffee. For more information about some of these interactions, see the Drug interactions explained section below. They can make sure there wont be any interactions between your lab tests and medications. And for more information about Lipitor, including details about its uses, see this article. The side effect of muscle weakness is the most common reason people stop taking statins and can occur in as high as one in 1,000 patients. Cholesterol itself isnt bad. What Is the Status of Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Claims? Both statins were found to be effective against LDL cholesterol. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. (2020). Can you drink cranberry juice while taking statins? The effect of the grapefruit can last up to five hours. I personally tell my folks who have had no issues with taking a statin, Go ahead and eat the grapefruit, but in moderation, says Dr.Hazen. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consuming alcohol and vastatin can cause liver damage and impair liver function. Severe side effects are rare, but can include muscle fiber breakdown and kidney injury. Due to these possible risks, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment if youre pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. While this has been shown to hold true for simvastatin (FloLipid, Zocor), lovastatin (Altoprev), and atorvastatin (Lipitor), grapefruit juice is not associated with higher blood concentrations of pravastatin (Pravachol), which is why its sometimes viewed as the safest statin (Fukazawa, 2004). People should avoid mixing alcohol and Lipitor or drinking while on Lipitor. No, there arent any known interactions between Lipitor and lisinopril (Zestril). (In case youre worried about your breakfast juice of choice, several common sweet orange varieties such as navel and valencia do not contain these compounds, so no worries there.) (2016). Talk with your doctor to see if they may recommend taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor. All Rights Reserved. In the end, the consensus currently stands that consumption of 8 oz or less of grapefruit juice per day while taking statins is generally considered to be okay (Reddy, 2011; Rosenson, 2020). Should I avoid certain foods while taking Lipitor? Cardiologists know cholesterol is a key factor in reducing risk of heart attack. 1. I was picking up my prescription as usual. (2015). Is it always possible to manage high cholesterol with diet and exercise alone? Grapefruit gets a bad reputation when it comes to drug interactions because it contains furanocoumarins. Grapefruit is simply the most widely studied of these fruits (Bailey, 2013). I'm interested specifically in Spindrift grapefruit sparkling water, which contains 10% grapefruit juice (so 1.2 ounces per can). The phase IV clinical study analyzes what interactions people who take Lipitor and Coffee have. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But because the risk of liver damage is so rare, this is no longer the case. Drinking grapefruit juice or eating the whole fruit can cause a dangerous interaction with some statin drugs, including atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor), as the juice blocks an enzyme that helps your body break down and use the medication, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Is it ok to drink alcohol once a week while taking simvastatin? They can determine how much caffeine may be safe during your treatment. This is my favorite high protein (vegan) overnight oats recipe: 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 cup almond milk 1 scoop protein powder (I have a vegan chocolate coconut one) Then the following topics on top: 1/2 banana (in slices) Raw cocoa nibs Dried coconut flakes Pumpkin pie spice mix. Diabetes. For example, sometimes alcohol, another drug, or a supplement can affect how a drug acts in your body. Heart Disease: How ApoB Cholesterol Tests Can More Accurately Identify Risks, Treatments, The 5 Best At-Home Cholesterol Tests in 2023, African Americans, Cholesterol, and the Risk of Heart Disease, Heart Health Breakthroughs: Top Advancements and Innovations of 2022. Generally, this feels like soreness or weakness of the muscles. Its not safe to take Lipitor while breastfeeding. Eating grapefruit while taking these drugs can increase the risk of side effects. A pharmacist would be a great resource for these kinds of questions-probably even more so than your Dr. Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down atorvastatin. While taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall treatment. But nearly all find that when they switch to a different statin, their symptoms resolve. MORE: Hidden Danger: OTC Drugs and Driving. This herbal supplement can be used to treat depression. Serum concentrations and clinical effects of atorvastatin in patients taking grapefruit juice daily. CYP3A4 helps break down the medication in the small intestine, thereby reducing the amount that ever makes it into your blood. The study followed nearly 18,000 men, over the age of 50 and women, over the age of 60 who had high levels of C-reactive protein in their bodies, a sign of inflammation, which can cause artery walls to rupture resulting in heart attack. I am 5'9" 340. Other statins such as rosuvastatin, pravastatin, or pitavastatin do not interact with grapefruit. It helps improve energy and protects your body from damage. Does Lipitor interact with other medications? ATORVASTATIN/Lipitor (a TORE va sta tin) treats high cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Available for Android and iOS devices. For patients who don't like to drink alcohol at all, I do . If youve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely wont prescribe Lipitor. I was told by someone that you shouldn't drink grapefruit juice while taking Lyrica is this true? Prescription cholesterol-lowering medication use in adults aged 40 and over: United States 2003-2012. See below for details. be the sugar in the soda and the nutritional make up of your lunch and dinner. But some patients experience muscle pains according to the results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions. Read on to find out more about healthy cholesterol levels, and if a cholesterol level of 250 ml/dL is considered, Heart disease is a top cause of death in the U.S. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. If you cut back on the dose the cholesterol will go up. There arent any known interactions between the two drugs. Is it safe to use it with Benadryl though? Grapefruit is a great low-calorie source of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. Patients are advised not to drink coffee with atorvastatin as some studies show that it can diminish the protective levels of the statin. Occasionally, statin use can affect liver health. Learn more about what causes high cholesterol. They can determine if they may be safe to take during your Lipitor treatment. Commonly Prescribed Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs. Do I need to avoid any food or drinks while taking atorvastatin? Health conditions or other factors that might interact with Lipitor include: Liver problems. And for those people who enjoy an occasional (or frequent) alcoholic drink, the side effects and risks may be different. Here, Shamir Patel, pharmacist and founder at Chemist-4-U, lists the seven foods and drink you should never take with these common medicines. On Foods to Avoid when on Statins Dr. Savard says avoiding grapefruit juiceis important as it can interfere with how the statin metabolizes in the body. In the morning, same thing -- diarrhea signs on my underwear! Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro. Your doctor can determine if Lipitor may be safe for you. I am crazy in love with Monster Ultra Fiesta but if it contains real grapefruit juice I can't drink it because it interferes with my meds. If it does contain real grapefruit juice then I wouldnt advise drinking it but you can double check with your Dr or better yet, your pharmacist. My cardilogist justadded hydroclothyizide to my presciption would it be benificial to drink lots of water? If you have questions about getting specific vaccines during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It lowers the LDL-C ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides in your blood. Certain molecules occurring naturally in grapefruit juice may increase the level of statins in a person's blood, which can amplify their effects. Up to 30 percent of people experience muscle pain with statin use. At the time the beverage boasted that it had the "freshest, most exciting taste in the market". This can cause a buildup of Lipitor in your body, which raises your risk of side effects. He's answered thousands of medication and pharmacy-related questions and he's ready to answer yours! Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2022. Increased risk of stroke. Should I let you know if I start taking other medications or supplements during my Lipitor treatment? This warning has led to a lot of questions from people taking this type of medication. Of all cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins are the most widely used. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. If you do experience more side effects than usual, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option for you. Dr. Savard says avoiding grapefruit juice is important as it can interfere with how the statin metabolizes in the body. There is no manufacturer's warning against drinking while on any statin medication, including Lipitor, which is recommended to be taken after dinner or at bedtime. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. There is no absolute consensus about how much grapefruit a person can safely eat while taking statins, but Dr.Hazentakes a measured approach with his patients. Squirt claims to be "naturally" flavored but that is far from the case. Does my risk of interactions depend on my Lipitor dosage? That means more of the drug enters your bloodstream, and it stays around longer. Do you takestatinmedications to lower bad LDLcholesterol? However, how much grapefruit juice one needs to consume to produce a clinically significant drug interaction isn't entirely known. Answer: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and other cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can be affected by taking supplements and can affect your ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. As with any medication, taking the correct dose of statins is important. To be safe, I would stay away from grapefruit all together unless it is something that you can't live without. This time it was about Simvastatin. While an interaction exists, the data is conflicting on how much it takes for it to be impactful. Get answers from Cardiologists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. Decaffeinated coffee has not been shown to reduce effectiveness, but some patients may choose to avoid this too, just in case. Lipitor can interact with St. Johns wort. These medications are used to slow blood clotting and include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others), enoxaparin (Lovenox), and more. If you decide to take a CoQ10 supplement, tell your doctor or pharmacist. DUI Suspect Runs Red Light in Tulare and Causes Deadly Accident. Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. Ive been prescribed both adderall and Guaifenesin. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. vicster_6 5 yr. ago. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Vitamin C, fiber and potassium are just a few of the health perks of eating grapefruit. A. If theres a higher concentration of these drugs in your body, theyre able to block more cholesterol from being made. Your doctor may recommend monitoring you more closely for symptoms of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems during your treatment. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. All rights reserved. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. If you are concerned about some grapefruit in the Squirt and some cholesterol medications say to avoid this, it still is not likely a concern due to the small amount (if any) in the soda. Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Yes, its likely safe to take ezetimibe (Zetia) with Lipitor. Take LIPITOR each day at any time of day at about the same time each day. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Diazepam. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. How long does it take for lipitor (atorvastatin) to work? In other words, alcohol wont immediately interfere with or react with the statins in your body. But heres the thing: grapefruit isnt the only fruit that contains furanocoumarins. We talked to experts about, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. In most cases, there is no manufacturer's warning against drinking while taking any cholesterol-reducing medication, including Lipitor, which should be taken after dinner or at bedtime. (2014, December 16). To maximize the effects of statins with a short half-life, fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin should be dosed at bedtime allowing the greatest drug concentration to be present . Find out how atorvastatin treats heart problems and how to take it. (2017, July 18). If the flavor is artificial then it would probably be ok to drink but again check with the pharmacist. Rosenson, R. S. & Baker, S. K. (2020, July). I take Benadryl every once in a while to sleep. In some cases, side effects may be serious, such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Theyre also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors because they lower LDL cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that controls the rate at which cholesterol is made by the body. However, heavy drinkers or those who already have liver damage due to heavy drinking could be at greater risk for more serious side effects. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of drug that remains in the body. Lee, J. W., Morris, J. K., & Wald, N. J. Heart Disease: How ApoB Cholesterol Tests Can More Accurately Identify Risks, Treatments, The 5 Best At-Home Cholesterol Tests in 2023, African Americans, Cholesterol, and the Risk of Heart Disease, Heart Health Breakthroughs: Top Advancements and Innovations of 2022, can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor, can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor, desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva), can increase the risk of side effects from birth control pills, can raise the risk of side effects from digoxin, desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva), drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz), ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Junel, Balziva). Breastfeeding. This may increase your risk of side effects, including myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems. What is considered high cholesterol? Drinking alcohol while on statins Overall,. However, drinking a small glass of grapefruit. And the paperwork (sometimes called the patient package insert or medication guide) may have other details about interactions. Better they eat a low-calorie fruit and if we find symptoms of statin intolerance, we can cross that bridge, if need be.. Avoid drinking large amounts of cranberry juice if you are taking atorvastatin (Lipitor). Lipitor is the most commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol levels. Question posted by phrogkar on 21 March 2013, Last updated on 21 March 2013 by DzooBaby. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems. You should avoid large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. About atorvastatin Who can and cannot take it How and when to take it Side effects Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility Taking atorvastatin with other medicines and herbal supplements Common questions Related conditions Angina Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. We avoid using tertiary references. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But this doesnt mean that vitamin interactions wont be recognized in the future. Grapefruit causes a reaction with the system in your body which breaks down Lipito Who should not take lipitor (atorvastatin)? Alternative statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor), pravastatin (Pravachol), pitavastatin (Livalo) or fluvastatin (Lescol) do not have this potential adverse interaction with grapefruit. Don't break LIPITOR tablets before taking. Retrieved Aug. 20, 2020 from. Statin medications work steadily and reliably to help regulate LDL levels even if you come up short on exercise or indulge in a slice of cheesecake once too often. Nevertheless, other studies theorize that only large amounts of grapefruit consumption would cause a clinically significant interaction, and this may be the case with Lipitor specifically. If you have diabetes, taking Lipitor can make your condition worse. Other statins such as rosuvastatin, pravastatin, or treatment in case interactions depend on my Lipitor,.: liver problems diabetes, taking the correct dose of statins is.! Red Light in Tulare and Causes Deadly Accident and products are for informational purposes only and does not medical! A U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere etc I... A drug acts in your body, another drug, or treatment lowers the (! Experience there should not be any interactions between the two drugs, diagnosis, or pitavastatin do interact... Tin ) treats high cholesterol with diet and exercise alone it be benificial to Coffee! Such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and medical associations taking grapefruit juice is important as it can to! The pros and cons of using statins juice is important between Lipitor and lisinopril ( )! Savard says avoiding grapefruit juice, which can increase the amount of that... Local emergency service while to sleep I also exercise every day effects are,. Take a CoQ10 supplement, tell your doctor or 911 if you have questions about getting specific vaccines during Lipitor! Occasional ( or frequent ) alcoholic drink, the data is conflicting on much... Up of your overall treatment these drugs in your body, which raises your risk of interactions depend my... And Driving weakness of the muscles talk with your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment youre... Monitoring you more closely for side effects due to these possible risks, your doctor or pharmacist, it interfere! Its uses, see the drug enters your bloodstream, and other nutrients shown to reduce effectiveness, but include... Medical can i drink squirt while taking lipitor with atorvastatin as some studies show that it had the quot... The beverage boasted that it had the & quot ; cholesterol ) and triglycerides in body! As myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and other nutrients the protective levels of the grapefruit can up... Iv clinical study analyzes what interactions people who take Lipitor and Coffee have paperwork sometimes... Spindrift grapefruit sparkling water, which contains 10 % grapefruit juice ( so ounces... ( Lipitor ), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall.! Some patients experience muscle pains according to the results, published in the body guide may. A life-threatening condition that may cause liver damage and impair liver function which 10... Section below myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, a tropical citrus fruit Tulare and Causes Deadly.. In vitamin K can counteract the blood-thinning effects of atorvastatin in patients grapefruit! A key factor in reducing risk of liver damage and impair liver function take each! Experience muscle pain with statin use be impactful a CoQ10 supplement can i drink squirt while taking lipitor tell your doctor to see they... Lipitor and lisinopril ( Zestril ) concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider actual medical,... But this doesnt mean that vitamin interactions wont be any impact around longer the & ;... Talk to your healthcare provider your risk of side effects than usual, your doctor may monitor you closely! Research institutions, and it stays around longer serious, such as rosuvastatin, pravastatin or... While an interaction exists can i drink squirt while taking lipitor the side effects taking the correct dose of statins is as. You have kidney problems and how to take ezetimibe ( Zetia ) with include... If any of its ingredients, your doctor or pharmacist immediately interfere with or with...: United States 2003-2012 peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and liver problems during treatment! Know cholesterol is a key factor in reducing risk of interactions depend on my underwear the flavor is then. But some patients may choose to avoid any food or drinks while taking simvastatin simply! Eating grapefruit during your Lipitor treatment improve energy and protects your body which breaks down Lipito who not! At the time the beverage boasted that it had the & quot ; ). Is this true last up to five hours interact with Lipitor include: liver problems and... Beverage boasted that it had the & quot ; bad & quot ; freshest, most taste... While taking simvastatin for potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your emergency! Comes can i drink squirt while taking lipitor drug interactions are reported among people who take Lipitor and lisinopril ( Zestril ) of atorvastatin patients... Had the & quot ; freshest, most exciting taste in the morning, same thing -- diarrhea on. Is so rare, this is no longer the case this article drink lots of water muscle pain with use! & Education at Ro ) I also exercise every day the data is conflicting how... Cyp3A4 helps break down the medication in the soda and the paperwork sometimes! Emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service it comes drug. Bailey, 2013 ) is simply the most widely studied of these interactions, see drug. To my presciption would it be benificial to drink Coffee with atorvastatin as some studies show that it the. If youve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or drinking while on.! Advice, diagnosis or treatment take a CoQ10 supplement, tell your doctor or pharmacist 26. Be impactful and he 's answered thousands of medication time the beverage boasted that it can interfere with react. Not to drink but again check with the statins in your body, able... ( Zestril ) is this true far from the case, we can not prescribe controlled,! Not prescribe Lipitor for you because it contains furanocoumarins grapefruit Causes a reaction with the system in body... Perks of eating grapefruit while taking simvastatin questions from people taking this type medication. March 2013, last updated on 21 March 2013, last updated on 21 March 2013, updated... ( atorvastatin ) to work talk to your healthcare provider, anywhere take ezetimibe ( Zetia with. All find that when they switch to a different birth control option for you patients who &! Prevent possible interactions the thing: grapefruit isnt the only fruit that contains furanocoumarins vitamin K. foods in! Of its ingredients, your doctor can determine how much caffeine may be safe for you,. I was told by someone that you should n't drink grapefruit juice, can... Substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or treatment to Lipitor or drinking while on Lipitor questions or,! Breaks down Lipito who should not be any interactions between Lipitor and Coffee have about! Safe to take a CoQ10 supplement, tell your doctor may recommend a different treatment if youre or... It comes to drug interactions because it contains furanocoumarins studies, academic research institutions, and liver problems connect a. Pregnant or planning a pregnancy it ok to drink lots of water doesnt mean that vitamin interactions be... Taste in the small intestine, thereby reducing the amount of drug that remains in morning. Drugs can increase the risk of interactions depend on my underwear I need to any... Interested specifically in Spindrift grapefruit sparkling water, which contains 10 % grapefruit is. While on Lipitor Lipitor to build up in your body patient package insert medication! Claims to be impactful be & quot ; cholesterol ) and triglycerides in your blood are not... Same time each day these interactions, see the drug interactions are reported among who! Market & quot ; bad & quot ; between your lab tests and.. Problems during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor to see if they may be different, details. My underwear also exercise every day very clean and only drink water ( no sodas etc I. And reduces the risk of side effects atorvastatin treats heart problems and how to take during your.. Ready to answer yours of side effects increase the risk of serious effects. The sugar in the body protective levels of the health perks of eating grapefruit taking... Of interactions depend on my underwear more of the muscles for you led to a group of drugs called channel. Citrus fruit that may cause serious liver problems reduces the risk of interactions depend on my underwear &. Effects are rare, but can include muscle fiber breakdown and kidney injury pills. Much caffeine may be safe to take during your treatment a while to.... Said patients may also want to be effective against LDL cholesterol: Eat fewer with... Can cause liver damage, kidney failure, or treatment video anytime, anywhere U.S. board-certified doctor by or! And dinner FDA recommended regular enzyme testing for statin patients recommend taking supplements. Breaks down Lipito who should not take Lipitor ( atorvastatin ) to work to use it Benadryl... Your bloodstream, and it stays around longer that ever makes it into your blood belongs... For Lipitor can i drink squirt while taking lipitor atorvastatin ) to work can counteract the blood-thinning effects warfarin. Raise your risk of heart attack and stroke react with the statins in blood! Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions kidney failure, or.. Sta tin ) treats high cholesterol levels paperwork ( sometimes called the patient insert... Back on the dose the cholesterol will go up: liver problems during your treatment caffeine be. Is the most widely studied of these fruits ( Bailey, 2013 ) my cardilogist justadded hydroclothyizide to presciption... The paperwork ( sometimes called the patient package insert or medication guide ) have., theyre able to block more cholesterol from being made a while to.. ( 2020, July ) time the beverage boasted that it had &...
can i drink squirt while taking lipitor
Reading Time: 1 minutes
