grapefruit juice and juice in general

[rubbaducki]

I keep reading that grapefruit juice is not to be taken if on meds ( I'm on keletra and Truvada ). Anyone know why this is?

Also, why would this not apply to other juice drinks i.e. orange, apple, pomegranate etc... surely it gets processed the same way?

comments please.........

[Miss Philicia]

It's not the process, it's something in the grapefruit -- it screws up the levels of the medication in your blood decreasing it from what it should be, or potentially so. 

[J.R.E.]

Hello,

I drink apple juice, Pomegranate, orange juice, regularly.  Maybe this link will help :


http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14760


http://www.hopkins-hivguide.org/q_a/patient/drug_interactions/safety_of_hiv_medication_with_grapefruit_juice.html?contentInstanceId=381591&siteId=7151



 The only HIV medication that is listed, ( that graprfruit juice may interact with) is Saquinavir, also known as Invirase. I can't tell you if it effects other HIV medications. I thought it only had effect on the Protease inhibitors, but I am not certain on that.


Ray

[aztecan]

This came from a search here at POZ.com

   

   

October 2004


Forbidden Grapefruit

by Bill Strubbe


Grapefruit juice (GFJ to its friends), like all citrus, bursts with crucial nutrients like vitamins C and A, antioxidants and potassium. But if you’re on HIV meds, squeeze an orange, lemon, lime or tangerine instead of a grapefruit. GFJ jacks up bloodstream levels of some HIV meds—especially protease inhibitors—too quickly, increasing the potential for harmful side effects. An equal-opportunity booster, GFJ also increases levels of antihistamines and drugs for blood pressure, high cholesterol and anxiety.

[Miss Philicia]

The only HIV medication that is listed, ( that graprfruit juice may interact with) is Saquinavir, also known as Invirase.

Actually that's the only HIV med, and I've been on tons, that I've had my doctor advise me about this with.  I just figure I'll play it safe and not have it though, but I *do* eat a grapefruit (the actual fruit, not juice) a couple of times a month.

[madbrain]

From http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h_grapefruit.htm :

quote :

Grapefruit has serious interactions with many commonly prescribed medications.

Grapefruit juice inhibits a special enzyme in the intestines that is responsible for the natural breakdown and absorption of many medications. When the action of this enzyme is blocked, the blood levels of these medications increase, which can lead to toxic side effects from the medications.

Grapefruit juice research has suggested that flavonoids and/or furanocoumarin compounds are the substances that act to block the enzyme in the intestines that normally metabolizes many drugs.

The grapefruit juice-drug interaction can lead to unpredictable and hazardous levels of certain important drugs.

Unquote.

There is a long list of meds on that page. No HIV meds are listed, but that doesn't mean it can't interact.

The grapefruit interacts with one of my psych meds, tegretol, and so I can't have grapefruit either even though I am not on HIV meds.

[rubbaducki]

Thanks for all your help. Its most appreciated 

[Miss Philicia]

Speaking of juice, lately I'm into passion fruit or guava juice.  I find grapefruit, like orange juice, is just too acidic for me and doesn't mix well in my tummy with my multitude of HIV meds.  The other juices are more pricey, but I don't drink juice every day.  If you live in an area with latin immigrants you should be able to find these items -- any place you find Brazilians you will find passion fruit.  Mix with champagne for extra fabulosity.