Alcohol and RA drugs

[Tiggacat]

Can anyone tell me whether the new regime of drugs (which now include one injection per week), are better for your liver if you drink alcohol.

My husband has just told me that his nurse asked if he drank and when he replied yes, she said to continue as the alcohol will help the balance. Sorry don't know the name of the drugs.

[helixhelix]

If you look at the packets that the drugs come in, there should be a leaflet in each of them that should make it very clear whether or not you can drink alcohol with them. With some of the RA drugs you can (in moderation) and with some it is really NOT a good idea at all.

Generally even if a very small amount of alcohol is ok, you do need to be careful as all the drugs can put pressure on your liver & kidneys and so does alcohol. Also, if your OH is just starting on these drugs it's good to steer clear of alcohol to start with to allow your body to adjust, and then if all's ok add in a bit if you really need to.

[Tiggacat in reply to helixhelix]

Hi Hellixhelix

Thank you for your reply, it makes sense what you are saying.

[Nottobad]

Hi I take Leflunomide for psoriatic arthritis. When I was given them the rheumy nurse said it was ok to have alcohol in moderation. On the medication box is says warning avoid alcohol. I would go by what it says on the instructions.

[Tiggacat]

Me too Nottobad, also because the immune system takes a battering, alcohol will not help. But then what do I know!