My latest birth control pack had a sticker on it from the pharmacy that read "do not eat or drink grapefruit while taking this medication". Any ideas why not or how it affects the pill, if at all?
2006-08-24 02:56:13 · 4 answers · asked by jeepbunny2000 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Grapefruit, because of its acidity, changes the rate at which the pills are dissolved and absorbed. Usually this means it increases the rate of absorption, and so it is more difficult to maintain effective levels in the blood. This is a common caution label for medications.
2006-08-24 03:02:24 · answer #1 · answered by AKQ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grapefruit juice inhibits cytochrome p450 3A4. This means that the enzyme works slower. CYP 3A4 is the primary enzyme responsible for metabolizing birth control pills. Grapefruit juice will cause the enzyme to break down the drug slower and it will build up in your system.
2006-08-24 03:12:21 · answer #2 · answered by mrodrx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It effects how quickly your body absorbs the hormones and may cause them to break down. Your pill will not be as effective.
2006-08-24 03:00:15 · answer #3 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you got it right
2006-08-24 08:05:34 · answer #4 · answered by heya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋