Alcohol and methotrexate

[Gottaloveastaffy]

I wondered if it’s ok to have a few glasses of wine over Christmas I have had. None since starting methotrexate etc and am a little scared of truth be told 😳

[Gottaloveastaffy]

Haha just found lots of threads about this and confirms what I’m thinking that it is better not to and tbh I don’t really fancy anything as still feeling awful and tired x it’s because it’s nearly Christmas and Normally would be having a few glasses x anyway have a good Christmas everyone xx

[Hidden in reply to Gottaloveastaffy]

I've been taking MTX for almost 2 years. I never drank very much, around 6 units a week. Since starting on MTX I have switched to half filling a small (125 cl) wineglass and topping it up with sparkling water. I happen to like it that way in any case, particularly in hot weather. So it's about 3 units per week. I've had no problems from it and could probably drink a little more if I wanted. I have also found a very good brand of non-alcoholic German beer. Can't taste the difference from the real thing! You could try cautiously experimenting. Happy Christmas!

[SarahJane926]

I've still had alcohol since being on methotrexate, as long as you stick to recommended units you'll be fine. That being said, don't if you're not feeling 100%. Merry Christmas! X

[Mmrr]

Small amounts of alcohol are ok with MTX, but if you haven't had any alcohol for a while a few glasses sounds a lot for your body to process to begin with. Personally I don't take any alcohol, I lost the taste for it and don't feel it's worth upsetting the progress I've made, but everyone is different.

There are lots of threads on alcohol and RA if you use the search icon.

Best wishes.

[Oshgosh]

Why don’t you try an inch or so if wine , just so that you feel in the spirit. I’m on Mycophenalate sorry can’t spell it . It says don’t take ally. I e found I don’t like the taste. I used to enjoy I hope you have a decent Christmas , but hsvohad to accuse the change.

[Hidden]

This is very personal . If all your blood tests have been good eg. no liver problems . I don’t see why a few glasses shouldn’t be ok . I do. My nurse and gp say be sensible and it shouldn’t be a problem. I make sure I don’t drink on the day of my dose. I have been known to move the day back a day or two to accommodate . I also eat lots of greens and beetroot shots along side of lots of water to give the a liver cleanse and flush out toxins . Over 4 years no problem. This is me and I’m happy to have a few drinks now and then and I intend to enjoy Christmas 🥂

[allanah]

My rheumy told me " you e got to live with this illness a little wont do you any harm." Now other docs say none , ever !!

I have wine now and then and my liver results have been fine so it's up to you . !!,

[Smelliott in reply to allanah]

Same, my rheumatologist said the odd drink isn't likely to hurt, but to just be sensible. I can't really get properly drunk anyway, as being hungover and looking after small children is the absolute worst.

[Mmrr]

I lost the taste for alcohol when I started to become unwell, before my joints became sore. Prior to this I loved my wine and the odd gin.

[Egpa]

Hi, I've been on mtx for a few years now, my doctor said it's ok as long as i have a glass of water between each glass off wine or sprit it's fine. It helps your liver.

[CagneysMum]

I’m on methotrexate and Amgevita. My rheumy nurse said the same as some others in the group here ... “you’ve got to live a little and life doesn’t stop because of RA so just be sensible and don’t exceed national guidelines for responsible drinking and make sure you have 2-3 days a week free of alcohol. Blood tests are done regularly (every 2-3 months) so if there is an issue we will pick it up and advise accordingly. “

Everyone is different and should seek their own advice, but I might have 4-5 glasses of wine during Wed-Sat. Sunday is methotrexate day, so no wine Sun-Tues. seems to be working out ok so far.

[achyknitter]

My blood tests are OK and I have one glass of wine most days between Christmas and New Year. When I had a blood test at the beginning of January one year it showed slightly - still in the normal range - but was back to normal by the next blood test. Hope you have a lovely Christmas with or without alcohol.

[Maeve31]

When I started on Mtx my rheumy said no alcohol. When I said it was a shame as I liked my glass of wine every Friday, he asked if that was all I drank. I confirmed it was 1 or 2 a weekend maximum.

He then said that was just fine. He explained that he'd found through experience that telling a patient they could drink moderately meant that they took it to excess. So he'd learned to say no alcohol which meant his patients kept it to just one or two!

So in conclusion he was happy with a few drinks a week as long as it was just a glass or two at a time.

Enjoy your Christmas 🎄