KVCPharmaGROUP

Nov. 27, 2012 -- The number of drugs that can be risky when taken with grapefruit is on the rise, largely due to the influx of new medications and chemical formulations, a new study shows. As it stands, there are now more than 85 drugs that may interact with grapefruit. The number of drugs that may result in potentially fatal side effects when mixed with grapefruit increased from 17 to 43 during the past four years. This equates to more than six new potentially risky drugs a year. The list includes some  statins  that  lower cholesterol  (such as  atorvastatin , lovastatin , and  simvastatin ), some antibiotics,  cancer  drugs, and heart drugs. Most at risk are older people who use more  prescriptions  and buy more grapefruit. Here’s what happens: Grapefruit contains furanocoumarins, which block an enzyme that normally breaks down certain medications in the body. When it is left unchecked, medication levels can grow toxic in the body. It’s not just grapefruits, either. Othe