Statin drugs are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in patients. While these drugs are generally safe and effective, they can cause side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, and digestive problems. Some patients may wonder if drinking alcohol can worsen these side effects.

According to Drug Patent Watch [1], there are no known interactions between alcohol and statin drugs. However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on liver function, which can increase the risk of liver damage when taking statins. Additionally, alcohol can increase triglyceride levels, which can counteract the cholesterol-lowering effects of statins.

Medical News Today [2] reports that moderate alcohol consumption may actually have some benefits for patients taking statins. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. This level of consumption has been shown to increase levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, which can help counteract the negative effects of "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Healthline [3] notes that while moderate alcohol consumption may have some benefits, excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided by patients taking statins. Patients should also be aware of the potential side effects of statins and report any symptoms to their healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while there are no known interactions between alcohol and statin drugs, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver damage and counteract the cholesterol-lowering effects of statins. Moderate alcohol consumption may have some benefits for patients taking statins, but patients should be aware of the potential side effects of both alcohol and statin drugs and report any symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/statins-and-alcohol
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/safe-to-mix-statins-and-alcohol