Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which belongs to the class of drugs called statins. Statins are used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Grapefruit juice contains compounds that can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs, including statins like Lipitor [2]. This can cause the drug to build up in the body to potentially harmful levels, leading to an increased risk of side effects [3].
According to the website GoodRx, grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of Lipitor in the bloodstream, which can lead to a higher risk of side effects such as muscle pain and liver damage [2]. The website recommends avoiding grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor.
Similarly, Harvard Health Publishing states that grapefruit juice can cause a significant increase in the level of Lipitor in the bloodstream, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, and kidney failure [3]. The article also notes that the interaction between grapefruit juice and Lipitor can last for up to 24 hours after consuming the juice, so it is important to avoid grapefruit juice during this time [3].
In conclusion, consuming grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor can increase the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of side effects. It is recommended to avoid grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor [2][3].
Sources:
[2] https://www.goodrx.com/classes/statins/why-cant-i-have-grapefruit-with-my-statin
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/grapefruit-juice-and-statins