Alcohol with maintenance therapy drugs.

[JustKBO]

Hi there any advice please. I am taking Rucaparib and the leaflet says « avoid alcohol ». Does anyone know why? Is it because it stops the drug working or because it would make you sick? I like a couple of glasses of wine with my meal or when we’re out. Will it be ok? Thank you.

[Gemimablackvelvet]

I was extremely brave at dinner tonight. I had a Baileys. I used to love pink G & T but Rucaparib has turned me off it. In the Rucaparib instructions leaflet it says very little alcohol or not at all but I still try a small wine with soda occasionally. Your CSN May tell you but the oncologist will probably say no. I’ve never heard that it stops Rucaparib working but I don’t know why they say don’t drink alcohol.

Good to hear you fancy a drink KBO. I really miss it.

Lots of love and 🥂 cheers xxx

[JustKBO in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

Hi Angela. It depends sometimes I can’t face one but other times I really fancy one and enjoy it. Only one or two though and then the pleasure goes and I stop quite happily. I think it’s probably down to the mix of chemicals but I’d hate to be impeding the drugs efficiency.

Coffee does the same to me. I used to have two in the morning to kick start my day but can only tolerate one now and sometimes I don’t want one at all. 🍷🥂☕️???

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to JustKBO]

Oh Gosh KBO I am exactly the same. I very rarely finish my second cup of coffee in the morning and hardly ever finish tea or coffee in the daytime. If do have a wine and soda I never finish the second. You’ve just hit the nail on the head - it may be mixing with all the chemicals that is nature’s way of saying no. I seriously hope not. We’re already facing a life of shielding and treatment, which may be lifelong in our case. It’s just as if the world we once knew has ended and we’re entering a new one. I want to enjoy every minute but I’m afraid I just can’t.

Lots of love Angela xx

[PhillipandBettykid]

I have never been a big drinker but used to like the occasional wine with a meal. On Rucaparib my mouth was sore and affected so alcohol set it off. I have sometimes had a shandy or beer when the mouth has been better. Taste is a funny thing on treatment isn’t it? I am off coffee too. I used to love a breakfast cuppa but not now. I cope with wine gums though! 😊 I suspect you should have what you fancy. I can’t see why the odd glass of wine should cause a problem.

[JustKBO in reply to PhillipandBettykid]

I’m signing up to this one I think. If it doesn’t feel or taste right I’ll see it as my body telling me to avoid it. The way j deal with coffee now too. If I fancy one and it tastes and smell good I’ll have one or two no more. I don’t drink in the week only weekend with a meal and special occasions so I have really curtailed it. Thanks for your reply.

[Rankij11]

I would love to know the science behind this ? Olaparib is similar advice i think ? My CNS says have a drink if you want occasionally. I do have a rare spritzer now and then which is nice, but I think the Olaparib does diminish desire for one ?!😢. The OC has affected my liver quite badly so it’s probably good to stay alcohol free????? No idea if that’s correct but seems logical. Be interesting if you find out more specific advice ?

Best wishes

Jennifer

[JustKBO in reply to Rankij11]

I’ll try to find out more. I have Had a piece taken off my liver but that was first time round and When I was on chemo, when I asked my onc if I could have a drink she said yes of course the cancer was in your liver not in your liver. I am curious about whether after a while it goes from on your liver and gets into it as has happened to one idle the ladies in here just recently. I must ask my onc at our next meeting ( telephone) as I’d like to know and there is no definite info on the internet any search takes me to coffee and caffeine. I’ll post if I find out. Cheers! X

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Im on Olaparib and have the very occasional drink without incident. However have you considered non alcoholic wine? xx

[JustKBO in reply to Katmal-UK]

Yes I have. I found a sparkling Rosée that was refreshing but I drank it like lemonade! I also quite like 0% lager. It’s not really the same though 😕

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to JustKBO]

Hi KBO, I’m at the coast for a few days in the motorhome. It’s 7pm and a beautiful evening so taking yet another risk and trying a small glass of Echo Falls peach and mango wine. Only 9% and quite palatable. Not had dinner yet so I’ll let you know if I’m still alive tomorrow 😊

Hope you’re well and safe

Love from Angela xx

[Lizzie1234]

I hate to be a party pooper but [I] really [don't think] alcohol is [edited by moderators] a good thing when you have or had cancer [because t]he liver needs all the help it can get. [Edited by moderators]

Sobriety rules ok

Denise x

*this reply was edited by moderators and the edited text replaced with the text in square brackets*

[JustKBO in reply to Lizzie1234]

🤨🤪. I’m going to make a huge effort. 0% alcohol here I come. Thank you.

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to JustKBO]

Oops only just seen this. Forget my last post to you 😊

Angela xx

[JustKBO in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

No way. You enjoy your sundowner. I will definitely have a glass of wine over the weekend.

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to JustKBO]

Hi KBO, just had a call from The oncologist re blood results. CA 125 risen sharply so CT scan booked ASAP. Advised me to stop Rucaparib as they’re obviously not working . Probably more chemo. Very down as I was so hopeful. Been on them for 6 months. I hope you’re still having good results.

Keep in touch and lots of love

Angela xx

[JustKBO in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

Hi Angela. I’m sorry that is so disappointing for you.

My CA125 is still good, but the fatigue is awful, also my cholesterol goes up and the jury is still out on my kidney issues. I’ve been feeling very upbeat and positive until yesterday and I can feel myself sliding into one of my fearful phases. Everyone seems to be having downers at the moment. Let me know what they decided for you. I hope they find something effective and kind to your system. Good luck. X

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to JustKBO]

XX

[bamboo89]

I think its the added strain on the liver - PARP inhibitors do send liver enzymes off in all directions, so regular alcohol would just be an added stress. Should think the occasional drink might not be a problem,but only occasional.

Miriam

[Everhope]

I asked my oncology nurse, while I was on chemotherapy if it was OK to have a glass of wine, she said ‘yes’, as long as I enjoyed it and it was a special occasion. I’m sure it is not to be recommended but if it makes one feel better ....... having said that I agree with the previous post that it probably interferes with the drug but for me just sometimes I need to do things that improve the quality of my life.

[JustKBO]

When I was on chemo they told me the same but TBH I rarely felt like anything other than a Bloody Mary. Rucaparib specifically says no sunbathing and avoid alcohol so it is possibly a bit different. I think it’s probably true that it is not good for the liver but I’m curious to know on what basis. I also think a little bit of what you fancy does you good as long as it’s in moderation and you listen to your body. X

[koza21 in reply to JustKBO]

Hi I don’t know about rucaparib but I drank wine all through my chemo and avastin I think it pickled my cancer!! Diagnosed stage 4 oc in 2017 last liver function test was good. Wine keeps me sane. But you must do what you think is right for you. Sending big hugs x

[JustKBO in reply to koza21]

That is so good to hear. It’s bad enough having OC, but feeling guilty about every sip of drink is horrid. I’ve cut right back but still really fancy a glass or two now and again. Thanks for your reply. 🙂

[Ruebacelle]

if the leaflet says avoid alcohol then you should probably avoid alcohol. The science is that alcohol consumption interferes w metabolism of virtually all drugs like antibiotics l-dopa all chemos...oncs are loathe to say no but nurses always say no here in france anyway. I live in burgundy so oof its hard but the goal is to maximize the efficacy of the drugs

[JustKBO]

☹️🥺