Can you drink Fresca while taking a statin? (+3 tips)

In this article, we will discuss whether you may drink Fresca while taking statins. We will also discuss some common side effects which may occur if you take Fresca and statins together. 

Can you drink Fresca while taking a statin?

You may and may not drink Fresca while taking a statin. You should not drink Fresca if you are taking simvastatin, atrovastatin, and lovastatin. However, you may drink Fresca while using rosuvastatin, pitavastatin, fluvastatin, and pravastatin.

Fresca contains bergamottin which is a natural furanocoumarin found in the pulp of grapefruits. Bergamottin prevents the breakdown of statins through cytochrome enzymes (CYP3A4), increasing the stay of statins in the body.

Ingredients, such as bergamottin, present in Fresca drinks get metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes present in the gut enterocytes. The metabolites bind irreversibly with CYP3A4, making the enzymes unavailable for the metabolism of statins like simvastatin, atorvastatin, and lovastatins (1).

Does Fresca affect the stay of statins in the body?

Some statins are metabolized by CYP450 isoenzymes. Fresca increases the stay of statins in the body by interfering with the metabolism of statins in the gut enterocytes. Short-acting statins have an average half-life of 2-5 hours.

Long-acting statins have an average half-life of 14-19 hours. When the metabolism of statins is disrupted by Fresca, the elimination half-life of the drug increases. Hence, the stay of statins in the body prolongs, causing enhanced therapeutic effects or adverse effects.

According to a research study, coadministration of bergamottin with atorvastatin increased the area under the curve (AUC), and maximum drug concentration (Cmax) from 48 ng/ml to 89 ng/ml in hyperlipidemic rats.

The coadministration of bergamottin with statins increased the elimination half-life of the drug. Although statins reduced the cholesterol (by 20%) and low-density lipoproteins (by 14%) in the rats, the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) increased (2).

What are the potential risks of combining Fresca with statins?

You may experience side effects if you drink a high quantity of Fresca frequently and regularly while taking statins. Some of the common side effects include:

• Liver damage,
• Muscle breakdown,
• Increased blood sugar or hyperglycemia,
• Neurological side effects such as confusion and forgetfulness,
• Muscle and joint pain.

What to do if you have accidentally taken Fresca with statins?

There is nothing much you can do after drinking Fresca before or after taking a statin. Fresca binds irreversibly with CYP3A4 enzymes. This means the body needs to make more CYP3A4 enzymes to metabolize certain statins.

It may take around 36 hours for the body to make CYP3A4. During this time, the metabolism of statins will be slow. Therefore, changing the timing of drinking Fresca may not lessen the severity of side effects (3).

However, consuming a lower amount or occasional drinking of Fresca while taking certain statins may prevent the occurrence of side effects. You should consult your doctor about the safe use of Fresca while taking statins.

Which statins are safe to be administered with Fresca?

Some statins are safe to be administered with Fresca as these statins get minimally metabolised by CYP3A4. These statins include rosuvastatin, pravastatin, pitavastatin, and fluvastatin.

According to my experience as a pharmacist, drinking Fresca or grapefruit juice with certain statins can increase the chances of side effects. I would suggest you consult your doctor before consuming Fresca while taking statins.

If you feel any sign of side effects, without or without drinking Fresca, report them immediately. Taking excessive doses of statins, such as atorvastatin, may also cause side effects such as confusion, nausea, and forgetfulness.

References