DearPharmacist

Bitter Orange Improves Weight Loss

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:48:38 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,
I have been taking a dietary supplement to lose weight and it works great. I’ve lost 34 pounds and feel great! I heard on The Today Show that one of the ingredients in my formula (bitter orange) was harmful. Should I stop taking my supplement?
–J.P. Orange Park, Florida

Answer: People who use bitter orange-containing supplements often notice reduced hunger, faster weight loss and more energy. Bitter orange (citrus aurantium) is commonly used in American dietary supplements as a fat-burner, especially those that are labelled “ephedra-free.” Since you feel great, I’d continue taking your supplement while exercising and eating healthy meals.

I watched The Today Show episode and was shocked to see bitter orange named as an ingredient to avoid. The fruit extract comes from unripe oranges and its enjoyed thousands of years of safe usage, especially in Chinese medicine, where it is known as Zhi Shi. It made headlines on the heels of an article published in the September 2010 issue of Consumer Reports which stated, “bitter orange may be associated with fainting, heart-rhythm disorders, heart attack, stroke and death.”

Seriously?! People are picking on oranges now? Prescribed anti-microbial medications kill more than 75,000 people a year, and anti-inflammatory drugs land more than 100,000 people in the hospital each year with internal bleeding? You don’t hear hysteria about that! But oranges can kill you?

Health officials here may want to scare Americans but you should know that overseas, a well-respected governmental agency called the “German Commission E” approves of bitter orange for appetite suppression, dyspepsia and other stomach complaints. I believe the problem occurs when people misuse or overuse weight loss formulas, or combine them with prescribed meds or caffeinated beverages. Some people self-treat when they unknowingly have a weak heart. A handful of adverse events trickle in. Enter the media, with both barrels aimed at frightening you.

Obesity causes tremendous struggling, both physically and emotionally. Do you realize that in 2005, approximately 365,000 deaths were tied to “poor diet and physical activity” according to a 2005 JAMA report? Allowing the orange marmalade extract to be sold as a thermogenic ingredient and dietary supplement makes common sense, especially when compared to certain weight loss drugs which produce amphetamine jolts to your heart!

A clinical trial concluded that bitter orange was “the best thermogenic substitute for ephedra” (Journal of Medicine 2002). Take a combination formula because it contains lower dosages of bitter orange that work synergistically with other ingredients; this should be safer than taking a stand-alone supplement of bitter orange with a very high dosage.

Join a weight loss center that will supervise your metabolic program and offer assistance from a professional weight loss Consultant; this way your vitamin regimen and health status will be constantly monitored. Buy supplements from reputable sources who guarantee quality and contain only approved extracts such as the orange’s fruit and peel, versus the flower.

Did You Know?

Benadryl is useful for allergies and insomnia because it dries you up and helps put you to sleep.

More Support for Candida Sufferers Part 3

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:45:55 +0000

This column is the third (and final) in the series I promised you for the subject of yeast overgrowth (Candida albicans) which can cause many diseases. Thousands of you have written and although there were many good queries, here are the two most frequently asked questions I received, along with my answer.

What are Candida die-off symptoms and how can I minimize the discomfort? Candida die-off is also known as the Herxheimer reaction. As large amounts of yeast die, the organism dumps it’s toxic contents into your system, thereby overloading your detoxification pathways. This causes some pretty challenging symptoms including brain fog, intense sugar cravings, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle soreness, gas/diarrhea, blurry vision, irrational anger or flu-like symptoms. Itchy, irritated, inflamed skin is quite common, and maddening. One of the most comprehensive formulas I have found is Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus which contains Brazilian propolis (bees make it) along with flax oil, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin E and a powerful body-cleanser called astaxanthin. The combination can be soothing for anyone with irritated skin.

Enzymes that help break down the yeast and rid the body of toxic by-products can be enormously helpful for individuals experiencing Candida infection and/or die-off reactions. The formula that I recommend for this is Enzymedica’s Candidase which is sold at health food stores nationwide. It contains cellulase which is an enzyme the body needs (and does not make) which kills yeast by destroying the cell wall, composed of cellulose. Candidase also contains protease, known worldwide to support the body’s healing process by getting rid of yeast and immune complexes which cause illness and inflammation.

What foods should I avoid and how should I eat?

-Anything with sugar, because sugar is food to fungus.

-Anything made with yeast such as bread, muffins, pastries, etc.

-All grains and starches (at least at the outset of your diet) such as pasta, rice, corn, wheat, quinoa, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, oats and barley.

I recommend the diet plan outlined by one of the world’s leading authorities on fungus, Doug A. Kaufmann, who wrote eight books on it! He’s also the host of one of the most popular holistic health shows in America, “Know the Cause.” Doug has researched the subject of fungus-induced disease and mycotoxins for decades and helped millions of people get back to health so I always tell people to follow his Phase One diet plan explained in The Fungus Link and eat recipes in the book, Eating Your Way to Good Health which he authored with Jami Clark, RN. There are free recipes and television programs about Candida archived at his website, knowthecause.com. Check out candidasupport.org and for more healthy recipes try Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook by Pat Connolly.

Did You Know?

United States health officials are warning doctors and patients about Lamictal, a drug used to treat bipolar and seizure disorders. Apparently, there is some evidence that suggests it may cause aseptic meningitis.

Candida Treatments and Tests Part 2

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:43:42 +0000

Dear Readers,

Last week I answered a question for a person who kept going to the doctor and being told that nothing was wrong with her. She did some reading and learned that her symptoms were tied to a fungus and started to self-treat. This is part 2 in the series I promised you regarding her story of Candida albicans. My first article is now posted on my website (dearpharmacist.com) and I’ve also posted a link to teach you how to do a saliva test at home to see if you have Candida. Up to 85 percent of people do. There are also stool tests available from Genova and Metametrix Labs.

Candida albicans is one of many yeast organisms that is natural to the human gut flora. For many people, especially those who take medications routinely, or eat processed foods and sugar, the gut flora loses it’s camp of healthy micro-organisms, and the Candida (or other pathogens) take over. Most often people get thrush, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections and chronic fatigue to go with a lot of GI distress (you name it). Once the yeast leaves your digestive tract, you get sicker and may develop cystitis, headaches, itchy skin, PMS and anxiety or depression. The other ‘diseases’ that Candida (it’s toxic break down products) cause are numerous, and were outlined in last week’s column.

To regain health, you must first destroy the offender. The absolute best way to kill Candida is to stop ingesting fast food, or anything processed or containing sugar. Eat more raw food (think salads, juicing, fresh veggies) and lean proteins. If you don’t eat meat, supplement with hemp or rice protein shakes. Ease up on carbs, and no refined white bread, white rice or white sugar. No more white!

Doctors can prescribe nystatin, an anti-fungal drug that stays in the gut and kills Candida. Diflucan (fluconazole) is a medication that works systemically (in your blood). There are OTC formulas available for all of you. With any anti-Candida protocol, there could be a “die-off” reaction (you get worse before getting better) so give these products a chance.

Phytofuge- This contains a fabulous blend of botanical herbs that work synergistically to improve the health of your digestive tract. The product contains Pau D’Arco, wormwood, black walnut, and undecylenic acid, all of which have anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Buy it online, or ask your health food store or physician to acquire for you.

CandidaClear by NSI- Another blend of incredible anti-Candida herbs and vitamins including grapefruit seed, garlic, caprylic acid and biotin. I found this one at vitacost.com

Probiotics- These replenish gut flora with healthy strains of bacteria. The following have a nice blend of strains and are sold nationwide: Pro-Bio, Kyo-Dophilus, Culturelle, Pearls IC, Probiotic All-Flora, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics 12.

Pancreatic enzymes- An overlooked, but absolutely crucial step in improving gut function by helping you digest food. You may also need betaine hydrochloride, a natural digestive acid.

Natural Protection for Nerve Pain

suzy — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:24:18 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

Please help me with pins and needles and burning. I have diabetes and it feels awful now. I take metformin and glyburide. What can I do? –S.L. Boulder, Colorado

Answer: Millions of people have painful nerve sensations -termed neuropathies- and there are many causes for this including diabetes, shingles, Celiac, heavy metal toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions.

Other neuropathy symptoms include burning, shooting pain, tingling, numbness, feeling like you got stabbed by an ice pick, cystitis, urinary urgency, vibration/buzzing sensations, erectile dysfunction and loss of bladder control. Other symptoms include poor coordination, muscle pain, weakness, trigeminal neuralgia, dizziness when standing up. There are medications, just make take the lowest effective dose, so as to minimize side effects.
The number one thing you can do to reduce pain is to lower your blood sugar so please read my Diabetes Without Drugs book (Rodale 2010). Also, see if you take a statin cholesterol drug which is known to cause neuropathic sensations. Right now, I’d like to offer you a few inexpensive over-the-counter solutions to ease the pain. The supplements that I recommend help shuttle more oxygen to your cells, reduce inflammation, protect the myelin wrapper around your delicate nerves, quench toxic free radicals and reduce protein kinase C (PKC). These could all be taken together:

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)- This antioxidant squashes free radicals that attack your myelin sheath and ‘fray’ your nerve wiring. You may notice effect in a few days, though most people require several weeks. Try 200 – 250 two to four times daily or half that dose if you take R lipoic acid. To boost this antioxidant’s effect, take it with fish oil, krill oil or DHA extract about 500 mg with food.

Curcumin- Found in the spice turmeric and it reduces blood sugar. Curcumin chases away a pain-causing chemical TNF as well as nitric oxide. It helps to cool the burn you feel in your nerves. Cook with turmeric spice, but also take a supplement, 500 mg twice daily. Effects take about a month.

Methylcobalamin (B12)- When your body starves for B12, you lose the myelin sheath and your nerves short circuit. This can cause neuropathy and depression. There are dozens of drug muggers of B12, including the diabetic medications that you take as well as processed foods, sugar, antibiotics, estrogen hormones and acid blockers.
Thiamine- A glass of wine every night can steal this nerve-protective nutrient. Candida overgrowth can snatch it too. Run low on thiamine and you will absolutely suffer with bizarre neuropathic sensations. I’d suggest about 50 to 100 mg daily for a few months, along with a low dose B-complex so you have all the other Bs on board.
Neuragen- It’s a topical ointment sold at pharmacies and online. A study showed that it might be helpful for shingles neuralgia, diabetic or HIV neuropathy or trigeminal neuralgia.

Did You Know?

A natural plant-based bug spray is now available, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Pump Insect Repellant.

Saliva Home Test For Candida Albicans

suzy — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 04:16:31 +0000

You can conduct a home test using your own saliva. It’s been around a long time, and I don’t know who created this but apparently it works pretty well. Spit and see

http://www.candidasupport.org/test_saliva.html

Candida Yeast Can Hurt You (Part 1)

suzy — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 04:12:18 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I’ve felt sick for 10 years, and no one has helped me. I read on the Internet about Candida, and I have every symptom possible. I’ve eliminated sugar already, and after 2 months, I feel better. I just found your site and hope you can teach me more about this infection.
–N.H. San Francisco, California

Answer: Just amazing, 10 years and YOU had to find out what’s wrong with yourself on the Internet? Candida is a fungus and even though most physicians dismiss this organism as harmless, I don’t. It’s part of the normal flora in the gut, but it can be dangerous for some people. Eat the standard American garbage diet and you will destroy your intestinal microflora and then get yeast overgrowth.

Candida is a highly invasive micro-organism that can make you very sick. There are about 80 potential symptoms of systemic yeast overgrowth including: Athletes foot, yellowish-green toenail fungus, vaginal yeast infection, intolerance to perfume, iron-deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism, diarrhea/constipation, gas, cystitis, prostatitis, spots in front of eyes, joint pain, acne, headache, brain fog, memory loss, bad breath, heartburn, belching, allergies, mouth sores, hemorrhoids, painful intercourse, eczema, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, asthma, itchy/burning eyes, depression, gluten or dairy allergy, and inability to gain weight (or wasting) because the Candida is ‘eating’ everything you put into your system so you develop malabsorption. See how confusing this gets? Doctors may overlook or dismiss a systemic Candida infection in a person, and just begin prescribing medications for one illness after another. There are tests, treatments and dietary changes which I will share in future columns and facebook posts.

Candida is a fungus which can spread to your organs. The fungus grows like a plant does, spreading ‘roots’ which poke holes in your intestinal wall, then the fungus invades your sinuses, lungs, skin, reproductive organs, pancreas, liver and so forth. Some health experts believe that Candida fuels cancer growth. The problem is not so much the fungus itself, but more the toxic compounds it produces, about 75 toxic substances! One Candida by-product is a potent neurotoxin called acetaldehyde. That’s the same exact substance you make when you drink alcohol or get drunk. I believe wholeheartedly that this is why Candida sufferers experience so much brain fog or hangover feelings.

Candida is a mold so it thrives in heat and in humidity. This explains why many of you feel better in dry or cool climates. Another surefire way to kill Candida is to eliminate sugar and starches from your diet while taking anti-fungal supplements or teas. I’ll outline those in a future column. Certain medications or lifestyle choices can cause Candida overgrowth: Birth control pills, steroids, antibiotics, chemotherapy and many blood pressure pills, alcohol, and processed food.

Did you Know?

Studies suggest that eating 20 tart cherries a day (or drinking the juice equivalent) can provide more arthritis and gout relief than aspirin or ibuprofen.

Relieve Sore, Achy Muscles Fast

suzy — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:43:18 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I moved some furniture last weekend and my muscles are still sore. This happens every time I exert myself, even from walking around the block. My muscles aren’t as resilient as in years past. What can I do or take? –M.J. Decatur, Illinois

Answer: Regular muscle pain is fairly easy to remedy. If it were me, I’d take a hot bath with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties relieve fatigued muscles. I might also take ibuprofen, or natural Zyflamend by New Chapter whichever I could find first.

The pharmacist in me wants to share some OTC products that can help temporarily. Let’s talk about them and how they work:

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication: The three most popular options here are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). These reduce inflammation within an hour or two. I recommend you take these with food. Keep in mind, acetaminophen is harder on the liver, while ibuprofen and naproxen affect the stomach and intestines more so ask the pharmacist which is better for you. Natural anti-inflammatories won’t work as quickly; these include omega 3 fish oils, krill oil and bromelain (from pineapples).

Ben Gay Moist Heat Therapy Pads: These non-medicated, odorless pads are air-activated and they get nice and toasty on your skin, very similar to the moist heat of a shower. They help ease muscle/joint aches or pain associated with PMS, overexertion and strains for up to eight hours.

Icy Hot Medicated Patches: Menthol usually comes in cream form, but these patches contain menthol in a patch which causes a unique sensation on the skin for up to 8 hours.

Kink-Eaze: Formulated by a pain-specialist, David S. Klein M.D., this contains menthol and 10 times the amount of MSM found in other products. It could help improve flexibility, relieve muscle spasms, minor joint pain, achy muscles and knee pain because the MSM goes through right the skin. Available at www.stages-of-life.com

Capsaicin: It’s the active ingredient in chili pepper and you can buy it at pharmacies nationwide. I suggest the patches or roll-on for ease. These work fabulously with repeated applications.

Do you suffer with chronic muscle soreness? If so, look in your medicine cabinet. Statin cholesterol drugs and blood pressure pills are well-known culprits to cause muscle pain. The remedy for drug-induced myopathy of this sort is Coenzyme Q10, see my Drug Mugger book for more.

People who have mercury overload, or chronic fatigue syndrome have poor mitochondrial function and may benefit from apple extract called “malic acid.” This substance jumps right into your Krebs cycle to help your mitochondria. Long story short, with malic acid supplementation, you produce energy and relieve tenderness. I think it could help fibromyalgia, especially when combined with magnesium, whey (or hemp) protein, or creatine.

Did You Know?

Corticosteroids are drug muggers of calcium, you may need to supplement if you take these medications long-term.

Some Medications Scare Me- A Pharmacist’s Confessions

suzy — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:38:12 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I just became a pharmacist and started reading your syndicated column. Your emphasis is usually centered around the benefits of vitamins, minerals or alternative treatments, as compared to prescription medications. I take offense sometimes because I think you should recommend more of our gold standard pharmaceuticals which are FDA approved, unlike nutritional supplements. For example, I read your article about depression and you only discussed vitamins and minerals, and never mentioned prescribed antidepressants. –JK, Gainesville, Florida

Answer: The depression column is entitled “Natural Ways to Ease Depression and Reduce Anxiety” so of course it was not about drugs. It is posted at my website where it continues to be well-received.

I’ve been a pharmacist 22 years, and syndicated columnist for years, so my perspective is that our gold standards are sometimes rusty!

Listen carefully to me, because your customers’ lives depend on you being educated about natural remedies as well as pharmaceuticals. While you were in school, didn’t your professors make it clear that you can’t lift low levels of folic acid -a common cause for depression- with any of our so-called gold standards.

Didn’t anyone mention that you can’t fix a deficiency of vitamin C, B12 or thyroid hormone with those drugs? All that can cause depression.

Let me teach you something ‘outside the pill.’ Magnesium, vitamin C, B6, folic acid and 5-HTP can enhance mood by sparking production of feel-good hormones such as GABA, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. When taken in natural, physiological dosages these nutrients are well-tolerated. Typical side effects: Gas, diarrhea or minor stomach upset.

Our gold standard antidepressants also have side effects. Depending on the drug, your age and medical history, their side effects include:

Agitation, anxiety, blurred vision, red or purple spots on the skin, breast enlargement, anorexia, abdominal cramps, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loose stools or constipation, unusual secretion of milk in women, yawning, trouble walking, dizziness, decreased sexual ability, low libido, impotence, inability to orgasm, abnormal bleeding, nose bleeds, inability to sit still, headaches, increased sweating, insomnia, feeling vertigo (you or your surroundings constantly move), muscle weakness, breast tenderness, unusual or sudden facial movements, strange involuntary postures, fever, flu-like syndrome, hot flushing of the skin, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, seizures, hyponatremia, tremor, mania, heart palpitations, fast talking or feeling out of control, skin rash, hives, itching, and a dangerous condition called “Serotonin Syndrome” which may include such symptoms as serious blood pressure swings, fever, mood/behavior changes, diarrhea, racing heartbeat, shivering, shaking, racing heartbeat, overactive reflexes, sweating, intravascular coagulation, renal failure, seizures, respiratory failure or coma. There is also a black box warning regarding the higher incidence of suicide among children and adolescents who take these drugs. Despite all those risks, some people feel safer with our gold standard drugs because they are FDA approved!

Did You Know?

To avoid pharmacy errors, know the correct name of your drug and have your doctor spell it out for you, clearly and legibly.

Send Your Poisons Packing with Natural Supplement

suzy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:32:08 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I have fibromyalgia, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts and endometriosis. I fired my old doctor, because I wasn’t getting any better. My new doctor prescribed bio-identical hormones, iodine tablets, and a strong multi-vitamin. I’m eating ground flax seeds thanks to your recent column. Am I missing something? I’m still uncomfortable. –E.W. Sacramento, California

Answer: You’re doing great and healing is in progress. You have a lot of symptoms tied to “estrogen dominance” (also called progesterone deficiency). I sent you my e-book as a gift for submitting this excellent question which speaks to so many people. There is a dietary supplement called Calcium D-glucarate which studies show can help all of your symptoms. Despite the name, it’s not used for bone building.

D-Glucaric acid is a natural substance found in fruits and veggies. We make small amounts in the body during a process called “glucuronidation” which is how our body scrubs itself clean. Too bad we don’t make more. Calcium D-Glucarate or “glucarate” is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid and this patented supplement helps our body keep toxins ‘packaged’ tightly so the bound up garbage can go through the digestive tract and get excreted.

Without enough glucarate, our neatly packaged poisons come unravelled and re-enter our circulation, like a thug breaking in twice! Some of you need physician’s approval for OTC supplements in which case explain that “America’s Pharmacist Suzy Cohen told you glucarate blocks the enzyme beta-glucuronidase and this supports glucuronic acid conjugation.” Glucarate is an affordable way to bolt the door from thugs. Consider it great insurance for a major detoxification pathway in the human body.

Glucarate has no known major side effects and is safely taken in combination with antioxidants, protein shakes or medications. Dosages vary from 500mg – 3,000mg total per day. Calcium D-glucarate may also help:

Estrogen removal: Many toxic chemicals in our home and garage increase xenoestrogens which are estrogen-like chemicals. These disrupt hormone balance in men and women Glucarate facilitate estrogen removal, and improves estrogen by-product formation so it may ease prostate conditions, PMS and other hormonal concerns.

Bodybuilders: Glucarate improves physique by reducing total estrogen load; means it can lessen fluid retention and reverse gynecomastia (a.k.a. man boobs).

Cholesterol lowering: Preliminary results in humans show that glucarate can significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides.

Cancer prevention: Animal studies suggest glucarate not only reduces risk, but may prevent tumor growth in the skin, breast, liver, colon and lung. Women with estrogen-dependent tumors (and men with prostate cancer) should absolutely ask about taking glucarate since it can reduce total estrogen load and improve estrogen metabolite ratios.

Detoxification problems: People riddled with heavy metals/plasticizers and those with multiple chemical sensitivity, auto-immune disorders or fibromyalgia- the detoxifying effect of glucarate offers great housekeeping and by reducing total toxin burden. Glucarate helps us properly eliminate used up medications.

Did You Know?
Cooking with grape seed oil (rather than olive oil) allows you to use medium-high temperatures, without losing all the antioxidant benefits.

The Goods on Grapefruit and Medications that Won’t Mix

suzy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:27:04 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,
My medication label suddenly warns not to eat grapefruit, but is this a serious interaction? Reason I ask is because I love to eat it, and nothing has happened to me so far. –K.A., Tulsa, Oklahoma

Answer: Then stay consistent with your eating habits because consistency allows your doctor to adjust medication dose based on eating habits. Momentarily, I’ll tell how this incredible fruit can help you lower cholesterol, burn fat and reduce cancer risk, but first I I must warn you that grapefruit prevents proper break down of some medications, causing blood levels to spike. This may happen even if you separate administration of the drug from the fruit or the juice by days. Soon enough, I will give you a list of drugs to avoid if you won’t give up the grapefruit. I wouldn’t blame you either, I love grapefruit myself. The seeds are the primary source of naringenin, which is the bitter chemical that causes the pucker. It’s also a strong antioxidant that not only neutralizes free-radicals (which promote cancer) but also seems to prevent hardening of the arteries.

Grapefruit may boost metabolism, at least in rodents. Thin rats don’t necessarily translate to thin thighs, although I still think grapefruit is a fine edition to most diet plans, especially those that include ways to help you improve progesterone to estrogen ratio, and increase thyroid hormone. Grapefruit may help people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar).

Naringenin is not an appetite suppressant, or a fat blocker so if you take those dietary supplements, it’s also fine to take this bioflavonoid supplement. It can be combined with protein supplements too, which are often recommended during weight loss.

You’ll see it listed in various ways, including naringenin, grapefruit seed extract, GSE or part of a comprehensive bioflavonoid formula that also contains hesperidin, rutin or quercetin. These types of products are widely available at health food stores.

Before you get too excited and buy supplements or fresh fruit at the grocery store, I need you to promise me that you’ll get both your physician and pharmacist’s approval (and it wouldn’t hurt to research yourself) to find out if grapefruit, or grapefruit-containing supplements are right for you.

The approval from both your doctor and pharmacist is important because I don’t have the space to list all of the drugs that might potentially interact. The following drugs (and possibly related drugs that are not listed here) may have a potentially dangerous interaction with grapefruit, so never combine it with these: Sildenafil (Viagra), buspirone (Buspar), sertraline (Zoloft), triazolam (Halcion), diazepam (Valium), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cyclosporine, tacrolimus, felodipine, nifedipine, HIV medications, statins cholesterol drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin), amiodarone, methadone, digoxin and losartan (Cozaar).

Did You Know?

Zyclara cream is now FDA approved and available to people who suffer with pre-cancerous spots on their face or scalp called actinic keratoses.