Incivek and Alcohol Interaction
Incivek and Alcohol
Incivek generic name telaprevir belongs to a family of drugs to treat people with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C with compensated liver disease which means there is some level of damage to the liver but the liver still functions which includes cirrhosis.
The drug is approved for those who are new to treatment and for those who were previously treated but did not achieve a viral cure. It is given for 12 weeks in combination with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin which are two other medications approved to treat hepatitis C.
Do not drink alcohol while using this drug or further liver damage could occur and other side effects will be greatly increased.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
It is suggested that before taking this or any other drug you have a frank and honest discussion with your physician as to your drinking habits. This may be difficult as many alcoholics are in a state of denial as to their drinking habits.
I have also noticed that many alcoholics are not subject to the morning after illness that most of us suffer through when we drink too much. Severe alcoholics usually find if they feel “shakey” in the morning, a drink will make them feel more normal.
Do not use Incivek if you are pregnant as birth defects could occur, plan to be pregnant or are breast feeding.
Before starting this drug advise your physician if you are allergic to this drug or any other drug or substance, have blood problems such as low red blood cell count (anemia), have liver problems, hepatitis B infection, HIV infection, history of gout, high uric acid levels in your blood, an organ transplant, impending surgery or any other medical attention.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are itching, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anal or rectal problems, hemorrhoids, discomfort or burning around the anus, taste changes or tiredness. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are anemia which can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or weakness. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
Incivek and alcohol Incivek and alcohol
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