

Therefore, pay close attention to the interaction between grapefruit and drugs. But when the enzyme is inhibited and when it interacts with the chemicals in grapefruit, a larger amount of the drug enters the bloodstream. This means that the body's blood is receiving slightly less of the drug than it was originally taken in. Normally, when a medication is taken by mouth, it is broken down a bit by enzymes before it reaches the bloodstream. Certain chemicals found in grapefruit can bind to and disable an enzyme found in the intestines and liver that helps break down medications. Of these drugs, 43 interacted with all forms of grapefruit products including fresh juice, frozen grapefruit concentrate. There are more than 85 drugs that interact with grapefruit. People taking metformin should avoid alcohol or drink only in moderation. Using alcohol while taking metformin can increase your risk of low blood sugar. Because there are many drugs that can interact with it, before taking metformin, patients should inform their doctors and pharmacists of any medications they are taking. These drugs include: Birth control pills. Some drugs have the potential to interact with metformin and may decrease effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse effects. Doctors also sometimes recommend metformin treatment for people with polycystic ovary syndrome. Doctors prescribe metformin as a first-line treatment for people with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar. Therefore, people with liver, kidney or heart problems should avoid metformin. Although very rare, Metformin can cause a very serious and life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Metformin helps people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar in a number of ways These include reducing the amount of sugar the body absorbs from food, reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver, and increasing the body's response to insulin the body makes on its own. This means they cannot control their blood sugar. People with type 2 diabetes cannot use insulin normally. Metformin is a medication prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.
