AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
My doctor recommended not to drink while taking this medicine, mentioning a serious side effect could occur. I was just wondering if this was true because I really can't find any information on this. The only thing I can see is that the medicine may in some rare cases do some liver damage. Is that what she was referring too? I know it's not the end of the world not to drink for the 10 days that I am on the medicine. I am going on vacation this weekend and just would like to have a few cocktails to relax on Saturday night. If it really could be a problem, my health is obviously more important.
Thanks for the info.
Answer Joe
I think your doctor is referring to a rare side effect in some patients where liver function tests can show abnormal readings and in extreme cases a form of (non-infective) jaundice can develop. This is rare, but potentially serious for those affected.
Heavy alcohol consumption could damage the liver itself, so adding in a drug which may potentially cause problems is an added risk. Your doctor's advice would be based on this.
Ultimately it is your own decision whether to refrain or take a chance. However your doctor will say you had been advised against drinking. If you are prepared to take the chance then my advice would be to go easy and stick to one drink a day if possible, and certainly no more than one drink per meal. This gives your liver a chance to recover without serious harm.
If you should develop any nausea, itching or skin / eye discolouration, then you should seek medical advice because these may be symptoms of jaundice.
