Side effects and interactions

In principle, the use of Marcumar® does not necessarily speak against moderate, occasional consumption of alcohol. However, in view of the very complex influence of alcohol on the effect of Marcumar®, its consumption should be avoided. Moderate and occasional consumption of alcohol includes consumption of less than 12 grams of pure alcohol per day for women and less than 24 grams of pure alcohol per day for men.

A standard glass of sparkling wine (0.1l) or a standard glass of beer (0.25l) contains 10 grams of alcohol. Alcohol has a very complex influence on the effect of Marcumar®. If a large amount of alcohol is consumed within a short period of time, the effect of the anticoagulant Marcumar® is significantly increased, which can ultimately lead to life-threatening bleeding.

When drinking alcohol, it should also be borne in mind that alcohol impairs the person’s coordination and sense of balance, which significantly increases the risk of falling or having an accident. If a person falls or has an accident while taking an anticoagulant drug such as Marcumar®, the risk of dangerous bleeding is naturally increased. This is also a reason to keep the consumption of alcohol while taking Marcumar® as low as possible.

The state of intoxication may mean that risks are no longer correctly assessed and that a doctor or other professional help can be called in too late in the event of threatening injuries. Chronic alcohol consumption can weaken the effect of Marcumar® because Marcumar® is broken down more quickly, so that its effect on anticoagulation is reduced. This in turn has the effect of increasing the blood‘s coagulability and the risk of thrombus formation in the vascular system.

In the case of chronic alcohol abuse, however, it is also possible to increase the effect.Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to fatty degeneration of the liver with subsequent connective tissue remodelling of the liver. In medicine, this conversion of the liver is known as cirrhosis of the liver. This can lead to a failure of the liver function, which means, among other things, that no clotting factors for blood clotting can be produced by the liver. This condition of the liver is also known as hepatic insufficiency. The resulting lack of clotting factors leads to an increased risk of bleeding.