Updated at: 08-07-2023 - By: John Lau

Wondering how long you should wait before enjoying a drink after receiving a cortisone shot? It’s not an uncommon question, as many people worry about potential interactions between alcohol and this common treatment.

This article offers valuable guidance on safe alcohol consumption following a cortisone injection, helping to alleviate some of those concerns.

Safety Precautions After a Cortisone Shot

How Long After Cortisone Shot Can I Drink Alcohol (2)

Avoid consuming alcohol

Exercising caution when it comes to alcohol consumption after a cortisone shot is highly advisable. Alcohol, while not specifically contraindicated with cortisone injections, can amplify some steroid side effects such as sleeplessness and vulnerability to infections due to compromised immunity.

Regularly consuming alcohol while taking steroid medications like cortisone may also boost the risk of experiencing these unwanted reactions.

Furthermore, excessive drinking might hinder your body’s ability to heal and respond effectively to the inflammation that required the injection in the first place.

So even though there’s no known direct interaction between cortisone shots and alcoholic beverages, it’s best practice to avoid alcohol post-injection for optimal treatment response and minimal complications.

Follow your doctor’s instructions

It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions after receiving a cortisone shot. They will provide specific guidelines regarding alcohol consumption and other activities.

While there is no known interaction between cortisone injections and alcohol, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when receiving these injections.

This is because regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of potential side effects associated with steroid medications.

Government guidelines suggest that men and women should not regularly consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week. It’s important to keep in mind that regularly consuming alcohol while taking steroid medications may exacerbate some of the side effects.

To ensure optimal recovery and minimize any risks, it’s best to adhere to your doctor’s guidance regarding alcohol consumption after receiving a cortisone shot.

Understand potential interactions

While there is no known direct interaction between cortisone injections and alcohol, regularly consuming alcohol while taking steroid medications can increase the risk of potential side effects.

This is because both cortisone and alcohol can impact your body in different ways, such as affecting your immune system or causing sleeplessness.

It’s therefore recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when receiving cortisone injections to minimize any potential risks and allow your body to properly heal.

Factors Affecting Alcohol Consumption After a Cortisone Shot

How Long After Cortisone Shot Can I Drink Alcohol

Type of cortisone medication used

The type of cortisone medication used can play a role in determining how long you should wait before consuming alcohol. Different types of cortisone injections have varying durations of action and potential side effects.

Waiting at least 48 hours is generally recommended to allow the medication to take effect and minimize any potential interactions with alcohol.

Potential side effects

Potential side effects of cortisone shots can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances. Some common side effects include pain or discomfort at the injection sitetemporary flare-up of pain symptoms, and mild bruising or bleeding.

These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own within a few days.

In some cases, more serious side effects may occur, although they are rare. These can include infection at the injection site, nerve damage leading to weakness or numbness in the area, allergic reactions such as hives or difficulty breathing, and changes in blood sugar levels for those with diabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours before consuming alcohol after a cortisone shot.

Remember, prioritizing your recovery and allowing time for the medication to take effect should always be your top priority.