Statins and Alcohol: What You Need to Know for Liver Health

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

  Don̵7;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 you̵7;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.