Grapefruit Diet Warning After Blood Clot Scare

Although the woman's medical history was unremarkable, she was 42 and taking birth control pills. The pills contain a synthetic form of estrogen, which can cause an increased risk of blood clots, particularly in women over 35.

When they asked about her diet, they found that she had eaten grapefruit three days in a row.  That grapefruit played a role in her dangerous blood clot, the doctors now believe.

Grapefruit can block the action of a key enzyme that normally breaks down the form of estrogen in her contraceptive. In some people, eating a lot of grapefruit can lead to a increase in drug concentration, increasing any side effects those drugs might cause -- in this case, the clot risk posed by the birth control pills.

These effects are known to be caused by the combination of grapefruit and its juice with certain drugs and health products used in the treatment of medical conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Angina;
• Anxiety;
• Cancer;
• Convulsions;
• Depression;
• Erectile dysfunction;
• Gastrointestinal reflux;
• High blood pressure;
• High lipid (cholesterol) levels;
• HIV/AIDS;
• Infections;
• Irregular heart rhythms;
• Organ graft rejections; and
• Psychotic problems.

Take the following precautions to minimize the risk of adverse effects when consuming grapefruit or its juice:

• If you are taking medication for any of the conditions listed above, DO NOT drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit in any form until you have talked to your doctor and your pharmacist about the potential for an adverse reaction.
• Avoid taking any drug with grapefruit juice until you have talked to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Read the labels on foods and natural health products to make sure they do not contain grapefruit or its juice, or Seville oranges.
• Always report any adverse drug reaction to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.