Grapefruit and Simvastatin interaction
Grapefruit and Simvastatin: the Simvastatin prescribing label flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Simvastatin (ZOCOR) label · effective 2025-03-28
Intervention: Avoid grapefruit juice when taking ZOCOR.
Lipid modifying doses (≥1 gram/day) of niacin, fibrates, colchicine, and grapefruit juice may also increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of ZOCOR with other drugs or grapefruit juice that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Grapefruit Juice Clinical Impact: Grapefruit juice can raise the plasma levels of simvastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Curated guidance for Grapefruit
Grapefruit juice raises blood levels of some statins, increasing the chance of muscle damage. The effect is strongest for simvastatin and lovastatin.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.