When taking statin medications, be sure to take them only as directed and do not cease taking them without medical consultation. Liver disease that already exists may become much more serious if you combine a statin medication with alcohol. More human research is needed to determine how alcohol and statins can affect brain circulation. Since both alcohol and statin use may raise the risk of rhabdomyolysis, combining the two may lead to even greater risk. Statins can also increase the risk of developing benign proteinuria, a condition in which there is excess protein in the urine.
However, this is something that should be discussed with a medical professional. You should not stop medication without your doctor’s approval as this may make things worse. Diabetes can be responsible for heart problems and so for this class of patient, the medication is used as a preventative measure. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology.
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Cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins, when mixed with excessive alcohol, may elevate triglyceride levels, worsen muscle side effects and possibly lead to liver damage. Talk to your doctor first if you have more than 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks daily and you take a statin. Although taking the two together has no direct risks, both statins and alcohol can impair liver function and cause tissue damage.
Can statins worsen conditions associated with alcohol consumption?
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- It’s also important to read the Reyvow label and other paperwork that may come with the drug.
- Due to the effect of statins on the function of your liver, mixing them with alcohol is not recommended.
- Drug-induced liver disease is usually an autoimmune condition, in which the drug prompts some people’s bodies to make antibodies that attack their own liver tissue.
- Therefore, taking the two together might put people at a greater risk of liver-related health problems.
- Read all sides of the ongoing debate within the medical community debate about who should take these medications and whether the costs exceed the benefits.
Physiologists and doctors used to think that moderate alcohol consumption (five to seven drinks a week) might offer some protection from heart attack and stroke. Research has shown that blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in such moderate drinkers are lower than in heavy drinker and people who don’t drink. (We hate to use so many caveats, but the scientists aren’t totally sure.) Heavy alcohol use seems to cause patients to forget to take their medicines, but this is not a special case for statins. A large study published in 2019 found that no amount of alcohol produced an overall health benefit.
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If you do drink a lot of alcohol whilst taking statins, you may notice that any side effects are intensified. Some of these such as headaches may be easier to deal with – however, damage to the liver may not be so simple. While moderate drinking might not be a direct no-no for everyone on statins, it’s essential to understand your body and consult your doctor. Everyone is different, and while one person might not notice any adverse effects, another might feel them strongly.
Reyvow interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors
Niacin may lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and raise HDL levels. People using statins have reported a few other side effects, but more research is necessary to understand their prevalence and severity. Statins disrupt insulin-signaling pathways and can affect the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which create and release insulin. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.
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- Studies have found that some people who use Lipitor have an elevation of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
- These oral medicines are available as single agents or in combination with other medicines.
- That means no more than one to two drinks a day, counting five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, and 1.5 ounces of liquor as one drink.
- People who drink alcohol regularly should discuss their consumption habits with a doctor before taking statins to reduce the risk of complications.
In this regard, notify your doctor if you’re on any other medications. Statins frequently cause unusual liver test results because of the way in which they impact liver enzymes. Varieties such as Lipitor can cause an elevation, or even a doubling, of the enzymes named aspartate and alanine aminotransferase. Generally speaking, these increases are short-term, but when mixed with long-term alcohol abuse the damage to your liver can be severe. A high alcohol intake reduces the liver’s ability to process cholesterol alcohol and statins and other fats, which may affect the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. In fact, some reports indicate statins may benefit people with advanced liver disease and may even slow the progression of some liver diseases.
People with liver conditions should not drink at all if they are taking statins. For people without liver issues, low to moderate alcohol consumption may be safe. To help reduce health problems, medical experts often recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. One drink is equal to 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of liquor. If you have a history of heavy drinking or liver damage, it’s crucial that you are honest with your doctor about this, especially if they recommend you begin taking statins.