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.

Instructions

• 1

  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.

• 2

  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.

• 3

  If you drink large amounts of alcohol, or if you have a history of liver problems, you should use statins with caution.

• 4

  Ask your doctor to do liver function tests periodically to assess the health of your liver.