Question

A 50-year-old male patient has high cholesterol

levels and is placed on lovastatin. He is
counseled
to stop drinking his usual glass of
grapefruit juice every morning.
Which of the following may occur when
someone taking lovastatin chronically
consumes
grapefruit juice?
(A) Cholesterol levels increase
(B) Muscle pain and discomfort
(C) Steatorrhea
(D) Acid reflux
(E) A decrease in HDL levels

Answer 1

When someone taking lovastatin chronically consumes grapefruit juice, it can lead to an increase in lovastatin levels in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects such as muscle pain and discomfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

When someone taking lovastatin chronically consumes grapefruit juice, it can lead to an increase in lovastatin levels in the blood. This is because grapefruit juice inhibits an enzyme in the liver that helps metabolize lovastatin, causing higher levels of the drug to accumulate in the body. Consequently, this can increase the risk of side effects.

In the case presented, the patient is advised to stop drinking grapefruit juice because it may enhance the effects of lovastatin, leading to an increased risk of side effects such as muscle pain and discomfort (option B). The patient needs to follow this advice to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.