{"id":52927,"date":"2022-08-11T13:06:27","date_gmt":"2022-08-11T17:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=52927"},"modified":"2025-10-08T14:42:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T18:42:37","slug":"grapefruit-and-statins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/grapefruit-and-statins\/","title":{"rendered":"Why you should avoid mixing Lipitor and grapefruit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Statins are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels. They work by inhibiting the enzyme in the liver responsible for making cholesterol, known as HMG-CoA reductase. Statins are some of the most prescribed drugs in the United States, and they\u2019re generally considered safe and effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

While effective, one potential downside to statin drugs is their ability to interact with grapefruit. Grapefruit contains a chemical called furanocoumarin, which inhibits the enzyme that breaks down statins. This causes an increase in the levels of statins in the blood, which can increase the risk of side effects, most notably muscle problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re taking a statin to help lower your cholesterol levels, it’s important to understand the potential grapefruit interaction. Read on to learn more about how statins work, their interaction with grapefruit, and what you can do to avoid problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Statins: Uses, common brands, and safety info<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How do statins work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you have <\/span>high cholesterol<\/span><\/a>, it means there\u2019s too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) in your blood. This leads to a build-up of plaque on the walls of your arteries, which can narrow them and make it difficult for blood to flow through. The plaque build-up also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Statin medications work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the liver responsible for making cholesterol. In turn, the liver increases LDL receptors, which pull <\/span>LDL cholesterol<\/span><\/a> out of the bloodstream, and the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood decreases\u2014reducing plaque build-up in the arteries and lowering the risk of heart disease and other related medical conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>4 possible side effects of statins<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Do statins and alcohol consumption mix?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What happens if you eat grapefruit while on statins?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that\u2019s known for its bitter taste and high levels of vitamin C. As mentioned, it also contains a chemical called furanocoumarin. <\/span>Furanocoumarin<\/span><\/a> inhibits CYP3A4, the same enzyme that metabolizes statins.<\/span><\/p>\n

When grapefruit and certain statins are both consumed, the level of statins in the blood can increase. This can increase the likelihood of side effects, such as muscle pain and weakness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grapefruit isn’t the only fruit that should be avoided while taking statins. There are several other <\/span>fruits with high concentrations of furanocoumarin<\/span><\/a>\u2014meaning they too may need to be avoided while taking statins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider avoiding these citrus fruits while taking certain statins:<\/b><\/p>\n