Alcohol and ocrevus?

[jkdavid99]

I rarely drink, but lately I have been craving a margarita or a beer. Is that ok after taking ocrevus? That's a silly question but I had to ask. Thank you

Jenny 🍹🍺

[Royjr]

No question is 🙃. This is a really good question. I’m really curious with the replies you receive.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

I would be curious also on the answers. jkdavid99 I personally can't drink anymore 🙁 but did you have a drink before ocrevus? And have you read about the side effects?🤔🙃

PS like Royjr says no question is silly, silly!

🤗💕

J🌠🎃

[Juliew19673]

I've wondered who with MS drinks alcohol, as well. I already walk like I'm drunk and can't imagine adding to this problem. I do miss wine, tried a couple of glasses a month or so ago and I didn't like it any longer.. MS takes everything! But it can't have my dark chocolate - that's my line in the sand.

[greaterexp]

I've never looked at the literature from the pharmaceutical company in relation to alcohol intake, but there is a difference of opinion about alcohol for MS patients in general. I'll be interested to see what you find out. I guess that if it doesn't interact with the Ocrevus, and your neurologist doesn't feel there is any big problem with it, then an occasional drink wouldn't be a problem. I'd check the literature about Ocrevus and ask your doctor to be sure.

[Allen5280]

jkdavid99 , I'm not sure either. I haven't even really looked into it because my other meds have alcohol warnings, then there's the Modafinil that says Do NOT so I'm not positive. A few years ago I was falling all the time and had different meds with warnings and I had just 2 beers and woke up on my bathroom floor and had been sick from it. I think that was the last time I had any, so defiantly check into that. Might ask your doctor or even check with Genentech. Don't forget to check any other meds as well. I have been taking my wine glasses and using them for my cranberry juice to kind of supliment that for wine. They are really cool wine glasses and I hate to see them collecting dust! 😁 I know it's not the same but att least it's something and cranberry juice helps fight off any bladder infections, so I'm told.

[anaishunter]

Good question. I'm also looking for answers, opinions, and experiences with alcohol, MS and MS treatments. Here's my experience:

- food and drinking is a social experience for me and I am keen on not changing that too much or not having "I can't drink as an excuse to not go out with my friends"

- I've read that moderate consumption is ok is MS (more than moderate would be bad anyway for anybody, even w/o MS)

- I've stopped having hard alcohol - I do have cravings for margarita once in a while and I do my best to resist. It helps me to think that there's a lot of citrus in margarita which is bad on non-inflammatory diets so it's a no-no for me

- I'm still having (good) wine with food

- I'm trying to stick with one glass of wine. With one glass I'm fine, two glasses and I start to see double (my diplopia is back) - this is not a joke.

- I also tend to drink cider while my friends have beer and cocktails. It has a lot less alcohol.

My neuro has not objected to any of the above with the comments "do everything you want to do to keep having a social life."

All of this with the caveat for all of you out there, that my symptoms are very mild, physically invisible. I'm almost glad that the double vision is there to remind me when I cross the line.

[jkdavid99]

Thanks for all the responses. You all made a lot of sense. Yes I always feel drunk but dont drink. Would never drink more than 1 drink at a time. I sometimes get double vision as well so I have to remember when I am feeling good it will come back real soon so I done want to test it. I will call my neurologist Monday but he is terrible at getting back to me quick. I will let you know what I find out. Funny how i haven't had a single drink in months, now I want one margarita, just one. Also forgot about the acid. Thanks

[erash]

I haven’t heard of any specific reasons to not enjoy an occasional drink when on Ocrevus. To my knowledge, there is no liver issues with O.

I stopped all alcohol 8 mos ago when a single glass of wine (not drunk) totally affected my walking ability.

[ellenarkin]

I drink a glass of wine every day Although I get a buzz much easier than I used too, I find it relaxes me and I seem to walk a little better I have MS for 30+ years

I’m a strong believer you should do everything that gives you quality of life. I’m in a chair but can still drive and remain positive about life. I can’t hike, play volleyball, ride my bike, or go to the gym. I can’t even walk but My house is completely handicapped friendly.

So have that glass of wine. Just don’t have 3!

[Elizt3]

An occasional glass of wine used to ease the pain in the soles of my feet and neuropathy in my hand. But now, I find that even a glass of wine or beer can interfere with my sleep too much and ramp up the newly experienced spasticity in my legs. 😔. I’m hoping to start Ocrevus in January. A good question to ask.... don’t want to do anything to diminish the potential benefits of this new med.

[Angela3445]

I would like to know it's okay to drink while you're taking Tysabri infusion. My oldest sister and I both have MS and she drinks a lot but I don't to do that. The other evening I had to give my 40 year old sister advice on not to drink because she could not close the porch door nor stand up straight. If you find out anything please let me know so I can tell her. Thanks

[jkdavid99 in reply to Angela3445]

When I was on tysabri the pharmacist said anything in moderation is fine.

[Angela3445 in reply to jkdavid99]

Thanks for replying, this is what I am going to tell her.

[Guava69 in reply to Angela3445]

I agree I've been on Tysabri for years and I have a glass of wine or a mixed drink occasionally. I personally haven't experience any negative side effects and I definitely agree moderation is very important ☺️

[Shannondixon]

I rarely drink myself, so I am unsure, but I would think it's not a problem... It's not like you are drinking at your infusion site or anything...

[CraigS]

Hi Jenny,

I drink. I enjoy a beer in the afternoon and a glass or two of wine with dinner. The only thing I’ve noticed is that I can get a buzz much quicker than I used to. When RLS decides to rule my night, I’ll get up and have a glass of scotch while I work on the computer until I get real tired. My neurologist is very aware of my habits and doesn’t see any problem with them. That’s just me. MS has taken a lot of things from me, so I’ll be damned if it’s going to take the enjoyment of a nice glass of wine with dark chocolate!

[Guava69 in reply to CraigS]

😁😁👍 You've got to hold on the simple pleasures ☺️

[Yooper]

I do Ocrevus and I still have my one drink every night. My neurologist never said not to.

[Guava69]

I take Tysabri and provigil. I do enjoy a glass of wine occasionally and a drink when out with friends. My doctor's have said it's ok in moderation. I take my meds in the morning and only have a drink in the evening/night. Your doctor's are the best source of course. But some really great input. I've learned quite a bit myself and I think I will enjoy the next glass of wine even more😁 This MS can't have everything ☺️🍹😀 Enjoy what you can while you can ☺️

[sashaming1]

No issues that I know of. I walk on a beam (which is made out of rubber/foam and is laid on the floor) for balance issues for physical therapy and I always tell my therapist that it would be bad if i got pulled over on suspicion of impaired driving and then have to walk on a line. I'd then ask the therapist if it would make it worse to ask the Officer if he/she had a gait belt that I could use or if I could hold his/her shoulder while I walked on the line. MS issues that we have to address...

[TurtleBlue]

You should read the literature. I’m on Avonex, so no alcohol allowed 😢 or acetaminophen. Sometimes I just want a Newcastle Ale or well mixed cocktail. Not drunkeness, just a tasty adult beverage. Sigh...

[kdali]

It’s fine. As for alcohol and MS, I believe the HOLISM or STOPMS study showed moderation reduced relapse rate. That (plus the other benefits) is actually why I started drinking red wine 3 time a week, but since going keto I’ve forgotten about it.

[guitarguy]

While I got to the point of complete abstinence for no reason in particular I have recently started to make myself a margarita before bedtime. I would have chosen a glass of wine or a beer but most of the wine would end up down the drain due to time limits and beer makes me feel for whatever reason. Besides I like margaritas. This is all to help me get to and stay asleep which has been a problem all of my adult life. It has worked like a charm I’m very happy to say and none of my doctors have any heartburn with it. It’s a beautiful thing! 😴

[JTZES]

Jenny,

I'm sure no doctor would recommend it but I have never had a reaction to alcohol and Ocrevus.

My primary MS symptoms are chronic serve vertigo and fatigue. I have found 3 beers a day help my body feel more like my head does. Certainly it affects my fatigue level but it feels good to have things feel somewhat normal. I couldn't pass a DUI test in my normal state and I haven't tried the test after having a couple beer's.

It doesn't seem to effect the effectiveness of the Ocrevus. I have not have an exacerbation while doing this.