How to Take Statins With Alcohol
Statin medications are used to lower cholesterol. Examples of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol) and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Taking a statin may increase your liver enzymes. Liver problems can develop without symptoms, and you may not know that a problem is occurring. For this reason, anyone who takes statins should have their liver function tested periodically and should abstain from drinking large quantities of alcohol.
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Instructions
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Don't drink large amounts of alcohol if you take a statin. You may be able to drink a moderate amount of alcohol if you don't have liver problems.
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Talk to your doctor about combining alcohol and statins. Based on your health status, you and your doctor can make a decision about your intake of alcohol while you're taking statin medications.
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If you drink large amounts of alcohol, or if you have a history of liver problems, you should use statins with caution.
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Ask your doctor to do liver function tests periodically to assess the health of your liver.
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Tips & Warnings
Serious side effects from taking statins can include liver damage and muscle problems. If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor about decreasing your dose or trying a different statin.
Make sure your statin doesn't interact with any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you take.
Once you begin to take a statin, you'll probably need to take it for the rest of your life.
Don't stop taking your statin without consulting your doctor.
