Statins for high cholesterols: Question.

[DemoTex]

I have been on Pravachol for several weeks. I know of the warning to avoid grapefruit/grapefruit juice. Today I realized that Coca-Cola's Fresca is a grapefruit-flavored product. I drink several Frescas a day. Is that a problem?

[ronzo]

1. Interesting question.

I wonder how much grapefruit is in a Fresca... hmmm, might want to give the prescribing physician's office a ring about that.

[Liberal Veteran]

2. Better yet....call the pharmacist.

He is likely to be more knowledgable about specific drug interactions than the doctor. Doctor's often call pharmacists for prescribing advice.

[DemoTex]

3. I left him a message today.

He is my primary-care internist in Dallas. That has it's obvious problems, now that I live in NC/SC. I've been slugging down those Frescas for weeks, totally forgetting their connection with grapefruit. My guess is it's no problem. The drink probably has only a small additive of grapefruit flavoring.

[mahina]

4. Main thing is, how are you feeling?

At the first sign of distress, I mean the first sign, get a plan B. There are other ways to get your cholesterol down that are safer...changing the oil in your foods, getting more excercise, etc.
And ya, talk to the pharmacist first. '
Especially if your doc is with Kaiser.
Good luck and good health!

[NurseLefty]

5. I would suggest emailing Coca-Cola.

Go to the 'contact us' section of http://www2.coca-cola.com/index.html and ask them if they use natural grapefruit flavoring in Fresca.
What I have read specifically addresses grapefruit juice rather than flavoring. Grapefruit juice impacts how the body metabolizes drugs, and in-turn can cause the blood level of a drug to increase. Some drugs are very harmful if they are in your bloodstream at too high of a level.
And of course, check w/ your doctor. It's an important question!