Crestor, generic name rosuvastatin, is within a class of drugs used for elevated cholesterol called the statins. Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, which is the enzyme used to breakdown the precursor to cholesterol, thereby reducing the levels of cholesterol in your blood. Grapefruit interacts with some statins, which cause increased levels of the drug in your body and, therefore, increases the potential for dangerous side effects. However, Crestor does not have this interaction.
High Cholesterol and Statins
Every one in six Americans have high cholesterol, which a little over sixteen percent of the population, states a 2010 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The top class of medication prescribed for elevated cholesterol include the statins. These drugs have potentially dangerous side effects and interactions. The most serious side effect is rhabdomyolysis, which is a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and could lead to kidney failure. This condition is rare. More frequently, statins can cause muscle soreness, weakness and joint pain which should be reported to your physician.
Grapefruit -- Good or Bad?
Grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber. Unfortunately, what makes it different from most other citrus fruits is that it contains one or more unique compounds that interact with different classes of medications. Furanocoumarin is one of these compounds. It interacts with an enzyme in your intestinal tract called CYP3A4, which is responsible for the metabolism of certain classes of drugs, for example, the statins. This interference results in higher blood levels of certain medications and, therefore, side effects may occur.
Crestor and Grapefruit
Crestor is one statin that does not depend on metabolism by CYP3A4. Therefore, it does not have the same safety issues concerning grapefruit or grapefruit juice as other statins.
Conclusions
The good news is that you can eat grapefruit while on Crestor. Always thoroughly read the information that comes with your medications and discuss any potential issues with your physician or pharmacist.
References
- Peoples Pharmacy; Graedons' Guide: Grapefruit Interactions; 2002
- Astra-Zeneca; Crestor
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide; Grapefruit and Medication: A Cautionary Note; February 2006
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Cholesterol Facts; February 2010
- Drugs.com; Crestor; August 25, 2010
