This may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills. Examples of NSAIDs include: If you have questions about taking NSAIDs with Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 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 . With that being said, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests that you not drink grapefruit juice if youre taking a statin like Lipitor, reasoning that different people can respond differently to the combination, and instead, consult your healthcare provider to make a decision that is right for you (FDA, 2017). All Rights Reserved. Grapefruit contains a chemical that can interfere with your bodys ability to break down or metabolize certain statin medications. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Lipitor to children or the elderly? How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need To Be Protected? All medications, even life-savings ones, have potential side effects and risks. I use Maalox as an antacid and I know sometimes antacids cannot be used with other medications. 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). (cholesterol) profile looks like. 5 Things You Didn't Know About Diabetes and Heart Disease, Foods That Cause Plaque Buildup in the Arteries. Before you start treatment for high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend the best plan for you. This kind of moderate consumption actually slightly lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and modestly raises HDL (good) cholesterol. If you have any liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Lipitor. Is any amount safe? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. How soon does lipitor (atorvastatin) start working? But furanocoumarins interfere with this process, which may lead to higher than expected levels of drugs in the body (Fukazawa, 2004). 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. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. 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. vicster_6 5 yr. ago. Common interactions include limb discomfort among females and dysuria among males. If youd like to have caffeine while youre taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down atorvastatin (Lipitor). That means more of the drug enters your bloodstream, and it stays around longer. Those adverse effects may include: If youre put on any of these statins to improve your heart health, discuss with your prescribing healthcare professional whether grapefruit can be included in your diet. Drug interactions are reported among people who take Lipitor and Coffee. Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees. 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. ): Dr. Brian Staiger is a licensed pharmacist in New York State and the founder of the Q+A website PharmacistAnswers.com. Moderate drinking is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. I was picking up my prescription as usual. In rare cases, Lipitor can raise your risk of high blood sugar. It lowers the LDL-C ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides in your blood. My Diabetes Is Controlled But Why Am I Gaining Weight? Health experts advise caution when combining them with coffee, which can also slow blood clotting. While grapefruit does not interact with omeprazole, it may potentially interact with several other medication, including: Amitriptyline. But your doctor may recommend limiting the amount of alcohol you drink while taking Lipitor. This class of medications includes: There are two types of statin drugs available: those marketed as single-ingredient products, like those listed above, and those that are combined with other medications to help further reduce cholesterol levels. How many hours after I have take terbinafine, can I drink coffee or soda. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Contraindications; "Active liver disease, which may include unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminase levels. 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. Side effects from grapefruit-statin interaction are typically mild, such as increase in muscle and joint pain. It works by decreasing bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Dyslipidemia vs. Hyperlipidemia: Medical Terms for High Cholesterol and What They Mean, High Cholesterol: 7 Things Doctors Want You to Know. UpToDate: Statin muscle-related adverse events. Lipitor Food Interactions Images Should I avoid certain foods while taking Lipitor? Like other drugs, Lipitor may have interactions. Should I let you know if I start taking other medications or supplements during my Lipitor treatment? Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. QTY 90 20 MG Tablet Near 77381. Severe side effects are rare, but can include muscle fiber breakdown and kidney injury. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. It can raise your HDL-C ("good" cholesterol) as well. Statins can lower your bodys level of CoQ10. She completed Pharmacy Practice Residency training at the University of Pittsburgh/VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. They can determine if they may be safe to take during your Lipitor treatment. No, there arent any known interactions between Lipitor and the nutrient CoQ10. Side Effects. Bring the handles together straight up over your head. 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. Yes, its likely safe to take Lipitor and sildenafil (Viagra) together. Drinking large amounts of alcohol puts you at an increased risk of liver damage, which may be worsened by Lipitor. Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction. But as curious as you may be, keep in mind that Hot Pockets totally are not good for you, and on top of that, they aren't that tasty to begin with. 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. Ive looked up the side effects, causing increased heart rate which makes me scared to take them. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. The most common side effect of statin use is muscle pain and inflammation. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems. Lipitor dosages range from 10 mg to 80 mg. I take lipitor. Before starting treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. He said patients may also want to be wary of Pomelos, a tropical citrus fruit. But before you start taking Viagra, be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you take. Im so confused about my weight.I am 16 yrs&weigh 200lbs since I was 14. We avoid using tertiary references. Lipitor can interact with a certain type of antifungal drug called azole antifungals. But, many Legal Examiner Network Affiliates are. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. But high LDL cholesterol levels in, When should you start getting screened for high cholesterol? Here, Shamir Patel, pharmacist and founder at Chemist-4-U, lists the seven foods and drink you should never take with these common medicines. For example, sometimes alcohol, another drug, or a supplement can affect how a drug acts in your body. You should not take Lipitor if you have liver problems, including liver disease. Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription drug thats used to treat high cholesterol in adults and some children. Wait at least 4 hours after dosage to drink . Examples include: Taking birth control pills with Lipitor may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Thank you. At this time, its not known if the drug passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed child. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels more often during your Lipitor treatment. I eat very clean and only drink water(no sodas etc)I also exercise every day. Find out how to avoid the foods that can lead to plaque buildup. Researchers may be able to screen patients most likely to experience muscle weakness and pain, the most common side effects of the drugs, by looking for a genetic variant. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Learn more about the link. ! Taking Lipitor exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions. 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. Despite having lower total cholesterol than white people, African Americans are at greater risk of dying from heart disease. Included are Zocor (simvastatin), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev) and to a lesser extent Lipitor (atorvastatin). Decreased circulation of blood in the brain. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Or your doctor may lower your Lipitor dose. Retrieved Aug. 20, 2020 from. If you have questions about taking Lipitor with diltiazem, talk with your doctor. You shouldn't eat grapefruit if you are on lipitor (atorvastatin). The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The general consensus is that drinking more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women could put you at a greater risk of alcoholic liver disease and possible statin side effects. In rare cases, Lipitor can increase your risk of having a stroke. Lipitor is the most commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol levels. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Lipitor for you. St. Johns wort can cause your body to break down Lipitor too quickly, which can make Lipitor less effective. This warning has led to a lot of questions from people taking this type of medication. Seven months after starting Lipitor, his GGTP tested high at 87. High cholesterol can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by other factors. Stroke. These are still available today if you want to brave the boiling hot filling that would totally burn your tongue time and time again. He graduated from the University At Buffalo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010. Increased risk of alcohol addiction. Patients should consult a pharmacist when starting, stopping, or changing doses of any medication when taking warfarin. If youre currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. 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. Drink water (no soda, etc). You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may have a higher risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis while taking Lipitor. This can cause Lipitor to build up in your body, which can raise your risk of side effects. Also what oil is best to cook with for LDL's and heart health. Grapefruit can increase the potency of many drugs (including simvastatin) from the normal dose up to 4 to 5 times of the dosage. Better they eat a low-calorie fruit and if we find symptoms of statin intolerance, we can cross that bridge, if need be.. And if you already have a liver condition, taking Lipitor may make it worse. Drinking grapefruit juice has been shown in past studies to increase the blood levels of certain medications, including some statins, allergy medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and anti-HIV medications. Pomegranate juice, like grapefruit juice, may pose health risks with drugs. When statin takers eat large amounts of grapefruit, the level of statins in their blood can increase, raising the possibility of side effects. Certain molecules occurring naturally in grapefruit juice may increase the level of statins in a person's blood, which can amplify their effects. However, even small amounts of grapefruit juice can interfere with important intestinal enzymes and change how some medications are metabolized by the body. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Keep in mind that this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Lipitor. Health problems due to poor control of cholesterol . Commonly Prescribed Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs. In some cases, they may recommend taking Zetia and Lipitor together. Both Lipitor and alcohol. 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 Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can block your bodys ability to break down Lipitor. Pregnancy. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Statin drugs such as Lipitor may actually decrease the amount of CoQ10 in your body. Learn more about what causes high cholesterol. StanleyHazen, MD, PhD, co-section head of preventive cardiology, says its a frequent topic of concern. More research is needed. . But statin side effects like liver damage and memory issues can also occur. For patients who don't like to drink alcohol at all, I do . Theyll determine whether Lipitor is right for you. There aren't any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. 1. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Dont Mix. Its not known if Lipitor passes into breast milk or what effects the drug may have on a breastfed child. This herbal supplement can be used to treat depression. All rights reserved. Its likely safe for you to take these medications together. The effect remains the same whether you cook the grapefruit or drink frozen or homogenized juice. We talked to experts about, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Increased risk of overdose. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Orange juice is safe to drink with Atorvastatin. This is because diltiazem can block your bodys ability to break down Lipitor. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. In other words, alcohol won't immediately interfere with or react with the statins in your body. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. A study released in May, showed that pravastatin and simvastatin were associated with a decrease in energy and activity levels among users when compared to a placebo. This drug may cause liver problems. Past research has warned that eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice and taking statins for high cholesterol may increase your risk for complications such as rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue that may lead to kidney damage, joint pain, and muscle pain. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions. Your doctor may recommend avoiding red yeast rice when youre taking Lipitor. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. For this reason, its still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Lipitor. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. This can increase your risk of certain side effects from Lipitor, such as myopathy (muscle pain) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). LIPITOR is for adults and children over 10 whose cholesterol does not come down enough with exercise and a low-fat diet alone. 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. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. In addition, enzyme inhibition from grapefruit can last 24 hours, so separating grapefruit from medication by a few hours generally isn't sufficient. Talk with your doctor to see if they may recommend taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor. Statins protect your heart by lowering "bad" cholesterol. During this process, your body uses certain enzymes to break down the drugs. 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' Allergic reaction. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. They can determine how much caffeine may be safe during your treatment. Its likely safe for you to have caffeine along with Lipitor. Can i cut dosage of lipitor (atorvastatin)? Increased risk of stroke. But this time the pharmacist's assistant had me talk to the pharmacist about the prescription drug. If youve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely wont prescribe Lipitor. Azole antifungals can decrease your bodys ability to break down Lipitor. Pravachol or pravastin is not thought to be altered by grapefruit juice. Can I drink both red yeast rice stew and simvastatin ? Atorvastatin. There are currently no reports of Lipitor interacting with vitamins. Lipitor may have other interactions. No, there arent any known interactions between Lipitor and lisinopril (Zestril). Both Lipitor and alcohol can raise your risk of liver problems, so combining the two may raise your risk of liver problems even more. Its possible for cannabis to either increase or decrease the amount of Lipitor in your blood. See below for details. Indications LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) is a prescription medicine that lowers cholesterol in the blood. Are Benadryl and Robaxin safe to take together? If you already take diltiazem, tell your doctor before starting your Lipitor treatment. Drinking alcohol while on statins Overall,. Grapefruit is a great low-calorie source of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. 11. It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. Severe side effects are rare, but can include muscle fiber breakdown and kidney injury. But if you need to have lab tests, make sure the healthcare professional giving you the test knows about all medications you currently take. Statins. Grapefruit juice contains compounds called furanocoumarins that stop CYP3A from doing its job. Our expert explains if grapefruit is safe to mix with your statins. Hi gang, I have a question about a certain diet soda that has grapefruit juice in it? 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 A more reasonable level of grapefruit and grapefruit juice consumption has been shown to result in far less effect on statins, he says, adding that patients should still talk with their doctor before eating grapefruit if they take statins. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids. Should I avoid certain foods while taking Lipitor? Atorvastatin (Oral Route). You should not take Lipitor while pregnant. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Drinking cranberry juice while taking these medications might increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor). Dr. Savard says avoiding grapefruit juice is important as it can interfere with how the statin metabolizes in the body. You should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your Lipitor treatment. Flavors included Pepperoni Pizza, Philly Steak, and Buffalo Chicken. Gu Q, et al. If there's a higher concentration of these drugs in your body, they're able to block more cholesterol from being made. Can you drink alcohol while taking Lipitor and other statins? Diabetes. We talked to experts about, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Here's how ApoB tests can help doctors evaluate cholesterol levels and, in some cases, provide a better understanding of a, At-home testing can provide clarity about your cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.