Those Using Pravachol Can Drink Wine – Occasionally
Q: Can I take Pravachol and drink wine?
A: It’s not going to hurt you to have an occasional glass of wine while taking Pravachol to lower cholesterol.
What you need to keep in mind is that Pravachol is processed by the liver. Anytime a drug is processed by the liver, there is potential for damage, and this is one of those drugs that can cause more damage than other drugs. This is why people who drink alcohol on a regular basis are discouraged from drinking while taking certain medications.
Studies suggest that drinking one or two glasses of certain wines a day can lower cholesterol. Many physicians support these studies, and recommend it.
Q: I have heard hormone-replacement therapy causes heart disease. Is this true?
A: This is a popular subject because cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in women. Women take hormone replacement therapy to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms and to mitigate bone loss.
It was once thought that replacement therapy also provided protection against cardiovascular disease. Women who are post- menopausal are at a higher risk for heart attack or stroke and, to some degree, the replacement therapy does have its benefits with cardiovascular health.
However, it has been discovered that hormone replacement therapy causes other problems. For example, estrogens may help the blood vessel tone and decrease lipid levels, but at the same time it may cause clotting to occur. For every benefit, a risk pops up.
Lifestyle changes may be necessary to avoid complications with hormone replacement.
The only way to determine if the replacement therapy is right for you is by weighing your options with your physician. It is often a question of whether the benefits outweigh the risks associated with the treatment. For more information, visit the American Heart Association Web site at www.americanheart.org.
Q: What time of the day should I take Zoloft?
A: When you begin taking Zoloft, it may cause drowsiness, therefore it might be better to take it at bedtime, at least until this side effect subsides. Never double up on a dose if you miss one. Zoloft can be taken with or without food. Always take daily medications at the same time every day. This not only helps the drug maintain consistency in the body, but it also can help you to remember to take it.
Q: Is there a poison control hot line for animals?
A: There are several. They each charge between $20 and $50 for their services. There is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (888) 426-4435. The National Animal Poison Control Center also has a hot line, (800) 548-2423. These two are open 24 hours a day with licensed veterinarians on staff.
ANGELA NEGLIA, A LICENSED PHARMACIST IN GEORGIA GIVES GENERAL ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS. HER ANSWERS ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE THE MEDICAL ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN. QUESTIONS CAN BE E-MAILED TO ASKRPH@HOTMAIL.COM OR CALL TOLL FREE (877) 373-7850 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE.