How long after the Cortisone shot can you drink alcohol?

How long after the Cortisone shot can you drink alcohol?

You can drink alcohol after 24 hours of getting a Cortisone shot. This waiting period allows your body time to process the medication and reduces the risk of potential interactions between alcohol and cortisone.

It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption after the cortisone shot, as they may vary depending on your individual situation. 

If you are on any painkiller after getting a cortisone shot, it is not recommended to drink alcohol, especially if you are on NSAIDs. Painkillers are already heavy on your stomach and the primary organs responsible for drug metabolism and excretion. 

Similarly, if you have renal or hepatic insufficiency, I would not recommend drinking after getting a cortisone shot. If no such factors affect your alcohol intake, you can drink it safely after a day or two of getting a Cortisone shot, as it is an injectable.

However, alcohol should generally be avoided with Corticosteroids, especially oral medications like Methylprednisolone, because of the risk of disturbing gastrointestinal side effects. (1)

Potential risks of drinking alcohol right after getting a Cortisone shot 

Drinking alcohol immediately after receiving a Cortisone shot can pose certain risks and is generally not recommended. Here are some potential risks to be aware of:

  • Increased risk of bleeding: Alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding at the injection site.
  • Impaired healing: Alcohol can interfere with the body’s natural healing process, potentially delaying or impairing the healing of the injected area.
  • Increased side effects: Both Cortisone and alcohol can have side effects on their own. Combining them can amplify these effects, such as increasing the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal issues (2). The side effects could be different for men and women (3).
  • Reduced effectiveness: Alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of the Cortisone injection, potentially diminishing its intended benefits.
  • Interactions with medications: If you’re taking other medications, alcohol may interact negatively with them, leading to unpredictable effects or increased side effects.

It’s important to follow the advice and instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption after receiving a Cortisone shot.

Recommendations after getting a Cortisone shot

After receiving a Cortisone shot, it’s important to follow these recommendations for a smooth recovery:

Rest and avoid strenuous activities

Give your body time to heal and avoid activities that may put stress on the injected area. Resting can help prevent complications and allow the medication to work effectively.

Apply ice or cold packs

To reduce swelling and alleviate pain, you can apply ice or cold packs to the injection site. Be sure to wrap them in a cloth to protect your skin and limit the application to 15-20 minutes at a time.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers

If your doctor approves, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, to manage any discomfort or inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or existing medical conditions.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco

It’s generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol and smoking tobacco after the injection. These substances can interfere with the healing process and may increase the risk of complications.

Follow-up with your healthcare provider

Attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and may suggest further treatments or adjustments based on your response to the Cortisone shot.

Remember, these recommendations may vary based on your specific condition and the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

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References

1.-

Fukushima W, Yamamoto T, Takahashi S, Sakaguchi M, Kubo T, Iwamoto Y, Hirota Y; Idiopathic ONFH Multicenter Case-Control Study. The effect of alcohol intake and the use of oral corticosteroids on the risk of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a case-control study in Japan. Bone Joint J. 2013 Mar;95-B(3):320-5. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.95B3.30856. PMID: 23450014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23450014/

2.-

Berthelot JM, Le Goff B, Maugars Y. Side effects of corticosteroid injections: what’s new? Joint Bone Spine. 2013 Jul;80(4):363-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2012.12.001. Epub 2013 Jan 23. PMID: 23352513. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23352513/

3.-

Brook EM, Hu CH, Kingston KA, Matzkin EG. Corticosteroid Injections: A Review of Sex-Related Side Effects. Orthopedics. 2017 Mar 1;40(2):e211-e215. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20161116-07. Epub 2016 Nov 23. PMID: 27874912. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27874912/