Ipilimumab Alcohol Interaction

Ipilimumab Alcohol

Ipilimumab is the generic name of a cancer drug that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body and is used to treat melanoma (skin cancer) that cannot be treated with surgery and has not spread to other parts of the body.

It is suggested no alcohol not even moderate drinking while using this drug as the drug’s effectiveness may be decreased and the side effects may be 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. If anything more than that it 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 or over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before using this drug advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have diarrhea, increased bowel movements, black or bloody stools, stomach tenderness, pain in upper stomach, dark urine, jaundice, easy bruising or bleeding, muscle weakness, numb or tingling in hands or feet, unusual headaches, cold or tired, weight gain, dizzy spells, mood changes, irritability, confusion, mouth sores, skin rash, itching, blistering, peeling, skin sores with bleeding, eyes pain or vision problems, liver damage caused y disease or medicine, an autoimmune disorder such as systemic lupus, erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or have had an organ transplant.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects are feeling tired, mild diarrhea, mild skin rash or itching. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives difficult breathing, tight chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, black bloody stools, changes in urination, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, depression, fainting, fast irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, sore throat, loss of appetite, mental or mood changes, numb arm or leg, one side weakness, pale stools, red swollen blistered peeling skin, ringing in ears, seizures, severe headache or dizziness, severe persistent stomach pain or nausea, severe vomiting, short of breath, weight gain, swelling of hands, legs or feet, bruising or bleeding, joint or muscle pain, tired or weak, vision or speech problems, granular vomit or jaundice. 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.

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