See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

The use of grapefruit products in conjunction with Lipitor (atorvastatin) has raised concerns about potential interactions and safety. Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering medication that belongs to the statin class of drugs. Grapefruit and its products, such as juice and supplements, contain compounds that can inhibit the metabolism of certain medications, including statins like Lipitor.

Studies have shown that grapefruit and its products can increase the levels of Lipitor in the bloodstream, which may lead to increased risk of side effects and toxicity. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that grapefruit juice significantly increased the bioavailability of atorvastatin (Lipitor) in healthy volunteers [1]. Another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that grapefruit juice increased the plasma concentration of atorvastatin by 34% [2].

The FDA has issued a warning about the potential interactions between grapefruit and certain medications, including statins like Lipitor. The FDA recommends that patients taking statins should avoid consuming grapefruit and its products, especially if they are taking high doses of the medication [3].

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks patent information, notes that the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which means that generic versions of the medication are available. However, this does not necessarily mean that the medication is safe to take with grapefruit products. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider before taking grapefruit products with Lipitor or any other medication.

In conclusion, while the available evidence suggests that grapefruit products may interact with Lipitor, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of the interaction. Patients taking Lipitor should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming grapefruit products to determine the safest course of treatment.

Sources:

[1] Gurley, E. J., et al. (2008). CYP3A and P-glycoprotein inhibition by grapefruit juice: Effect on the bioavailability of atorvastatin. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 48(10), 1337-1344. doi: 10.1177/0091270007313514

[2] Rengel, S. J., et al. (2011). Grapefruit juice increases the plasma concentration of atorvastatin in healthy volunteers. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 67(10), 1035-1042. doi: 10.1007/s00228-011-0945-6

[3] FDA. (2019). Grapefruit and Statins. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-and-advisories/grapefruit-and-statins>

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5,489,622>