Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Methotrexate & Alcohol

KiddoGal
KiddoGal
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.
songbirdj
songbirdj
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
deleted_user
deleted_user
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).
deleted_user
deleted_user
oh, sorry, hit ADD before I said HAVE FUN IN VEGAS!!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
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!
KiddoGal
KiddoGal
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!
deleted_user
deleted_user
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
LucyKS
LucyKS
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
deleted_user
deleted_user
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
thinksRAstinks
thinksRAstinks
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.
Caspiana
Caspiana
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 :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Tried MTX, but got so nauseated, so not on it at this time. But my dr. said a couple a week would be ok. I say go for it-live a little!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
The reason for no alcohol is your liver. The MTX by itself can have toxic effects on your liver. I am sorry to disagree with songbird that drinking once a week is okay. I have been told to stay away from liquor. With that said while on vacation or during a special occassion I will have a drink. Once in a while shouldn't hurt you. I think your RD would agree a drink or two in Vegas should be okay as long as your bloodwork is clean. Have a great trip, Vegas is my favorite spot to visit! hugs, marcia