From the Research
It is generally not safe to consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor), and patients should avoid or significantly limit grapefruit consumption during rosuvastatin therapy. The interaction between grapefruit and rosuvastatin is less severe than with some other statins, but grapefruit contains compounds called furanocoumarins that can inhibit an enzyme in the intestines called CYP3A4, which helps metabolize many medications, including statins 1, 2, 3, 4. This inhibition can lead to higher levels of rosuvastatin in the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, or in severe cases, a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis where muscle tissue breaks down.
Key Considerations
- Grapefruit consumption can increase the risk of side effects associated with rosuvastatin therapy
- Safer alternatives to grapefruit for patients on rosuvastatin include oranges, tangerines, or lemons, which do not contain the problematic compounds found in grapefruit
- Patients who have been regularly consuming grapefruit while taking rosuvastatin should consult their healthcare provider about potential adjustments to their medication regimen
Clinical Implications
The potential interaction between grapefruit and rosuvastatin highlights the importance of careful consideration of dietary factors in patients undergoing statin therapy. While the evidence provided does not directly address the interaction between grapefruit and rosuvastatin, the mechanism of action of furanocoumarins in grapefruit and their potential to inhibit CYP3A4 suggests that caution is warranted 5. As such, patients taking rosuvastatin should be advised to avoid or limit grapefruit consumption to minimize the risk of adverse effects.