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" There has been an increase in the number of prescription drugs that interact with grapefruits, experts have warned. The citrus fruit must be avoided when taking certain medications, such as commonly used drugs for high blood pressure and cholesterol. According to an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the number of grapefruit-medication interactions is increasing, with some having serious effects. Of real concern is the fact that many doctors seem unaware of these interactions and that patients may therefore not recognise the need to avoid grapefruit if they fail to read their patient information leaflets thoroughly. &amp;#039;Many of the drugs that interact with grapefruit are highly prescribed and are essential for the treatment of important or common medical conditions,&amp;#039; revealed Dr David Bailey and co-authors at the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario. &amp;#039;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 average rate of increase exceeding six drugs per year.&amp;#039; According to the article, serious adverse effects can include acute kidney failure, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding and even sudden death. The study authors concluded that there is poor awareness of these interactions in the general healthcare community and that more GPs need to recognise the risks associated with mixing certain medications with grapefruit. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a23205/rising-number-of-prescription-drugs-interact-with-grapefruit/>