Methotrexate and alcohol
Posted , 104 users are following.
Hi there,
I've only yesterday started on my methotrexate tablets and have just started reading the online forums and have became very worried! The number of people who are losing their hair seems incredible, is this a common side effect?
I'm 23 years old and drinking and work in a bar while i'm studying at University. Drinking and going out is a massive part of my life and I was just wondering if anyone could tell me if it's still possible to carry this on at all? I usually go out roughly twice a week and can drink up to 3 nights. I know of course I will be cutting down massively, but can I still do it at all?
I can only find negative forums on here about the drug and it's making me feel like the side effects aren't worth the risk... Does anyone feel like they can still live their lifes on this drug and it is worth taking?
Thanks for any advice you can give! A bit worried here...
7 likes, 107 replies
donna1952 kirknap
Posted
Hi just got diagnosed with "inflammatory arthritis " and psoriasis and my Dr started me on 15mg of methotrexate and I had been on 10mg of prednisone. I googled the alcohol+mtx and found your post and reading the answers gave me hope that this is a good site to get support. I'm 65 so totally different starting point and have had pain weakness and fatigue for five years so my diagnosis may be different. Also I work at a vineyard and you drink for your job...plus I love wine and beer...I hope you do well on the road ahead! And thanks to all the folks commenting in this forum.
richard_89931 donna1952
Posted
Don't worry Donna I've been on 17.5 mg weekly of methotrexate for about 6 months and I drink to normal limits . Your be fine if you don't drink excessively .
BDDEX kirknap
Posted
There is so much bad "info" on here. The shot doez largely bypass the GI tract but the MTX affects the liver just the same; it is metabolized in the liver and can be quite hard on it all on its own. I know what it is like to be in your shoes buf once my disease became very severe and I had to start these meds, I made the conscious decision that my health comes first, period. if you are well enough to go out and have fun with your friends, by all means do so!!! But honestly you don't need to drink - I went from ~8 drinks+ / weekend to 0; I haven't had a sip since 2009, by my choice to protect my organs that haven't yet been affected. It is really a non-choice choice for me - my liver is more important than a few drinks. And your doctor should be running liver function tests on you AT LEAST every 6-8 wks (I get mine done every 4) if that tells you how hard this med &similar meds are on your liver. There will come a day when you can drink again, I'm sue. I'd be a little concerned if you have a lot of trouble not drinking in this situation and if that is true, maybe seeing a drug/alcohol therapist (one who works w/chronic illness too would be great!!) would help. Best of luck.
richard_89931 BDDEX
Posted
The latest research coming out of the uk has meant the majority of Rheumatism specialists have relax the advise on alcohol and Methatrexate . Drinking within limits is perfectly safe, and baring in mind we all get tested regularly to see exactly how Alt levels are etc,any potential harm would be picked up way before any damage could be done .
One or 2 drinks is fine but that doesn't menan storing up unused units for weekend sessions ! :-)
Fair play to you for not drinking that's very commendable ,but unless people have a real drink problem I'd say it's not completely necessary .
Also certain anti inflammatory drugs and a bad diet can be just as damaging to your organs, and liver so all risks should be put into perspective imo .
TrexySD kirknap
Posted
Hi, your experience regarding alcohol use and methotrexate has been really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
I am 24 and I have RA was diagnosed just a little over a year now. I drink alcohol socially and usually have 3-4 on one weekend day when i go out . I take folic acid 5mg 3 days a week and methotrexate 10mg usually on Saturdays. My doctor recommended that I split the dose, take 5 mg in the morning and 5mg in the night to lessen the ' wiped out' side effect that person's tend to have .
When I drink on the Friday or the Saturday I have the same wiped out effect that I would have had if I had taken the methotrexate as a single dose. Does anyone else have this problem?
MissSaffy TrexySD
Posted
I'm on 20mg of MTX, I've been taking if for a year, so far I don't have any side effects and its definitely working well in keeping the RA at bay for the moment. I do drink moderately (a few glasses of wine at the weekend) and my bloods always come back ok. It was recommended that I have my bloods done very month but that has now been changed to every 3 months. I would never drink on the days I take MTX though. I tend not to drink mid week anyway unless for a special occasion. I was changed to a metojet pen injection instead of the tablets which helped with upset tummy when I first started to take MTX. Folic acid also helped with any side effects.
I have thought about coming off it but my consultant said that it can take up to 6 weeks for the disease to return if that's the risk I want to take and the only reason I am feeling fine is because of this drug?
I never had any hair loss but I do have very wavy thick hair and the only thing I noticed is that my hair is less curly now! Every drug has side effects and people react in different ways. If you read the back of a paracetamol box, you'd maybe think twice about taking them with all the possible side effects. Hope it works for you.
MissSaffy kirknap
Posted
I'm on 20mg of MTX, I've been taking if for a year, so far I don't have any side effects and its definitely working well in keeping the RA at bay for the moment. I do drink moderately (a few glasses of wine at the weekend) and my bloods always come back ok. It was recommended that I have my bloods done very month but that has now been changed to every 3 months. I would never drink on the days I take MTX though. I tend not to drink mid week anyway unless for a special occasion. I was changed to a metojet pen injection instead of the tablets which helped with upset tummy when I first started to take MTX. Folic acid also helped with any side effects.
I have thought about coming off it but my consultant said that it can take up to 6 weeks for the disease to return if that's the risk I want to take and the only reason I am feeling fine is because of this drug?
I never had any hair loss but I do have very wavy thick hair and the only thing I noticed is that my hair is less curly now! Every drug has side effects and people react in different ways. If you read the back of a paracetamol box, you'd maybe think twice about taking them with all the possible side effects. Hope it works for you.