Grapefruit-medication interactions increasing The number of
prescription drugs that can have serious adverse effects from
interactions with grapefruit are markedly increasing, yet many
physicians may be unaware of these effects, states an article
published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). The
article, a review by the researchers who discovered the
interactions more than 20 years ago, summarizes evidence to help
clinicians better understand the serious effects this common
food can have when consumed with certain prescription drugs.
"Many of the drugs that interact with grapefruit are highly
prescribed and are essential for the treatment of important or
common medical conditions," writes Dr. David Bailey, Lawson
Health Research Institute, London, Ont., with coauthors.
"Recently, however, a disturbing trend has been seen. Between
2008 and 2012, the number of medications with the potential to
interact with grapefruit and cause serious adverse effects…has
increased from 17 to 43, representing an ave