Lupus is an autoimmune disease and cannot be cured, but some drugs can ease its symptoms. Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs, immunosuppressants or biological products, explains the Cleveland Clinic. You may also need to take ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during flare-ups. Some of these medications can interact with alcohol, causing adverse effects. NSAIDs, for example, are hard on the stomach and can irritate the gut. If you take these medications and drink alcohol, you may end up feeling worse, according to Cincinnati Children’s.
Methotrexate and other drugs are metabolized in the liver, and mixing them with alcohol can increase the risk of cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease, warns the Lupus Foundation of America. Also, certain medications, such as blood thinners, may be less effective when combined with alcohol. In some cases, drug-alcohol interactions can lead to internal bleeding or even death. “When people with lupus drink, the most important considerations are alcohol-medication interactions, effects on the liver, and increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding,” explains rheumatologist Dr. Karen H. Costenbader (via the Lupus Foundation of America) .
Also, be aware that some medications prescribed for lupus can cause dizziness. A good example is hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug with anti-inflammatory effects. This drug does not interact directly with alcohol, but drinking can make you dizzy and affect your ability to work, drive, or exercise, WebMD says. Given these risks, it’s best to avoid alcohol and stick to non-alcoholic cocktails, smoothies, fruit juices or plain water.