For a healthy liver, avoid alcohol when taking Tylenol

Q: You’ve warned against taking acetaminophen while consuming alcohol. Just what do you mean? Don’t take the medicine if you’ve had a drink in the past week? Or just the same day? Or don’t swallow the pill with alcohol?

I have one drink daily, just one. Also, I’ve taken Tylenol PM nightly for a long time. Should I be worried? What problems might occur?

A: The warning label on Extra Strength Tylenol PM states quite clearly: “When using this product ... avoid alcoholic drinks.”

The combination could increase your risk for liver damage. Given your long history with Tylenol PM and a single daily drink, you might want to ask your doctor for a liver function blood test.

One reader shared this scary story: “I knew a young woman who regularly drank vodka and took Tylenol for headaches. Her liver was destroyed, and she ultimately died after a failed liver transplant. This combination can be deadly!”

Q: My orthopedist recommended Voltaren Gel for sore joints. I’ve tried that before, so I told him it raises my blood pressure.

He was skeptical that the gel made my blood pressure rise. He was sure it must have been something else.

As soon as I stopped using the gel, my blood pressure went right back down again. That convinced me. I don’t think this doctor’s up on the latest. Do you have a suggestion for easing joint pain that won’t raise blood pressure?

A: The official prescribing information for Voltaren Gel states:

“NSAIDS, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to the onset of new hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events . ... Blood pressure should be monitored closely during the initiation of therapy with Voltaren Gel and throughout the course of therapy.”

In our eguide to Alternatives for Arthritis, you will find more information about Voltaren Gel and nondrug alternatives, including herbs such as ashwagandha, Boswellia, ginger, stinging nettle and turmeric. This online resource may be found under the Health eguides tab at Peoplespharmacy.com. You will also find home remedies and foods that have anti-inflammatory activity.