High Cholesterol taking Zocor and Alcohol Use

Dear Ask The Doctor: My father has no insurance and has been taking zocor 40mg daily to help lower his cholesterol and recently found out you should (Avoid drinking alcohol while taking simvastatin. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking simvastatin) not drink alcohol while on this medication with no family physician to consult what recommendations can you give as in possibly an alternative medication he can use that will be safe for him that can be taken with daily consumption of alcohol before bed time. His DOB: 09-09-1957 Weight: 180

Dear Joseph:

There are different groups of drugs that work to lower the cholesterol levels, but none of them can be taken along with the continuation of alcohol consumption. Your father needs to decrease his alcohol intake to 2 drinks per day, each drink being a standard one as per the recommendations. Even with the reduction in alcohol intake, side effects may occur with any group of the drugs used for lowering the cholesterol. Your father may try to follow a diet and lifestyle modification for cholesterol control, but if he has high levels of cholesterol he would also need to continue some medication. Diet modification with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and eating less fat and cholesterol from meat and dairy products, avoiding saturated and trans fats can help reduce cholesterol levels. Walks, jogging, bike riding or if possible daily workouts for atleast 30 mins 3 to 4 times a week will help reduce weight which is a very helpful above all medications.