Alcohol consumption while taking Marcumar
August 19, 2009 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Susanne Plotz
Dear doctors,
For about 2 years I have been taking Marcumar regularly after a pulmonary embolism.
I have heard that the consumption of red wine can have a negative effect on INR values.
Is this statement true?
Just for your information, I have a regular INR value of 2.4 and consume an average of about 0.25 liters of red wine per day.
Thank you for your response.
Dear Inquirer,
this is indeed a very interesting and difficult question. The information from Marcumar says that there are "complex interactions" when taking ethanol (alcohol). This means that there are interactions between Marcumar and alcohol. This is because both Marcumar and alcohol are broken down in the liver through the same pathways, and essentially get in each other's way.
After a single intake of alcohol, the effect of Marcumar may be intensified, while long-term, regular alcohol consumption may weaken the effect. If the liver is already damaged by alcohol, the effect of Marcumar may be intensified again.
Although your INR is stable, I still strongly advise you to discuss this matter with your treating physician. A definitive answer whether yes or no is unfortunately not possible at this point.
I hope I could help you and wish you all the best.
Warm regards,
Susanne Plotz
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