Alcohol and Chemotherapy

Keep in mind that Taxol is filtered through your liver so your liver function may be somewhat compromised, asking it to process alcohol stresses it further. Add in more liver stress if you are taking anything with acetaminophen in it, like Tylenol, Vicodin or Percocet.  I had six rounds of Taxotere at three week intervals and my MO was not opposed to an occasional drink - I did not drink any wine because it tasted like vinegar but did have an occasional beer, and usually right before the next cycle - so three weeks from the last one.  Weekly or dose dense Taxol may make this more problematic because of the frequency of infusion and dosing strength. 

My MO said a glass of wine, and even encouraged it. I only recently started allowing myself the occasional drink, though, since alcohol raises estrogen levels and my tumor was so strongly ER+. I don't think I will ever feel comfortable drinking at the levels I did pre-diagnosis (which was still very moderate compared with most people).

I was emphatically told no multi vitamins or 'anti-oxidants' while on chemo. No grapefruit/grapefruit juice or persimmons. I was given permission to take Vit D (for my SAD), Calcium and Super B during chemo. 1/2 way throught Taxol I had to start taking K (potassium) as my levels plummeted. Dried garlic suppliments can be considered to be an anti-oxidant but as I use a lot of garlic (and onion) in my normal cooking, I was given permission to use it as long as I used fresh only (all I ever use anyway).

As I understand it, Taxol is cleared through the body within 24 hours, so it's best NOT to have alcohol for 24 hours. If you do, keep it a small amount. I have a half of an organic low alcohol beer 2x a week--it helps me get my appetite up which is important to me. But I also take liver clearing and liver supporting herbs (milk thistle, dandelion root, turmeric) as well as cruciferous vegetable supplements to support my liver.