New Study Warns Of More Grapefruit, Medication Interactions

By Growing Produce Staff|November 27, 2012

Grapefruit producers got unwelcome news in a study published in the Nov. 26 edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The study found that between 2008 and 2012 more medications are being sold that can cause serious side effects when combined with grapefruit.

Many of these popular drugs are prescribed for common or important medical conditions. From 2008 to 2012, the number of medications with the potential to interact with grapefruit has increased from 17 to 43 drugs, which represents an average increase of about six medications per year. According to the study, this brings the total to more than 85 drugs that have some potential for reaction with grapefruit.

Popular drugs such as Zocur, Lipitor, Nifediac, and Afditab are among those with the potential for reactions.

Researchers at the University Of Florida are working to develop grapefruit hybrids that are medicine friendly.