People's Pharmacy

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Poppy Seeds Cause False Positive Drug Test

Posting Date: 01/17/2005

A. Your pharmacist may have cautioned you against grapefruit, but when we checked we found no warning in the official information for these medications.

We asked the FDA and were informed that ?there is nothing in the labeling about the interaction [with grapefruit]. It does appear in the Cialis, but not the Viagra, labeling.? The maker of Levitra also has no such warning, and a spokesman dismissed our concerns when we brought your question to his attention.

Grapefruit affects dozens of drugs and it is clear that the FDA does not have a standardized approach to such interactions. Toxicity can be increased because grapefruit boosts blood levels of the drugs. The effect can last for up to two days.

For more information on this topic, we are sending you our Guide to Grapefruit Interactions with a list of medications that are susceptible and some that may be safer alternatives. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. J-91, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. I read in your column that there is a program for low-income families to receive prescription drugs through their doctor at no cost. How can I find out about this program?

A. The best way is through the Web site www.helpingpatients.org. It lists pharmaceutical industry and state assistance programs.

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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).