Statins side effects: Why drinking or eating grapefruit can be dangerous
This Morning: Dr Chris reveals grapefruit can affect statins
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A healthy diet and lots of exercise are the key staples of a healthy lifestyle. Grapefruit is one of the most nutritious fruits around, so why are they frowned upon if you’re taking statins?The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged the nutrients found in grapefruits, such as vitamin C and potassium. However statins, such as simvastatin and atorvastatin, interact with grapefruit juice.
“The juice lets more of the drug enter the blood,” said Dr Shiew Mei Huang.
“When there is too much drug in the blood, you may have more side effects.”
Many drugs are broken down with the help of an enzyme called CYP3A4, said the FDA.
It’s in the small intestine where the enzyme CYP3A4 helps to break down (i.e. metabolise) statins.
However, grapefruit juice can block the action of CYP3A4, which means more of the medication enters the bloodstream and stays in the body for longer.
As people have differing amounts of the enzyme in their small intestine, grapefruit juice can affect people differently, even if they’re taking the same medication.
The FDA confirmed that mixing grapefruit and statins could lead to an increased risk for liver and muscle damage.
These two side effects may even lead to kidney failure, which is a serious complication.
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Statin side effects
The NHS noted common side effects of statins can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick
- Feeling unusually tired or physically weak
- Digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting
- Muscle pain
- Sleep problems
- Low blood platelet count
“Statins can occasionally cause muscle inflammation (swelling) and damage,” said the national health body.
Anybody suffering from unexplained muscle pain are advised to speak to their GP.
They might arrange a blood test to check the level of creatine kinase in your blood.
Do mention to your GP if you’ve been exercising a lot recently too, as this will also release creatine kinase into the bloodstream.
Creatine kinase is the substance released into the blood when muscles are inflamed or damaged.
This could occur due to statins, or it may be due to working your muscles harder during exercise – or both.
Liver failure
The life-threatening condition demands urgent medical care, attested WebMD.
Early warning signs of liver failure include: nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and diarrhoea.
As liver failure progresses, more serious symptoms emerge, such as jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Other signs include a swollen belly, mental confusion, sleepiness and bleeding easily.
Treatments may involve a liver transplant, which could save your life.
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