Drug or food interactions

Consuming large quantities of grapefruit juice, more than 1 quart per day, decreases the ability of the liver to metabolize some statins (for example, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin). Also, and possibly more importantly, statins and certain other medications can interact, causing serious side effects. Tell your doctor about any prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including the following:

• Vitamins



• Herbal supplements



• Medication for your immune system, such as drugs prescribed following organ transplantation



• Other cholesterol medications, such as fibrates or nicotinic acid



• Medication for infections, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole



• Birth control pills



• Medication for heart failure



• Medication for HIV or AIDS



• Warfarin (Coumadin) (Warfarin may have an increased effect when administered with rosuvastatin or simvastatin. International normalized ratio [INR] must be closely monitored when warfarin is administered with statins.)