An increase (up to three times normal) in these values occurs in roughly 3% of people. What we have learned over time, however, is that most of the time these elevations are only temporary and not usually dangerous. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines drinking in moderation as one alcoholic drink each day for women and two drinks for men. Liver International. Some people over age 60 have few, if any, symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), while others experience the same symptoms younger people do. Many people underestimate their intake, but being honest with your doctor will ultimately help them take care of you as well as possible. The use of statins alone, or in combination with pioglitazone and other drugs, for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and related cardiovascular risk. Thankfully, you won't have to go very far to hear wonderful success stories from people who have been given a new lease on life after quitting. Statinsor other cholesterol medications work by lowering LDL (low density lipoproteins, or “bad” cholest… All rights reserved. However, researchers who are studying the beneficial effects of alcohol on preventing heart disease define moderate drinking as up to two drinks each day for women and up to four drinks each day for men. The primary concern with alcohol in people using Lipitor, however, is likely the host of other problems that are found with alcohol alone. Can adopting a healthier diet help fight prostate cancer? A. Hormone therapy and radiation may help with certain prostate cancer, Unlocking the mystery of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, Women with DCIS at increased risk for breast cancer death, A silent condition may be taking a toll on your health. 2016;22(27):6201–6213. Most melanomas come in the form of a new spot on the skin, not changes to an existing mole. Clinically apparent liver injury—injury enough to causes symptoms rather than simply abnormal liver function tests alone—is very uncommon with statins, unlike the elevations in liver enzymes alone we just noted. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). You only need to activate your account once. 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. Statin Effects Iclude Anti-Inflammatory and Other Health Benefits, Statins: Actions, side effects, and administration, Hepatotoxicity of statins and other lipid-lowering agents. Low-dose alcohol also may slightly reduce the risk of heart attacks and certain strokes. What is the effect of statins on the liver? Studies have found that some people who use Lipitor have an elevation of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Some side effects may be dangerous, so make sure you and others are aware of what may happen, and you are … An Expert Panel Statement, Pleiotropic effects of statins in the diseases of the liver. Rosenson RS. What most people really want to know is, "Can I have a beer or two or a glass of wine while I'm taking statins? Updated August 13, 2019. And because high doses of alcohol can damage the liver, your question about statins is a good one since about 2% of people who take these drugs develop chemical evidence of liver inflammation. Despite this difference, they share an important proviso: each should be used responsibly. What can we help you find? If you have any family members or friends who have expressed concern over your drinking, it's important to take an honest look at your consumption. The use of statins alone, or in combination with pioglitazone and other drugs, for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and related cardiovascular risk. Why do my legs swell at the end of the day? The primary concern with alcohol in people using Lipitor, however, is likely the host of other problems that are found with alcohol alone. But alcohol can have side effects, usually due to drinking too much or at the wrong time (before driving, for example). Indian J Endocrinol Metab. So a question about whether you should combine these drugs with alcohol deserves a careful answer. Updated October 18, 2016. Please note: If you have a promotional code you'll be prompted to enter it prior to confirming your order. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. World J Gastroenterol. Statins are medications. I take HydroDiuril and Lipitor. (In comparison, it's thought that at least 15,000 people die each year from gastrointestinal bleeding from Advil.) Does low-dose alcohol increase the likelihood that a statin will cause liver inflammation? The real question comes down to, "Do you have a problem with alcohol?" Can a smart watch diagnose a heart attack? Should I worry about a sudden swollen tongue? Can you drink alcohol with Lipitor (atorvastatin) or other statin medications? Q. I'm 72 years old, with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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It may be somewhat reassuring to hear that, despite the recommendation to monitor liver tests, and the uncommon risk of severe liver injury, statins may be helpful for some people with liver disease.. 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. Increased liver function tests are not the only possible side effect. The Harvard Medical School 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating, Improving Memory: Understanding Age-Related Memory Loss. Although red wine has theoretical advantages for the heart, studies suggest that all forms of alcohol are equally protective as long as the dose is right. Our guide will show you what puts you at risk, and how to take control of your heart health. Thapar M, Russo MW, Bonkovsky HL. 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. Any side effects you do experience are likely to get much worse, and new side effects can appear. Consuming large volumes of alcohol with statins increases the risk of side effects greatly. There are several different ways to explain how statins affect the liver, so let's look at changes in liver tests alone (no symptoms,) clinical liver disease (symptoms) related to statin use, severe liver disease, as well as how statins may actually reduce mortality in some people who already have liver disease. Alcohol can also interact with medications, particularly tranquilizers and sleeping pills. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also called statins, are a widely prescribed group of medications used to lower high cholesteroland other lipids (hyperlipidemia) in addition to diet. The use of statins alone, or in combination with pioglitazone and other drugs, for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and related cardiovascular risk. By using Verywell Health, you accept our, How Zocor (Simvastatin) Works to Lower Your Cholesterol, Preventing Heart Failure With Lifestyle Changes, Learn About Taking Lipitor or Zocor With Grapefruit Juice, Preventing Heart Failure After Heart Attack, Crestor: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions, What You Should Know About Statin Drug Interactions, Side Effects of Statin Drugs for Cholesterol, Statin Drugs May Not Be Beneficial for Some Older Adults, General Information About Livalo (Pitavastatin), Possible Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking. Regarding wine, one drink is 5 ounces. Can you drink alcohol while taking cholesterol medication? Statins are used to help protect the heart and vascular system and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Your physician knows your medical history and current health status and should be able to advise you about your alcohol use. Smokers may have higher risk of brain aneurysm, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, Get trusted advice from the doctors at Harvard Medical School, Learn tips for living a healthy lifestyle, Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in health, Receive special offers on health books and reports. If you drink at all, take a moment and try a quiz to see if you may have an alcohol use problem.