Does anyone know if you can drink alcohol while taking Ocaliva?

[Ktb32]

I’ve not been told I can’t but the last 2 times I’ve had a few drinks the next day I come out with a horrible sun burn like rash on my chest???? Just wondered if anyone can shed a bit of light or had similar experience, I’ve been taking this for about 6 weeks now

TIA

[Ballymahon2]

I havent consumed any alcohol since my diagnosis last october alcohol can put pressure on the liver the advice from mayo clinic is no alcohol with pbc

[Ktb32]

It’s so confusing when I was first diagnosed 7 years ago my local consultant said no alcohol, but I have now been referred to the main liver specialist at birmingham QE & they have said it’s fine as pbc is not an alcohol related liver disease & to be sensible. Not a big drinker (just special occasions)

Thanks for replying

[jplitt in reply to Ktb32]

Super confusing. I can’t seem to get a clear answer on this.

[jplitt]

I’m so confused about alcohol. I was told no more than 1 drink with alcohol a week. I’m a social drinker—recently diagnosed in April. If alcohol doesn’t cause this disease, why can’t only have one. I understand overindulgence will put stress on the liver, but I’m thinking the sugar or aspertame in a diet soda also overworks liver. Many ppl on here say they don’t drink at all since it makes them feel sick. I have no symptoms and no reactions to alcohol, but I’m taking usrso. Does anyone out know if moderate alcohol consumption affects this disease?

[Cstar1079 in reply to jplitt]

Since my diagnosis I have been told by every doctor GI, PCP, and Hepatologist that I should not drink any alcohol at all. Everything gets filtered through the liver and alcohol is hard on the liver. I’m not sure about any kind of rash due to the medication.

However it could just be an adverse reaction to the alcohol and not anything to do with the medication. Maybe your liver just can’t process it (alcohol) the way it’s supposed to. I have had a lot of adverse reactions to medication as well as other things just because my liver doesn’t process things the way it should. I would stay away from alcohol all together. It’s not worth it at all. My friends mother passed away a few years ago from PBC. She was taking the medication and doing almost everything she was supposed to. However the medication just wasn’t working for her. She still had her 2 beers a week. I’m definitely not saying that one had anything to do with the other. However I do know that was her one vice she wouldn’t give up.

My best friend is also a Nurse Practitioner. She is also the niece of the woman who passed with PBC. She helped take care of her at the end. She strongly advises not to drink any alcohol. She says it puts extra strain on your already damaged liver. I don’t know if this has helped you at all. I hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck 😊

[mrspeffer]

This is certainly a debate that gets posted time to time. While I'm sure that an occasional drink tastes mighty fine, especially on a hot day, I'm also sure that my liver would reek havoc if any alcohol was ingested. I quit drinking over 20 years ago because of the reasons stated above...why risk any further strain or damage to an already compromised organ? Although technically PBC is not caused by alcohol or medications, there are many thoughts around the correlation of them with liver diseases in general. So, for me, I chose to go without alcohol and many other treats in this lifetime. Ultimately the decision is a personal one to make. Just like taking certain medications is a personal choice too. Bottom line is that we are all adults here and can do whatever we want...I always have to ask myself..."Am I willing to live with the consequences of my decision"...Cheers!

[danaLL]

I have heard from my doctors that it is okay to consume alcohol as well. His exact words “just as long as you don’t drink a pint of vodka a night.” Bad foods, medication and sugary drinks also affect your liver, some day they are equally bad if not worse, especially soda. The way I always handle things, as if I do decide to have a soda or a drink and make sure I eat very clean. And stay away from any medication other than my Urso. I think the general rule of thumb is everything in the moderation is ok. If you research you will find in hear so many different things, but moderation seems to be consistent across the board. I would talk to your doctor or intercept about it.

[ROprish]

I don't understand people who have liver damage/disease of any kind and drink alcohol. Although not alcohol-related, PBC causes damage to your liver. Alcohol damages the liver as well, so why would you want to put any more strain on your liver than absolutely necessary? I was also told I could have one glass of wine or beer a month when I was first diagnosed. Now I have cirrhosis and would never even consider it. Be kind to your liver and it will last longer.

[gwillistexas in reply to ROprish]

Agree🤗

[Ktb32]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply, all of your views & experiences are interesting & valuable. It’s good that this site exists so that information can be shared on a subject that is a bit of a minefield, even after living with pbc for 7 years I still feel like I don’t know much about this condition & it can feel like riding a rollercoaster!

Thanks to you all 😊