While attending a local concert, a friend asked Dr. Mike: My husband is taking Plavix. Can he eat grapefruit?
After doing some research, I emailed the following response.
Although Plavix (Clopidogrel) interacts with a number of other medications and dietary supplements, I cannot find any evidence that it interacts with grapefruit juice.
To learn more about grapefruit juice and medications read my article: Grapefruit Juice: Is It Safe with Your Drug?
I would recommend that you and your husband carefully read the printed handout that came with the Plavix. There should be a section about interactions between Plavix and other medications. If you did not receive a package insert, ask your pharmacist for a copy.
If your husband is using any over-the-counter (OTC) medications or dietary supplements, he should talk to his pharmacist and doctor about potential interactions. Your husband should be especially careful about using medications for inflammation like ibuprofen and OTC supplements that contain ginkgo. A side effect of these products is bleeding.
So, tell your husband to enjoy his grapefruit. I had to give it up because I take a cholesterol-lowering drug.
