Drinking while on any medication is often a difficult thing to decide and for some equally as difficult to stop. So what are the implications of drinking alcohol while on medication, and more to the point for this article, can you drink alcohol on Actemra?
Here’s a quick summary before we then head into more detail.
The answer to this question depends on your health condition. Generally, no. It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Actemra (tocilizumab). This medication is used to treat some autoimmune diseases and the combination of Actemra with alcohol can cause serious side effects or interactions.
Also, remember that everybody’s body is different and only a healthcare professional can make the best decision for you when it comes to alcohol consumption while taking medications like Actemra.
Be sure to follow all instructions given by your doctor carefully!
If you are taking methotrexate, your doctor may recommend consuming less alcohol than the government guidelines. This is because the combination could cause liver damage due to the interaction between methotrexate and alcohol.
We’ll discuss more regarding the guidelines shortly.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Actemra?
Drinking alcohol while taking Actemra isn’t recommended. And while there hasn’t been any research specifically studying this drug and alcohol interaction, experts advise avoiding alcohol while using this medication.
So that’s the main summary, but there is much more to this subject than a quick answer, so let’s get into more details.
First, let’s confirm that we’re discussing the correct medication and what you’re likely taking the medication for.
What is Actemra?
Actemra, also known as tocilizumab, is a medication used to treat certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
It works by blocking the action of interleukin-6, which is a protein that helps trigger inflammation in your body. By blocking this protein, Actemra can help reduce joint pain and swelling from these disorders.
Actemra works very well for many people, providing relief in the form of less pain and swelling.
Now, let’s address, in more depth, the question: Can you drink alcohol on Actemra?
Can you drink alcohol while taking Actemra?
If you have any questions about drinking and taking Actemra, please speak with your doctor for more information.
Actemra can cause some side effects that could be made worse by the presence of alcohol in your system. This includes an increased risk of liver damage, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Additionally, excessive drinking can also increase your risk of experiencing serious bleeding events when taking this medication.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol may cause serious health problems when you take Actemra.
In addition, drinking alcohol with Actemra could lead to changes in the way your body processes this medication and can make it less effective at treating your condition.
If you are taking any other medications or supplements along with Actemra, consult your doctor before deciding whether to drink alcohol or not as these substances could interact with each other in a dangerous way.
In general, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while on any medication unless you have discussed it with your doctor and they are comfortable that this is safe to do.
Seek advice
If you or someone in your care has been prescribed Actemra, make sure to ask your healthcare provider about when and if it is okay to drink alcohol.
This can help ensure that you or your loved one stays as healthy as possible on this medication.
It’s also crucial to remember that everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, even those taking the same medications.
So, it’s important to be aware of any potential interactions and side effects that may arise when drinking alcohol with Actemra.
Can you drink alcohol at all while on Actemra?
Assuming you have sought appropriate advice, then you may be told that you can drink occasionally, or in amounts within certain boundaries.
If you decide to have a drink or two while on Actemra, then make sure that you are always drinking in moderation.
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines moderate as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per for men.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications so speaking with your doctor is still recommended.
Tips regarding drinking alcohol with Actemra
When enjoying alcoholic beverages, remember to stay hydrated by alternating each alcoholic beverage with water.
Also, be conscious of how much you are drinking and if you start feeling sick or dizzy, stop immediately and seek medical attention right away if necessary.
Also, keep in mind that alcohol can increase some of the side effects of Actemra such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. So if you experience any of these symptoms after drinking, stop drinking and call your doctor right away.
Finally, never drive after consuming any amount of alcohol whether on medication or not.
What is the best alcohol to drink while taking Actemra?
There is no one best type of alcohol to drink while on Actemra as the general recommendation would be to drink no alcohol.
However, if you do wish to drink, then the best thing you can do is to choose an alcoholic beverage with lower proofs, such as beer and wine.
These lower-proof beverages contain less alcohol by volume than stronger drinks like spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails. Additionally, try to stay hydrated by alternating each alcoholic beverage with water.
Where possible, opt for a soft drink, or alcohol-free beverage to be safe.
Taking Actemra with alcohol consumption is generally safe as long as it is done so responsibly and in moderation. Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about mixing the two substances.
Actemra and alcohol – Known interactions
When asking the question: can you drink alcohol while on Actemra, then with all this being said, it’s important to know there are no known direct interactions between Actemra and alcohol.
Ultimately, the decision to consume or avoid alcohol while taking Actemra is a personal one; however, it’s important to remember that moderation is key when consuming any type of alcoholic beverage and to seek medical attention if necessary.
However, if you choose to drink you should always consult your healthcare provider first as they can provide better advice as to how much is acceptable for your specific situation.
Additionally, be sure to follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider about the use of Actemra and medications in general.
Can you drink alcohol on Actemra? – Obtaining Actemra
If you are currently receiving a prescription for Actemra, then Prescription Hope can help you to obtain medication at an affordable price. We are a full-service prescription assistance program that can help people get the medications they need at an affordable cost.
Prescription Hope works with over 180 U.S.-based pharmaceutical manufacturers to obtain Actemra medication through patient assistance programs.
Our team will handle all necessary paperwork, communicate with your healthcare provider, and answer any questions you may have.
To learn more about how Prescription Hope can help you access affordable medical treatments, including Actemra, complete our simple enrollment form here, or contact our team.
This article is for guidance purposes only. For more accurate information concerning your unique circumstances and the question: Can you drink alcohol on Actemra, please consult your healthcare professional.
