Occasional beer ?

[Kev667]

Hi about to go on warfarin for life.

Would Drinking 2 pints of beer once a week with my friends down the pub effect my levels?

Any experience ?

Thanks

Kevin

[MaryF Administrator]

Hiya, I would check in with your GP first and get an opinion, I think some people do have the odd drink but over a certain amount may effect the INR. I hope you get to have some fun with your mates. MaryF

[Ray46]

Maybe, maybe not - there is a lot of variation between individuals, so the only way to really tell is try it and see. If you can, and if it works for you, I would get self-testing - that way you can test as often as you like and really see what the effect is, if any.

You will likely get different stories from doctors/nurses etc. on this - I've been given at least three different values for daily limit on alcohol units, and probably the best advice off the record from a consultant who I won't name was:

"actually any amount of alcohol is fine, for INR, as long as you drink the SAME amount of alcohol EVERY day - the problem is most people don't drink like that"

He's right, at least for me, I know from much self testing that it is changes in the amount of alcohol that changes INR, not the amount per se.

[Kev667 in reply to Ray46]

Thanks Ray . Much appreciated

[judes]

I’m no doc but here’s my personal take on alcohol and INR

As Ray46 says it’s often not the amount it’s the consistency so a couple of pints on a Saturday is being consistent

I’m a footy fan and prior to lockdown always had a pie and pint before the match and one after, or maybe two depending on the result!

I’ve been on warfarin for over twenty years and to date hasn’t caused any probs.

I will stress tho this is my own opinion not backed by any research so have a chat with your doc

J

[Kev667 in reply to judes]

Thanks for sharing your experience and your advice . Really appreciated

[GillyA]

I self test, which helps I think. I discussed with the anticoag nurse as I started and learned how to use the machine. I found her pretty relaxed. The main message was don’t over do it, and if you do have a heavy night do a test the next morning. If it causes problems, then reconsider.

I found this a much more realistic attitude than some of the written material telling you to avoid alcohol. If you tolerate it and it adds to your quality of life then for me that’s fine. Facing the prospect of taking a drug for 30 years or more, I’d rather be comfortable than miserable.

[David-Nisbet]

Been on warfarin for over 20 years now. Under normal circumstances I would expect to have 1 or 2 pints a week with a pal, also an occasional can at home. Does not seem to have any major effect on my INR.

[Dot69]

I haven’t drunk alcohol for 6 years since a stroke and starting on Warfarin, through choice, I didn’t intend never having alcohol again but as time went on I just didn’t have any I actually don’t want any now and if I did I know it would affect my INR a bit like eating too many greens 😁 and better still my friends and family don’t ask what I want (alcohol) I can just say tea, coffee, cold drink, etc and I don’t get a weird look 😁 as though if you don’t drink alcohol you’re weird 😂😂 it’s sooo true believe me been there many times got the tee shirt 😂😂

[hihannula]

Hi Kev. As long as you are consistent in your weekly amount. I’ve been on warfarin 18-20 years and consistently drink 2-5 oz glasses of red wine after dinner. Everything is ok. The thing is with this drug, you pretty much have to be consistent in absolutely everything you eat, drink, and do. At least for me. Even stress, heat, cold weather etc, can make my INR readings all over the place. I’m very routine now about everything.

[Kev667 in reply to hihannula]

Thanks for your advice !

[dottiedoris]

HiI’ve always been told it’s the changing of things that affect it more. They said whilst they prefer us not to drink, if we do, it’s better to have a small amount each week than nothing for months then a few pints. Obs I’m not a specialist but that was the advice I received at the INR clinic.

[Portwing]

I've been on warfarin 20ish years. You'll be fine! Moderation - like everything , is the key!

[Davideccroft]

I’ve been on warfarin 16 years. I occasionally have a beer or glass of wine or whisky. Probably not as often as weekly but never noticed I had enough to cause inr issues. I swapped quantity for quality. So I might have one tiny whisky but an expensive one. I’ve found a few alcoholic low ciders I like - mainly normandy cider that can be as low as 1% when I am in France (not for the last year or so). Never tried zero alcohol beer and no intention to.

[BTR1963]

I’ve been on warfarin for about ten years now. I am very stable on it and now only get tested about every 3 months unless there’s an issue. You’ll soon find out if you’re stable or not. I usually have a few beers once a week. My anti-coag nurse was pretty relaxed about it. Her advice was to miss a dose or half it if I had a couple more than anticipated. Seems to work ok for me.