Re: Alcohol Consumption and HIV+ - TheBody.com's Bulletin Boards

you will still be able to drink once you start meds. but drink in moderation, of course.

and a key thing to remember, don't skip your meds just because you're drinking.

this is from a recent study on alcohol and medications:

"There are many who hold the belief, not only those with HIV infection but those with other chronic diseases, that if they mix their medications with alcohol it creates a toxic poison that is harmful. ... However, there is no evidence that mixing alcohol [with antiretroviral medications] increases the harm of the alcohol itself," Dr. Kalichman said.

"Of course, if you have HIV infection and liver disease, that is an entirely different scenario. You should definitely not drink alcohol if you have liver disease," he said. ...

Dr. Kalichman noted that misinformed beliefs can be easily corrected. "Doctors can tell their patients that it is not a good idea to drink if you are taking medications because you can miss doses, but don't skip your medications just because you are drinking. When it comes to these antiretroviral medications, the harm of missing the medications is greater than the harm of drinking with medications," Dr. Kalichman said.

but also keep in mind what our expert Dr. Fawcett writes:

"It is generally recognized that someone on HIV medications can safely take one drink of alcohol per day. People with HIV, however, are at higher risk for addictive disorders and caution should be used."

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Bartleby at The Body
Bulletin Board Administrator

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