Among the 345 men on high doses, there was no effect of alcohol on the risk of liver inflammation, even in the men who averaged more than two drinks a day. Can adopting a healthier diet help fight prostate cancer? Studies Find New Drug May Help Lower Cholesterol. © 2010 - 2020 Harvard University. Uses, Benefits, and Food List, Both Red and White Meat Raise Cholesterol Levels, Study Finds, Teens’ Cholesterol Levels Improve, but Only Half Have Ideal Numbers, Hate Statins? But these drugs don’t come without side effects. Because both heavy drinking and (rarely) statin use can interfere with liver function, the two together could put people at a greater risk of liver-related health problems. In extreme cases, it can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition that may cause liver damage, kidney failure, or death. Get health information and advice from the experts at Harvard Medical School. Occasionally, statin use can affect liver health. Overall, there are no specific health risks associated with drinking while using statins. And if you do that, you can have your wine and your statin, too. Written by the Healthline Editorial Team, What Is Vitamin F? No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Providence offers a range of Medicare Advantage health insurance plans in parts of Oregon and Washington. Alcohol in moderation has been associated with increases in high density lipoproteins (the good cholesterol). If you are drinking alcohol while taking statins to control or reduce cholesterol, there are certain things that you should keep in mind; Statins and alcohol both affect liver function and should not be mixed regularly because their interaction may elevate triglyceride levels The men were randomly assigned to take low- or high-dose lovastatin (Mevacor — the first statin drug). The time to find out if Medicare covers ambulance service is before you need one. Recognizing the signs of binge drinking can help prevent teen binge drinking. The general consensus is that drinking more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women could put you at a greater risk of alcoholic liver disease and possible statin side effects. Statins interfere with the body’s production of cholesterol and help to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), or bad cholesterol, when diet and exercise haven’t proven effective. Despite this difference, they share an important proviso: each should be used responsibly. Statins are great at lowering LDL (the bad cholesterol) but not so good at raising HDL. But nearly all find that when they switch to a different statin, their symptoms resolve. It sounds like you are on a good combination of medications, with a thiazide diuretic (HydroDiuril) for hypertension and a statin drug (Lipitor) to lower your cholesterol. Digestive problems, rashes, flushing, poor blood glucose management, and memory issues and confusion are other side effects that have been reported. The role of the liver in alcohol metabolism means those who drink heavily could be at greater risk, however. Vitamin F is not a vitamin in the traditional sense, but a term for two important fats. You should also be sure your medications are bringing your blood pressure and cholesterol down to the levels your doctor has set as a goal. Learn more about treatment for teen alcohol abuse by calling 877.405.8438. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Some side effects may be dangerous, so make sure you and others are aware of what may happen, and you are … Up to 30 percent of people experience muscle pain with statin use. In those serious cases, treatment is needed to help clear up the infection. A lifelong habit of learning and engaging in mentally challenging activities seems to keep the brain in shape. Fortunately, the inflammation is usually mild; it resolves when statins are stopped, but many doctors believe it's safe to continue statin therapy even if mild liver test abnormalities develop. Overall, there are no specific health risks associated with drinking while using statins. Does low-dose alcohol increase the likelihood that a statin will cause liver inflammation? With statins, the lengthy list of side effects may cause some people to question whether it’s worth the trade-off. Statins Can Reduce Risk of a Heart Attack for Adults of All Ages, Providence Medicare Advantage: A Guide to Your 2021 Plan Options, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, What to Do If Your Baby Shows Signs of Pink Eye. You only need to activate your account once. Lipitor and other statins may reduce your risk of heart disease, but alcohol, through causes such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy and much more, may worsen your risk. This can cause health consequences ranging from pain to behavioral disturbances to life-threatening cancers. These plans provide the same coverage as…. I feel fine, but I want to know if I can drink red wine while I'm taking these medications or should I be concerned about combining statins and alcohol? Researchers looked at whether statin users who drink in moderation experienced in any additional benefit. I take HydroDiuril and Lipitor. Most melanomas come in the form of a new spot on the skin, not changes to an existing mole. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.