Simvastatin belongs to a popular group of effective cholesterol-lowering medications called statins. Grapefruit, a member of the citrus family, is a favorite of many people who enjoy its many health benefits. When you put the two together, however, the combination can have an adverse effect on your health. Although this may seem unlikely, the way grapefruit interacts with drugs such as simvastatin poses real health concerns that you and your physician should take seriously.
Simvastatin Side Effects
Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug doctors prescribe to reduce your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Statins are among the most commonly prescribed for this purpose because of efficacy and low incidence of side effects. You can still experience some side effects, some of which include headaches, joint or muscle aches and gastrointestinal problems. In rare instances, liver and muscle damage may occur. You may require a special dose or special testing while taking simvastatin if you have liver or kidney disease, according to Drugs.com.
Metabolization
When you take simvastatin, your liver metabolizes it. This simply means it breaks it down so it can be released into your bloodstream. The medication is meant to remain in your bloodstream for a certain period of time at the dose your doctor prescribes. Grapefruits contain an enzyme that prevents your liver from breaking down simvastatin properly. Serious health repercussions can result.
The Dangers of Grapefruit
The website eMedTV explains that eating grapefruit, drinking grapefruit juice or taking grapefruit supplements can cause simvastatin to remain in your body longer, and increase the levels of the drug in your blood. This increases the risk of experiencing side effects, including the rare side effects that can be life-threatening.
Alternative Treatments
The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that combining grapefruit and grapefruit products with simvastatin can result in headaches and gastrointestinal problems. On a more serious level, the combination can lead to liver inflammation and breakdown of the muscle which may eventually result in kidney failure. These problems can result when taking two other statins -- atorvastatin and lovastatin. Not all statins, however, may interact adversely with grapefruit. According to the AAP, fluvastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin are alternative treatments, as are fibrates, niacin and bile acid sequestrants. Your doctor will make this decision, though.
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