Crestor and Alcohol: Important Interactions and Safety Considerations
How does Crestor interact with alcohol. What are the risks of combining statins and alcohol. How can you safely manage Crestor use and alcohol consumption. What precautions should you take when prescribed Crestor.
Understanding Crestor and Its Purpose
Crestor, also known by its generic name rosuvastatin, is a widely prescribed medication belonging to the statin class of drugs. Its primary function is to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, specifically targeting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. By reducing LDL levels, Crestor plays a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular diseases and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How does Crestor work? The medication inhibits an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, Crestor effectively reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the body. Additionally, it helps the liver remove existing cholesterol from the bloodstream, further lowering overall cholesterol levels.
Common Conditions Treated with Crestor
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited high cholesterol)
- Mixed dyslipidemia (elevated levels of multiple types of fats in the blood)
- Atherosclerosis prevention
The Complex Relationship Between Alcohol and Heart Health
The relationship between alcohol consumption and heart health is complex and often misunderstood. While some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake, particularly red wine, may offer certain cardiovascular benefits, it’s crucial to approach this information with caution.
Is moderate alcohol consumption beneficial for heart health? Some research indicates that consuming small amounts of alcohol, especially red wine, may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system. This is primarily attributed to the presence of antioxidants like resveratrol in red wine, which may help protect artery walls and reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to note that these potential benefits are limited to moderate consumption and do not outweigh the risks associated with excessive alcohol intake.
Potential Cardiovascular Effects of Moderate Alcohol Consumption
- Increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
- Reduced blood clot formation
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Decreased inflammation
Despite these potential benefits, it’s crucial to remember that the risks associated with alcohol consumption often outweigh any potential cardiovascular advantages. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to numerous health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Crestor and Alcohol: Understanding the Interactions
When it comes to combining Crestor with alcohol, caution is paramount. Both substances can affect liver function, and their interaction may lead to increased health risks. Understanding these interactions is crucial for patients taking Crestor to make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.
Do Crestor and alcohol interact directly? While there isn’t a direct pharmacological interaction between Crestor and alcohol, their combined effects on the liver are a primary concern. Both substances are metabolized by the liver, potentially increasing the organ’s workload and the risk of liver damage.
Key Concerns When Mixing Crestor and Alcohol
- Increased risk of liver damage
- Potential exacerbation of Crestor’s side effects
- Reduced effectiveness of Crestor in managing cholesterol levels
- Higher risk of developing rhabdomyolysis (a severe muscle condition)
It’s important to note that the severity of these interactions can vary depending on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the dosage of Crestor, and individual patient characteristics. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption while taking Crestor.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Combining Crestor and Alcohol
The combination of Crestor and alcohol can lead to various risks and side effects, some of which can be severe. Understanding these potential complications is essential for patients to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices.
What are the most significant risks of mixing Crestor and alcohol? The primary concerns include an increased risk of liver damage, exacerbation of muscle-related side effects, and potential interference with the medication’s effectiveness in managing cholesterol levels.
Common Side Effects and Risks
- Liver damage: Both Crestor and alcohol are processed by the liver, potentially increasing the risk of liver problems.
- Muscle pain and weakness: Alcohol may intensify Crestor’s potential to cause muscle-related side effects.
- Reduced medication efficacy: Alcohol consumption might interfere with Crestor’s ability to lower cholesterol effectively.
- Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis: This rare but serious condition involves the breakdown of muscle tissue.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Combining Crestor and alcohol may lead to stomach upset, nausea, or other digestive problems.
Patients should be vigilant for signs of these side effects and report any concerns to their healthcare provider promptly. It’s crucial to remember that individual responses to the combination of Crestor and alcohol can vary, and some patients may be more susceptible to these risks than others.
Guidelines for Safe Alcohol Consumption While Taking Crestor
While it’s generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption when taking Crestor, some patients may choose to drink occasionally. In such cases, following specific guidelines can help minimize potential risks and ensure safer alcohol consumption.
Are there safe levels of alcohol consumption for Crestor users? While there’s no universally safe level of alcohol consumption for those taking Crestor, moderate drinking may be acceptable for some patients under their doctor’s guidance. However, it’s crucial to understand that even moderate drinking carries some risk and should be approached cautiously.
Recommendations for Safer Alcohol Consumption
- Consult your healthcare provider before consuming any alcohol
- Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels (1 drink per day for women, up to 2 for men)
- Avoid binge drinking or heavy alcohol consumption
- Monitor for any unusual symptoms or side effects after drinking
- Consider alcohol-free alternatives for social situations
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced meal when consuming alcohol
It’s important to note that these guidelines are general recommendations, and individual patients may need to follow more stringent restrictions based on their specific health conditions, Crestor dosage, and other factors. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider about your alcohol consumption habits.
Monitoring Liver Health While Taking Crestor
Given the potential impact of both Crestor and alcohol on liver function, monitoring liver health is crucial for patients taking this medication. Regular check-ups and liver function tests can help detect any early signs of liver problems and ensure the safe long-term use of Crestor.
How often should liver function be tested when taking Crestor? Generally, healthcare providers recommend liver function tests before starting Crestor therapy, about 12 weeks after beginning treatment, and periodically thereafter. However, the frequency of testing may vary based on individual risk factors and alcohol consumption habits.
Key Aspects of Liver Health Monitoring
- Baseline liver function tests before starting Crestor
- Regular follow-up tests as recommended by your healthcare provider
- Monitoring of liver enzyme levels, particularly ALT and AST
- Attention to symptoms of liver problems (e.g., jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue)
- Adjustment of Crestor dosage or discontinuation if liver issues arise
Patients should be proactive in scheduling and attending these check-ups, as well as reporting any unusual symptoms or concerns to their healthcare provider. This vigilance is particularly important for those who choose to consume alcohol while taking Crestor.
Alternative Cholesterol Management Strategies
While Crestor is an effective medication for managing cholesterol levels, it’s not the only option available. For patients concerned about potential interactions with alcohol or those experiencing side effects, exploring alternative cholesterol management strategies may be beneficial.
What are some effective alternatives to Crestor for managing cholesterol? Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are fundamental to cholesterol management. Additionally, other medications and natural supplements may offer cholesterol-lowering benefits with potentially different interaction profiles with alcohol.
Alternative Approaches to Cholesterol Management
- Dietary changes (e.g., reducing saturated fats, increasing fiber intake)
- Regular physical activity and exercise
- Weight management
- Other cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., bile acid sequestrants, PCSK9 inhibitors)
- Natural supplements (e.g., fish oil, plant sterols)
- Stress reduction techniques
It’s important to note that any changes to your cholesterol management plan, including the consideration of alternatives to Crestor, should be discussed with and approved by your healthcare provider. They can help determine the most appropriate approach based on your individual health profile and lifestyle factors.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for patients taking Crestor, especially if they consume alcohol. Prompt medical attention can help address potential complications and ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.
Under what circumstances should a Crestor user seek immediate medical attention? Any signs of severe side effects, unusual symptoms, or suspected interactions between Crestor and alcohol warrant immediate medical consultation. Additionally, patients should seek advice before making any significant changes to their alcohol consumption habits or medication regimen.
Situations Requiring Medical Consultation
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Symptoms of liver problems (e.g., jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain)
- Unusual fatigue or cognitive changes
- Severe gastrointestinal issues
- Any new or worsening symptoms after consuming alcohol
- Plans to increase alcohol consumption or attend events where drinking is likely
- Concerns about Crestor’s effectiveness or side effects
Remember, healthcare providers are best equipped to offer personalized advice and adjust treatment plans as needed. Open and honest communication about alcohol consumption and any concerns related to Crestor use is essential for optimal health management.
In conclusion, while Crestor is an effective medication for managing cholesterol levels, its interaction with alcohol requires careful consideration. Patients should prioritize open communication with their healthcare providers, adhere to recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption, and remain vigilant for any signs of adverse effects. By taking a proactive approach to health management, individuals can maximize the benefits of Crestor while minimizing potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Crestor and Alcohol/Food Interactions – Drugs.com
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There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with Crestor (rosuvastatin).
Rosuvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of ethanol may increase that risk. You should limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
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Crestor drug interactions
There are 214 drug interactions with Crestor (rosuvastatin).
Crestor disease interactions
There are 5 disease interactions with Crestor (rosuvastatin) which include:
- rhabdomyolysis
- cognitive impairment
- diabetes
- renal disease
- hematuria/proteinuria
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Drug Interaction Classification
Major | Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. |
---|---|
Moderate | Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. |
Minor | Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. |
Unknown | No interaction information available. |
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Medical Disclaimer
Can You Mix Statins and Alcohol? What to Know
You may have heard that drinking a glass of wine or two reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
In moderation, red wine might offer the greatest benefit for lowering the risk of heart disease and death.
This is because it contains concentrated levels of polyphenols (like resveratrol) that have antioxidant properties and might protect artery walls.
While it is true that drinking small amounts of certain alcohol can have some heart-healthy benefits, excessive alcohol consumption can be a detriment to your health, especially when mixed with medications such as statins.
Statin therapy is given to individuals who struggle with high cholesterol. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 47 million Americans take it.
As with most medicines, it comes with potential side effects and risks which can be exacerbated with heavy drinking. In this article, I’ll cover potential side effects, risks, as well as common statins.
Both statin medications and alcohol can impair liver function.
Thus, mixing them can increase the burden on the liver and lead to more serious health complications such as liver damage or disease.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking statins can also put you at greater risk of the following:
- Muscle pain including aches, soreness, and tiredness
- Kidney problems
- Alcohol-induced constriction of cerebral arteries
It is important to get a blood test before beginning statins to check your liver is in good condition.
You should also schedule recurring blood tests around the three-month mark to check the health of your liver.
When taking statins, you should limit your alcohol intake, avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
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Statin drugs are prescription medications a healthcare provider gives to lower cholesterol levels.
They work to remove existing cholesterol in the bloodstream by reducing the inflammation in your artery walls.
This slows the buildup of plaque in your arteries that can eventually cause the arteries to narrow or harden.
Sudden blood clots in these restricted arteries can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Statin therapy brings your levels into balance by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (sometimes called bad cholesterol) and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is sometimes called good cholesterol.
Side Effects and Risks
While statin medications are safe for most individuals, some people experience side effects from the drugs. The most common side effects include:
- Headache
- Muscles aches, soreness, and tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Flushing of the skin
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash (in less common cases, acne)
- Low levels of blood platelets
Less common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Erectile dysfunction or a low sex drive
- Skin sensations such as pins and needles, pricking, numbness, or tingling
- Pancreas inflammation, which can cause stomach pain
Type 2 Diabetes: Studies show that statins can increase the risk of diabetes, especially in higher doses and among those who have other risk factors for diabetes.
Rhabdomyolysis: In extremely rare cases (a few cases per million of those taking statins) statin drugs can cause life-threatening muscle damage known as rhabdomyolysis. As well as severe muscle pain, rhabdomyolysis can cause liver damage, kidney failure, and death. The severely damaged muscles release proteins into the blood that collect in the kidneys and can ultimately lead to kidney failure. This is more likely to occur among people who take stronger statins or drug interactions with other medications.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to side effects from statin therapy. Those at higher risk include:
- People over the age of 80 years old
- People with vaginas are more likely to report more serious side effects from statins than people with penises
- People with smaller body frames
- Studies have been linked to birth defects, so it is advised that pregnant or nursing people avoid these drugs
- Individuals with active or chronic kidney or liver disease as the drugs can cause serious muscle problems
- Those with medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or neuromuscular disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Those who are taking other medications simultaneously
In some cases, statin use can increase liver enzymes that cause inflammation. If the increase is only mild, you can continue to take statins.
You should speak with your doctor about any liver issues you are experiencing or have experienced.
They can request an enzyme test before or shortly after taking the statin to determine if you are at risk of liver damage from the medication.
Alcohol and High Cholesterol
You may have heard about the benefits of red wine.
Red wine has been studied for its potential to lower heart disease risk and even death because it contains concentrated amounts of phenolic compounds that can offer cardiovascular protection effects.
It can decrease the stress of LDL cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, which helps remove cholesterol deposits from your arteries and protects against a heart attack.
However, these same polyphenols that are in red wine are also found in grapes. If you would prefer to avoid drinking red wine but want to reap the benefits, you can eat grapes instead.
There are two main types of statin medication: low-intensity statins (including pravastatin and simvastatin) and high-intensity statins (such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin).
Most individuals are prescribed low-intensity statins by their health care providers which are effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Common statin medicines include:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol XL)
- Lovastatin (Altoprev)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid)
When taking statin medications, be sure to take them only as directed and do not cease taking them without medical consultation.
The drugs are only effective as long as you are taking them so to avoid a spike in cholesterol, consult a healthcare professional before stopping the medication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much alcohol can you drink with statins?
You should abstain from drinking heavy amounts of alcohol when taking statins. The combination of alcohol and statin medication can cause liver damage or disease among other health complications.
What foods should be avoided when taking statins?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking statins. They can increase the concentration of the drug in your bloodstream.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
Alcohol and Heart Health: Separating Fact from Fiction. (2022).
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/alcohol-and-heart-health-separating-fact-from-fictionCholesterol Lowering Drugs. (2021).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK395573/High Cholesterol Facts. (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htmMuscle and statins: from toxicity to the nocebo effect. (2019).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31070941/Recommendations from the Statin Intolerance Expert Panel. (2014).
https://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874(14)00158-5/fulltext#sec3Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health. (2019).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6804046/Sex Differences in the Use of Statins in Community Practice. (2019).
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.005562Statin therapy exacerbates alcohol-induced constriction of cerebral arteries via modulation of ethanol-induced BK channel inhibition in vascular smooth muscle. (2017).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28865873/3 Myths About Cholesterol-Lowering Statin Drugs. (2022).
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-cholesterol/3-myths-about-cholesterol-lowering-statin-drugs
Statins and alcohol: is it possible to combine
Statins belong to the group of lipid-lowering drugs. They reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting the transmembrane protein. Medicines are prescribed for a long time. In such a situation, many are interested in the question of the compatibility of statins and alcohol , since almost no holiday is complete without strong drinks.
In principle, statins are quite a rare case when a small amount of alcohol at the same time as taking the medication is allowed without health risks. With abuse, the situation changes.
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The effect of statins on the body
Drugs of this group are prescribed to lower and control cholesterol levels, reduce the likelihood and severity of cardiovascular pathologies in the presence of a hereditary predisposition.
It is impossible to call cholesterol a completely harmful substance, since it is involved in the production of hormones. There are two types: high molecular weight (HDL) and low molecular weight (LDL). The first is considered useful, participates in important metabolic processes. The second settles on the walls of blood vessels, which provokes platelets to attach to the inner surfaces of the arteries and form plaques.
As a result, the gaps become narrower, the capacity of the vessels decreases. To ensure the intensity of blood flow, the heart has to work with increased load, which leads to its premature wear and development of various pathologies. One of the most formidable complications is ischemic stroke .
Statins prevent plaque formation by lowering LDL levels. People with overweight, endocrine disorders, high risk of thrombosis, predisposition to cardiovascular diseases are prescribed for life.
This does not mean that all years will pass in strict restrictions. It is enough to take into account medical recommendations and to comply with measure in everything, including alcohol consumption.
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Peculiarities of taking
There are several types of drugs in the statin group. It is they who are selected when drawing up a treatment regimen in accordance with the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. At the same time, both laboratory indicators and the financial condition of the patient are taken into account, since drugs are expensive. The most commonly prescribed are Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Crestor.
Contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- hepatic pathologies;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children’s age.
In general, drugs are well tolerated, in some cases adverse reactions cannot be ruled out. One of the possible problems is a malfunction in the liver, so regular monitoring of the condition of this organ is necessary.
Effect of alcohol on cholesterol
Ethyl alcohol dissolves cholesterol well , but mostly “useful”. At the same time, the concentration of “harmful” increases, since fatty, high-calorie snacks are usually attached to alcohol. Since the liver is responsible for the process of breaking down ethanol into safe components, it turns out that with the simultaneous use of alcohol and statins, the load on it increases. To this is added general intoxication.
Short-term vasodilatation, provoked by strong drinks, is not able to compensate for the harm caused by alcohol. The body independently produces up to 10 grams per day. ethanol, this is quite enough for normal metabolism and elimination of the threat of atherosclerosis in the absence of risk factors.
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is not an effective remedy for removing plaques, so it is useless to use it for preventive purposes. Revision of the diet and an increase in the proportion of legumes, cereals, vegetables, fruits, and citrus fruits will help to reduce LDL faster and more efficiently.
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Consequences of the simultaneous use of alcohol and statins
To determine the degree of interaction between statins and ethyl alcohol, it is necessary to take into account the mechanism of their effect on the body . Medicines suppress the enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol, reduce the amount of the compound in hepatocytes, provoke its uptake and removal from the blood. All of the above – provided that the medicine first enters the liver, the organ is maximally involved in the process.
Ethyl alcohol is regarded by the body as a poison , so its neutralization, processing and excretion becomes a priority after consumption. The assimilation of food is also postponed, therefore, after heavy drinking, there is often heaviness in the stomach, and extra centimeters appear on the sides. Until ethanol is decomposed into carbon dioxide and water, “the solution of other issues” is postponed by the body “for later.”
Suspended, among other things, the effect of many drugs. They also include statins. Alcohol intoxication is difficult to tolerate, and if it occurs regularly, as in drunken alcoholics, it is not surprising that some of the hepatocytes eventually become inoperative, their fatty degeneration begins. In this case, the natural ability to recover is blocked.
The most common type of toxic liver injury is alcoholic fatty degeneration. The danger is that there are no obvious symptoms in this disease, there is only a feeling of fatigue, lethargy and increased sensitivity of the organ during palpation.
Pathology is enough quickly turns into alcoholic hepatitis . Chronic inflammatory process is accompanied by pain, pressure in the right hypochondrium. If left untreated, cirrhosis develops. A favorable prognosis is given only with the complete rejection of alcohol and the elimination of other factors that provide an increased load on the organ.
And statins just belong to the group of drugs that create a load on the liver. But if they are prescribed for life, then the treatment regimen will have to be reviewed so as not to cause further harm to the organ and give it time to recover.
Thus, the combination of medicines and alcohol can accelerate pathological processes, therefore, in the presence of painful cravings, it is better to think about a complete rejection of alcohol, and in the absence of addiction, to reduce the amount of alcohol even on holidays.
Among the undesirable effects of alcohol abuse and statin use, the following symptoms and syndromes are distinguished:
- cholestatic jaundice;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- flatulence;
- shortness of breath;
- arrhythmia;
- slowing of cerebral circulation;
- insomnia;
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- changes in blood composition;
- convulsive syndrome;
- myalgia;
- disorders in the work of the sexual sphere.
The intensity of side effects depends on the individual characteristics of the body, general well-being, susceptibility to drugs, metabolic rate. Against this background, the effectiveness of lipid-lowering drugs decreases, and the risk of complications and liver vulnerability increases.
In principle, there is no categorical ban on alcohol in case of high cholesterol and prescribed treatment in connection with this. It is advisable to keep reasonable limits during parties, give preference to quality drinks, avoid fatty foods and carefully monitor your well-being, consulting a doctor in a timely manner.
If alcoholism is diagnosed, then you need to undergo a treatment and rehabilitation course, otherwise all the benefits of statins will be neutralized by alcohol abuse.
References:
- Alcohol and the liver / Julius Kalibatas; Ministry of Health of the Lithuanian SSR, Rep. House San. enlightenment. – Vilnius: Mokslas, 1986.
- Carbohydrate metabolism, liver and alcohol / E. A. Kosenko, Yu. G. Kaminsky; USSR Academy of Sciences, Nauch. biol center. Research Institute of Biol. physics. – Pushchino: NTsBI, 1988.
- Vaulin N.A. Anti-atherosclerotic effects of statins: a review of clinical studies // Pharmateka – 2004 – No. 6 (84).
Rosuvastatin and alcohol: compatibility
Statins are medicines used to lower blood cholesterol levels. Rosuvastatin and analogues do not directly affect cholesterol, do not destroy it and do not remove it from the body. The principle of action of drugs is based on the inhibition of the production of an enzyme in the liver, which is responsible for the production of cholesterol in the body.
There are no precise data on the effect of small doses of alcohol on the effect of statins. Doctors do not advise drinking alcohol, because alcohol can change the effect of the drug (strengthen or weaken the effect), increase side effects and their symptoms. High cholesterol levels lead to problems with the cardiovascular system and liver, which is also a contraindication to drinking alcohol.
Content:
Principle of operation and analogues Compatibility of statins with alcohol Contraindications and side effects
Principle of action and analogues
In humans, rosuvastatin reduces the production of cholesterol and the level of C-reactive protein, increases the lumen of blood vessels and reduces the size of atherosclerotic plaques. Unlike other statins (lovastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin), the drug is practically not metabolized in the liver, being excreted unchanged through the intestines (up to 90%) and kidneys (5%).
The main indication for taking the drug is hypercholesterolemia and the prevention of complications and diseases caused by high blood cholesterol levels. Statins are prescribed in the event that therapy without medication has not given the desired result. Before drugs are usually prescribed: diet, a set of physical exercises, gradual weight loss. In the absence of unpleasant symptoms, many patients do not follow the instructions of doctors and do not give up bad habits, which leads to the need for drug treatment.
Trade names of Rosuvastatin (analogues):
- Acorta
- Crestor
- Mertenil
- Rosart
- Rosestar
- Rosuvastatin calcium
- Rosuvastatin Canon
- Rosuvastatin-SZ
- Rosucard
- Rosulip
- Roxera
- Tevastor
All preparations are based on the same active substance and are prescribed for the same diagnoses:
- Blood cholesterol levels above 5.8 mmol/l for 3 months or more if other therapy fails.
- In diseases that provoke the appearance and development of atherosclerosis.
- To prevent the development of atherosclerosis in adulthood, especially if there are prerequisites for the onset of the disease.
- With existing atherosclerosis and other pathologies of the heart, to prevent the development of diseases.
Statins can also be given to young people if many people in the family suffer from high cholesterol levels and diseases of the cardiovascular system. In this situation, timely control and preventive treatment can be invaluable, saving a potential patient from problems with high cholesterol for many years.
Compatibility of statins with alcohol
Modern medicine speaks of the incompatibility of drugs with alcohol. Rosuvastatitis and statin analogues should not be taken with alcohol in order to avoid the development of side effects and other negative consequences from taking the drugs. A single use of a small dose of alcohol (a glass of wine or beer, a glass of strong alcohol) is unlikely to lead to incompatibility, while the systematic abuse of alcohol guarantees health problems.
The use of statins with alcohol is fraught with negative consequences:
- Strengthening the effect of the drug. Overdose symptoms may occur when taking a normal dose of Rosuvastatin.
- Weakening of the effect of the drug. The opposite effect, in which statins begin to act too weakly and do not have the therapeutic effect they are doing. With regular abuse of alcohol, the effect of treatment may be absent altogether.
- Progression of the underlying disease. Neither therapy nor drug treatment may have an effect on the body of an alcoholic. Problems with cholesterol and the cardiovascular system continue to worsen.
- Increased side effects, unforeseen side effects from other diseases and medications taken.
The patient’s response to the combination of statins with alcohol is highly dependent on a number of factors:
- Individual body response to the drugs taken.
- Reaction of Rosuvastatin with other drugs (there is incompatibility with a number of drugs, a doctor’s consultation is required).
- Severity, symptoms and features of the course of diseases, especially with the heart, blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract.
- Type and quantity of alcoholic beverages, regularity of drinking, history of alcoholism (if addicted).
For safety reasons, even small doses of alcohol should be avoided during the course of treatment with tablets. Statins are not the safest drugs, they have a number of contraindications and dangerous side effects. Ignoring the advice of doctors and drug manufacturers can result in serious health problems or death.
Contraindications and side effects
Rosuvastatin itself has a number of contraindications and side effects that can occur regardless of the intake of alcoholic beverages. A number of symptoms appear in a large percentage of patients on long-term statin treatment.
The main contraindications for use:
- Liver disease in the active phase, severe impairment of kidney function.
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and individual reactions to them.
- Age up to 18 years (no data on the effectiveness and safety of treatment).
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Taking medications with cyclosparine.
- Myopathy.
The list of contraindications is not complete, since statins can be taken with many diseases and drugs, but with caution and restrictions. You should not take the drug without a prescription from your doctor.
With long-term use of statins, the following side effects are possible:
- From the side of the nervous system: weakness, insomnia, aggressiveness, frequent and causeless mood swings. Non-inflammatory nerve damage.
- From the circulatory system: a decrease in platelet count.
- From the gastrointestinal tract: functional bowel disorders (diarrhea, constipation, flatulence), nausea and vomiting, pancreatitis, drug-induced jaundice, lack of appetite.
- From the locomotor system: pain in the back, joints and muscles; exacerbation of arthritis, convulsions.
With regular alcohol abuse during a course of treatment, the following side effects are added to these side effects:
- Increased nausea and vomiting, severe and difficult to treat diarrhea.