Medication and alcohol

Posted , 4 users are following.

I flared a few months back as was put on azathioprine, doing pretty well now things under control, back at work and seem to be responding well to the azathioprine and not getting any of the side effects. I'm on 100mg of the azathioprine along with 4g mesalazine a day. I know drinking alcohol in general isn't good for UC however I managed fine having small amounts before beginning the Aza. Was just wondering if it should be a complete no no with the Aza or is it ok with a small amounts like before?

Cheers 

Elaine 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    I was on that and was able to have small amounts of alcohol - within the guidelines recommended anyway! Good luck!
    • Posted

      Fab thank you. Not a huge drinker anyway but nice to know some is ok from time to time
  • Posted

    Hi Elaine

    I think one of issues with it, is Azathioprine can affect liver (like most drugs but some worse than others) so adding alcohol into the mix can add to the liver being under stress, but you should be having regular LFT`s anyway while you are on azathioprine and this would pick up any issues, and I think your GP would have told you not to drink if there was a high risk, but I'm sure moderate to small amounts will be fine, I can't drink at all as I have liver damage is not caused by my Azathioprine, strangely I am on it to control my immune system attacking my liver further and to control UC but any higher than 25mg seems to raise my liver bloods, it's all a balancing act, just make sure your bloods are checked regularly.

    • Posted

      Hi thank you. Yea that's what I was thinking but dr never mentioned anything. I have been having weekly bloods since starting Aza and so far everything's been ok and they've been reduced to fortnightly now. Take care
  • Posted

    Hi Elaine,

    As a fellow sufferer on yet another new med last 4wks because of current flare, I know there is little pleasure in life when you feel too ill, exhausted, & unsociable to enjoy usual simple social activities like going out for a meal or drink, let alone trying to attend work or complete housework. To try & get a little escapism from the never ending uc cell, I too like a glass or 2 of wine at the weekend, but it promotes yet more diarrea. I have found if you have wine after food & take 1 loperamide about an hour BEFORE you have a glass of wine, my tumm is ok with this. Not an ideal solution, & not endorsing alchohol consumption in any way, but allows you to have some pleasure/normality maybe at the weekend.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.