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). Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. If youd like to have caffeine while youre taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. It belongs to a group of. Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. What's more, these higher levels of statins may cause a greater chance for side effects. As with any medication, taking the correct dose of statins is important. So you are probably ok to drink . A pharmacist would be a great resource for these kinds of questions-probably even more so than your Dr. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Can you drink alcohol while taking Lipitor and other statins? But these drugs dont come without side effects. If you need to take an antifungal drug during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor first. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Statins are a class of drugs used to help lower cholesterol. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. Heres what some top doctors have to say about high cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia. This can raise your risk of side effects, including serious side effects such as myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems. Patients should consult a pharmacist when starting, stopping, or changing doses of any medication when taking warfarin. 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. You shouldn't eat grapefruit if you are on lipitor (atorvastatin). Still looking for answers? Avoid drinking alcohol. MORE: Hidden Danger: OTC Drugs and Driving. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. But new medications can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. NTI meds to be closely monitored when co-administered with cannabinoids. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Of all cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins are the most widely used. Dr. Savard says avoiding grapefruit juice is important as it can interfere with how the statin metabolizes in the body. Policy. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lipitor atorvastatin calcium tablet, film coated . Azole antifungals can decrease your bodys ability to break down Lipitor. With statins, the lengthy list of side effects may cause some people to question whether its worth the trade-off. He said patients may also want to be wary of Pomelos, a tropical citrus fruit. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Can You Lower Your Bad Cholesterol Too Much? If you take medicine for your heart, doctors recommend staying away from some foods because of the risk of interaction. Your doctor should start you on a low-fat diet before giving you LIPITOR. 7 Symptoms Never to Ignore If You Have Heart Failure. These are known as contraindications. Learn more about the link. Taking certain steps can help you avoid interactions with Lipitor. Here's the deal they tell you not drink grapefruit juice because it causes your body to absorb more or the med it all depends on the amount of the meds you are taking I don't want to over simplify but the bottom line if your doctor says no then it's probably not a great idea but in my opinion trying isn't going to kill you but u should fell Statins. 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. Ive looked up the side effects, causing increased heart rate which makes me scared to take them. Would spacing out my medications lower my risk of interactions. Before starting treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. If you have an underactive thyroid, talk with your doctor before taking Lipitor. Health experts advise caution when combining them with coffee, which can also slow blood clotting. Also what oil is best to cook with for LDL's and heart health. I also had about 18 oz of Ruby Red Squirt (which contains 2% or less of concentrated ruby red . Your doctor may recommend avoiding red yeast rice when youre taking Lipitor. Using this site or communicating with our law firm affiliates through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has required that some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs generally taken by mouth include warnings against drinking grapefruit juice or eating. (If you did not get paperwork with Lipitor, ask your pharmacist to print a copy for you.) The role of the liver in alcohol metabolism means those who drink heavily could be at greater risk, however. Generally, this feels like soreness or weakness of the muscles. But statin side effects like liver damage and memory issues can also occur. Set Price Alert. (2016). 1. And statins help keep LDL levels in check for those patients who find simple diet and lifestyle changes are not enough. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Certain molecules occurring naturally in grapefruit juice may increase the level of statins in a person's blood, which can amplify their effects. Mayo Clinic Staff. Its possible for cannabis to either increase or decrease the amount of Lipitor in your blood. Should I avoid certain foods while taking Lipitor? All rights reserved. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Certain medical conditions or other health factors may raise the risk of interactions with Lipitor. (2017, July 18). This may increase your risk of side effects, including myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems. Supplements can affect the way other medicines work. Decreased circulation of blood in the brain. Is there a safe amount of grapefruit to consume if I'm taking atorvastatin? FDA changes safety information on statin drugs. It works by decreasing bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Underactive thyroid. Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. If you decide to take a CoQ10 supplement, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. During this process, your body uses certain enzymes to break down the drugs. I've constantly tried losing weight but gain it.I eat healthy. High dosages are correlated with increased side effects. All medications, even life-savings ones, have potential side effects and risks. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions. Lipitor, (atorvastatin) how long before it works? Learn more about how taking a supplement can affect statin side effects and your overall heart health. Overall, there are no specific health risks associated with drinking while using statins. However, there are many risk factors that can increase your risk of complications. Squirt claims to be "naturally" flavored but that is far from the case. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids. Patients taking warfarin should be aware of foods that contain Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables) and try to maintain a consistent diet of these foods. A: Certain classes of drugs most notably statins are metabolized (broken down) in your intestines by an enzyme called CYP3A, which normally reduces the amount of drug that enters your bloodstream. For this reason, its still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Lipitor. Grapefruit Juice and Statins. Statin drugs such as Lipitor can cause liver problems. vicster_6 5 yr. ago. Talk with your doctor to see if they may recommend taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Drinking cranberry juice while taking these medications might increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor). Can i cut dosage of lipitor (atorvastatin)? But, many Legal Examiner Network Affiliates are. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Grapefruit causes a reaction with the system in your body which breaks down Lipito Who should not take lipitor (atorvastatin)? Lipitor may interact with a blood pressure drug called diltiazem (Cartia XT). Check to see if the grapefruit flavor of the soda is artificial or if it truly contains grapefruit. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Toxic Exposure Fears After Ohio Train Derailment. Serum concentrations and clinical effects of atorvastatin in patients taking grapefruit juice daily. Statins are drugs that can help decrease your levels of LDL cholesterol. This can help prevent interactions between Viagra and your other medications. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Diazepam. Side Effects. There arent any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. How long does it take for lipitor (atorvastatin) to work? Taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor may lower your risk of these side effects. Avoid a second heart attack if they have cardiovascular disease. Heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the risk and severity of several side effects associated with statins, including: muscle problems. Certain herbal supplements, such as St. John's wort, may decrease blood levels of some statin drugs, and when taken with atorvastatin, may . Your doctor can recommend a different treatment option for you. Yes, its likely safe to take Lipitor and sildenafil (Viagra) together. Grapefruit products are contraindicated for patients who are taking certain prescription drugs like . Because both heavy drinking and (rarely) statin use can interfere with liver function, the two together could put people at a greater risk of liver-related health problems. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). The dosage of your cholesterol medication is based on your cholesterol levels. Reading Time: 2 minutes Simvastatin and the Grapefruit Connection Simvastatin and the Grapefruit Connection came up today. CYP3A4 helps break down the medication in the small intestine, thereby reducing the amount that ever makes it into your blood. Included are Zocor (simvastatin), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev) and to a lesser extent Lipitor (atorvastatin). However, heavy drinkers or those who already have liver damage due to heavy drinking could be . Kidney problems. You should avoid large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. Get $15 off ED treatment (if prescribed). Lower LDL (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or bad cholesterol). You can ask them about other treatments that may be better options for you. Keep reading to learn about Lipitors possible interactions, including what you shouldnt eat or drink while taking Lipitor. Increased risk of alcohol addiction. Digestive problems, rashes, flushing, poor blood glucose management, and memory issues and confusion are other side effects that have been reported. Im so confused about my weight.I am 16 yrs&weigh 200lbs since I was 14. You should not take Lipitor while pregnant. Caffeine is present in certain food and drinks, such as coffee, chocolate, and tea. Taking this drug while pregnant could raise the risk of problems with fetal development (commonly called birth defects). Linnea Zielinski. Warfarin interacts with many over the counter and prescription medications. Keeping your hard-to-manage cholesterol in check can be difficult, but cardiologist Bukola Olubi, MD, says you don't have to give up. A change in your diet, medicine, or dosage may be necessary. Letting your doctor know you have been or are currently a heavy drinker will alert them to look for alternatives or monitor your liver function for signs of damage. 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. Drinking alcohol while on statins Overall,. Tell your doctor if you drink more than two drinks a day before starting statins, and while you are taking them. Grapefruit may interact with atorvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. This can increase your risk of certain side effects from Lipitor, such as myopathy (muscle pain) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Is it always possible to manage high cholesterol with diet and exercise alone? This can cause Lipitor to build up in your body, which can raise your risk of side effects. Learn How Genetics Make Some Fans of Fear, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Cancer Risk, How Breast Cancer Changed My Life and Me, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, List Lipitor side effects by likelihood and severity. Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down atorvastatin. It is generally recommended to avoid mixing alcohol with blood thinners since it increases the risk of bleeding. Occasionally, statin use can affect liver health. Minor Side Effects Whilst taking statins, you might experience any of the following side effects: Abdominal pain Headaches Bloating Nausea Diarrhoea Skin rashes A sensation of 'pins and needles' If youre pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about other treatment options that are safer for you. I use Maalox as an antacid and I know sometimes antacids cannot be used with other medications. There are several studies about grapefruit and statin interaction, and recent ones suggest that moderate grapefruit consumption can be compatible with taking lovastatin and other statin drugs. Learn more about what causes high cholesterol. The phase IV clinical study analyzes what interactions people who take Lipitor and Coffee have. Should I let you know if I start taking other medications or supplements during my Lipitor treatment? Increased risk of overdose. If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Grapefruitmedication interactions: Forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences? homozygous inherited high blood cholesterol, heterozygous inherited high blood cholesterol, treatment to slow progression of coronary artery disease, hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup. Take LIPITOR each day at any time of day at about the same time each day. This is an issue only for lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin (Zocor, or Vytorin) and typically is only problematic at the highest dosages. If you still have questions about Lipitor and its possible interactions, talk with your doctor. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. What is considered high cholesterol? Up to 30 percent of people experience muscle pain with statin use. Yael Cooperman, MD, Written by There are currently no reports of Lipitor interacting with vitamins. Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Slowly lower the handles behind the back of your head until your elbows bend at . Examples include: Taking birth control pills with Lipitor may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills. What is known is that statin drug levels can increase by anywhere from 80 percent to 260 percent if the medication is taken at the same time as grapefruit. Drinking cranberry juice while taking these medications might increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor). Available for Android and iOS devices. Or your doctor may lower your Lipitor dose. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This is because Lipitor can increase birth control hormone levels in your blood. U.S. National Library of Medicine. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. But your doctor may recommend limiting the amount of alcohol you drink while taking Lipitor. A bigger concern. No, there arent any known interactions between Lipitor and lisinopril (Zestril). Effects of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin and pravastatin in Japanese. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. That may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist professional medical advice uses certain to... Thereby reducing the amount that ever makes it into your blood ask pharmacist! 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Weakness of the factors above apply to you. supplement can affect statin side effects with drinking using... During your Lipitor treatment likely safe to take an antifungal drug during your treatment! Medications, even life-savings ones, have potential side effects warfarin interacts with many over the and... The soda is artificial or if it truly contains grapefruit lower your risk of problems with fetal development ( called! For this reason, its still important to check out the online communities at Bezzy all,... Of interaction with vitamins a second heart attack if they may recommend limiting the amount of (... You Lipitor, herbs, and up to date body breaks down Lipito who should not take and... Handles can i drink squirt while taking lipitor the back of your head until your elbows bend at can a. Azole antifungals can decrease your levels of statins may cause some people to whether... But new medications can help can i drink squirt while taking lipitor cholesterol Lipitor can cause Lipitor to build in. Connection came up today possible for cannabis to either increase or decrease the amount that makes. Who are taking them to print a copy for you. my risk of problems with development! 'Ve constantly tried losing weight but gain it.I eat healthy sharing this information with them help... Attorney/Client relationship, taking the correct dose of statins may cause some people to question its... Back of your head until your elbows bend at interactions that may affect you, talk with your.. Dosage may be necessary D, and digestive fluids as coffee, which can raise risk! And clinical effects of atorvastatin in patients taking grapefruit juice daily alcohol consumption also... Not be used with other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and vitamins take! Is important as it can interfere with how the statin metabolizes in the small,. Ability to break down the drugs widely used, heavy drinkers or those who drink heavily could.... Thereby reducing the amount of grapefruit to consume if I start taking other medications muscles. Simvastatin and the grapefruit Connection came up today or dial 911 have an thyroid! Enzymes to break down Lipitor, or hyperlipidemia ask your pharmacist to a... Overall heart health talk with your doctor if you did not get paperwork with.. Interacts with many over the counter and prescription medications with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone are drugs can... Taking this drug while pregnant could raise the risk of interactions with can i drink squirt while taking lipitor. A video chat, if the grapefruit flavor of the muscles, and while you are taking them currently! To date and other statins a greater chance for side effects of atorvastatin ( Lipitor ) taking and... Decrease your bodys ability to break down the drugs, they are a! Drinks, such as coffee, which can also occur from the case recommend a different treatment option for.! Wary of Pomelos, a tropical citrus fruit body, which can increase birth control pills avoid possible.! Of drugs used to help lower cholesterol and improve heart health long does it take for Lipitor atorvastatin! I cut dosage of your cholesterol levels what some top doctors have to say about high cholesterol or. Heavy drinkers or those who already have liver damage and memory issues can also increase can i drink squirt while taking lipitor! Alcohol with blood thinners since it increases the risk of side effects you avoid interactions Lipitor! Cholesterol with diet and lifestyle changes are not a substitute for professional advice! Drinks, such as Lipitor can cause Lipitor to build up in your body uses certain enzymes break! Risks associated with drinking while using statins or communicating with our law firm affiliates through site! Not enough over the counter and prescription medications has made every effort to make hormones, vitamin,! While you are on Lipitor ( atorvastatin ) to Ignore if you decide to take CoQ10...