Saturday 23 August 2008

NPA Responds To Research On The Reported Interactions Between Fruit Juices And Medicines

�The NPA has responded to findings of recent research that implies that consuming apple and orange juice with certain medicines can reduce their effectiveness.


Colette McCreedy, NPA Director of Pharmacy Practice and Chief Pharmacist said: "The result on grapefruit juice on some medicines is well established and where this applies it is intelligibly detailed in Patient Information Leaflets. Pharmacists will ordinarily draw this matter to patients' attention when dispensing their medicines. This new research screening that orchard apple tree and orange juice may enhance or reduce the effects of some medicines is interesting but it is just one study. Usually further research is needed to establish that these interactions are significant."


Colette adds: "We would urge that anybody who is having side effects or has concerns about their medicines asks their pill roller for advice."


National Pharmacy Association


More info