What is Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful ...

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Discussion:
Methotrexate & Alcohol
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I started taking methotrexate a few months ago. I have read some posts from this group that one should not drink while taking methotrexate. So I have not had a drink since I have been on it. However, I am going to Las Vegas this weekend and would love to have a drink or two. A Kahlua Creme or a Baileys and Coffee! I have not asked my doctor if there would be a problem, (never thought about it...) so I am turning to my support group for answers! Is one drink OK? What problems do you have if you drink? What have your doctors told you? Is it that the medication will not work, or will you get sick from alchohol? Thanks for your feedback.
Posted on 11/05/09, 06:11 pm
12 Replies | Most Recent Add Your Reply
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Reply #1 - 11/05/09  8:45pm
" My rheumy said whatever I chose to do as far as alcohol, to be consistent. She said she had no problem with an alcoholic beverage or two on one day of the week.
She said to either not drink every week or drink every week. Just be consistent so bloodwork will be I guess.
I do have a drink on most Saturdays. Less now that it's getting colder. Bloodwork has been fine.
I think its the effect of Mtx and alchol on the liver that is the concern.

I am so jealous of your upcoming Vegas trip! Have a wonderful time!

Jess "
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Reply #2 - 11/05/09  9:01pm
" Not on MTX any longer but Rheumy told me 1 or 2 a week would be okay (but I think the rule was never more than 2 in one day). "
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Reply #3 - 11/05/09  9:01pm
" oh, sorry, hit ADD before I said HAVE FUN IN VEGAS!!!!! "
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Reply #4 - 11/05/09  9:48pm
" I've been on MTX since Sept 08 & was alcohol free initially. But as Christmas & the 'silly season' approached I was begging my Rheumy for the all clear to have a drink. I remember saying 'You don't want to see a grown woman begging, but I am .' And he said yes, but a max of 5 drinks per week. So, that's what I do. Every drop of wine or gin & tonic tastes so much sweeter!

Hope you have a super time in Las Vegas & that your celebratory drink of choice tastes so very sweet!

Have Fun! "
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Reply #5 - 11/05/09  10:38pm
" Whew! Glad to know one or two drinks while I am there will not be a problem!! Thanks everyone, and you better believe I will have a good time in Vegas! yahoo! "
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Reply #6 - 11/06/09  7:57am
" i used to drink red wine before i started methotrexate but now it makes me so sick i am allright with gin and tonic or vodka but only small ones because methotrexate can aggravate the liver the same as alcohol .Have a great trip remember in moderation "
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Reply #7 - 11/06/09  8:19am
" My rheumy always told me I could drink one or two just don't go overboard. I went overboard a few times on special occasions and felt the effects on my RA the next morning, as long as your bloods are being done regularly though I don't see why you can't have one or two "
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Reply #8 - 11/06/09  1:36pm
" KiddoGal,

It really depends on your liver. If you have raised liver enzymes for every blood test then you have to realize that you will raise them even more. That's what alcohol and methotrexate does...it damages the liver. Raised liver enzymes is a sign that your liver is very unhappy. Methotrexate is really hard on your body. Your liver constantly repairs itself but if at some point you damage your liver too much, it can shut down.

I'm super tired and hoping I'm making sense....
hugs,
Sarah "
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Reply #9 - 11/06/09  1:45pm
" I was told none to ocassionally on a Saturday. I was good for awhile and then I got worse and worse. To the point where I would have a drink on Friday, a couple a glasses of wine and a martini on Saturday & Sunday and then sometimes two martini's. I had perfect blood work but my doctor always told me it could all of a sudden shoot up and then it's too late. Well that didn't happen but now my trigylcerides are 988 and I'm pretty sure I know why....I am staying dry starting today. What a flippin drag. "
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Reply #10 - 11/06/09  4:00pm
" I have been on MTX for almost 10 mths. I have two or three drinks a week and have had no problem with my blood tests. My dr. says as long as my liver is doing ok one or two drinks is fine. Have fun :) "

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