Millions of Americans take cholesterol lowering medications to help reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease. Many of the most popular drugs used in lowering cholesterol belong to a drug class known as statins. Unfortunately, many of these drugs are metabolized by enzymes that can be affected by compounds found in grapefruit. Crestor is a statin drug that does not appear to be affected by grapefruit.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol and lipids are major components of arterial plaques and clots. Obstructed arteries can restrict that flow of oxygen carrying blood to vital organs such as the heart and brain. In order to lower cholesterol levels, many patients are required to take prescription drugs known as statins.
Crestor
Manufactured and marketed under the brand name Crestor by Astra Zeneca, rosuvastatin blocks the synthesis of cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. As with other statin medications, side effects may include liver injury, muscle pain, muscle breakdown and drug interactions. However, Crestor does not appear to have food-drug interactions that are seen with other statins.
Grapefruit and Statins
Many commonly prescribed statins including simvastatin, atorvastatin, and lovastatin are metabolized by CYP 3A4 enzymes found within the liver. Unfortunately, natural compounds found in grapefruit and fresh grapefruit juice, have been know to inhibit these enzymes. As a result, elevated statin levels can cause harmful side effects in muscle including pain and cell death.
Crestor and Grapefruit
Although rosuvastatin is metabolized by CYP 2D6 enzymes that are also found within the liver, they are not as affected by grapefruit, according to the manufacturer. Crestor may be an appropriate choice of statin in patients who are unable or unwilling to omit significant amounts of grapefruit from their diet. Patients with concerns regarding Crestor or statin therapy should speak with a physician.
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