Home / Health / Fentanyl Users Warned: Avoid This Common Breakfast Drink to Prevent Toxic Side Effects
Fentanyl Users Warned: Avoid This Common Breakfast Drink to Prevent Toxic Side Effects
10 Nov
Summary
- Fentanyl, a strong opioid painkiller, prescribed 812,439 times in England in 2022
- Grapefruit juice can increase fentanyl levels in the body, leading to overdose or side effects
- NHS warns fentanyl users to avoid drinking grapefruit juice
As of November 10th, 2025, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) has issued an alert to people taking the commonly prescribed painkiller fentanyl, warning them not to drink grapefruit juice. The NHS cautions that consuming this common breakfast juice could turn the level of the medication toxic without the user even realizing it.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller used to treat severe pain, such as during or after an operation or a serious injury. In 2022, it was prescribed 812,439 times by NHS primary care services in England. The drug works by blocking pain signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and can also reduce anxiety and stress caused by pain.
However, the NHS has now put out a warning on its website about a potential interaction between fentanyl and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit contains natural chemicals that can slow down the function of an enzyme in the small intestine and liver, causing higher levels of the medication to build up in the bloodstream. This increased concentration can lead to an overdose or enhanced side effects.
The NHS advises fentanyl users to avoid drinking grapefruit juice altogether while taking the medication. They also caution against mixing fentanyl with alcohol, as this can make users more sleepy and increase the risk of serious side effects.
