methotrexate

[Luludean]

apprehension about starting it . I hzd a horrible face to face appointment yesterday. I had gone well prepared with questions . It was first appointment in 3 years. None of my question were answered, I was offered Methotrexate and handed a leaflet . Today , the pills arrived by post . A surprise!

Is alcohol totally banned if you are on Methotrexate?

I have had mitral valve repair and have persistent AF. I am concerned about drug interaction , I asked for a multidisciplinary consultation , my rheumatologist refused .

I am spiralling into terror , not good with AF . Any advice welcome.

[AgedCrone]

I’m sorry you have been put in this position….I would call your rheumy nurse…as I remember you need instructions before you take MTX…but it is a long time since I took it….very successfully for 7 yrs.

i’m sure it’s recommended you don’t take alcohol until you are actually settled on this drug…& even then only with advice from your rheumy.

Was it explained to you that your rheumatologist will prescribe the drug under a shared care agreement with your GP?

Make a list of your questions….not forgetting to ask about Folic Acid….ask if you have been prescribed it.

Good luck…Many people lead good painfree lives on MTX….I do hope you are one of them.

[Mmrr in reply to AgedCrone]

Some good advice from AC. I would suggest ringing your rheumatology nurse too.

Have you been on RA meds in the past ?

[MadBunny]

Im sorry you had such an unpleasant experience . I agree with the others ' advice. Please get in touch with your rheumatology nurse, you need to go through the information with her.

I have AF and am on bisoprolol and edoxoaban, I had been on mtx for quite a while before I was prescribed those. I've never been told there's a problem with the combination but I suggest that another reason to consult the rheum nurse would be to cross check with your other meds just to make sure.

I hope you get some answers and the care you deserve asap x

[K2013]

each rheumatologist gives diff advice re alcohol. I was told a couple drinks a week is fine. I did once take a glass of wine the same night as I usually take methotrexate (I forgot🤦‍♀️) and the side effects i normally get the next day we’re much worse than normal. Lesson learned. I tend to have a glass or two at the weekend only(literally)

[Egpa]

Morning 🌄 Luludean, i have been on mtx injections for some years now, was told by my doctor its fine to have a few drinks, but not on the day of your injection. I usually have shandy if i go out and wine at home some weekends. But for every glass off wine i drink a glass of water after and another before bed. Good luck.

[Luludean in reply to Egpa]

thank you all for your replied and advice!

It is such a wonderful support!

Out of the blue the one friendly rheumy nurse phoned me! I think word had got round that I left the department very un happy . I did pour out my concerns and fears. I am not starting Mtxtrt till we have had a further tel appointment , she has checked all my heart pills and I have come to terms with suddenly having cataracts .

Breathing space ! Again thank you and keep well

[Luludean in reply to Luludean]

thank you !! To all replies .

Was stressed had horrible AF do today ! Luckily my GP did see me and talked for a long time ! Thet meant a LOT !

Have a calm week end inspite of the gales!

[Runrig01]

I’ve been on MTX for 6yrs. The rheumatologist who started me on it, was happy for me to take alcohol up to the 14 units weekly that’s advised for everyone. I do have a single G&T often or a glass of cider. My liver function has never been affected. I’m also on about 25 different meds including beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, and get no interactions. I’m also fortunate to get no side effects from my 25mg dose of MTX. Usually Drs prescribe folic acid to be taken the day after MTX, but if you get some de effects that can be increased to 6 days of the week, avoiding the MTX day. You are supposed to receive counselling before starting MTX, so I would definitely contact your rheumatology nurse to discuss. It does wonders for my peripheral symptoms, so hopefully you will get good results too 🤗

[GinnyE]

I take 20 mg methotrexate by injection. I keep my alcohol intake to 14 units a week. I do miss getting "merry" but I don't miss the pain I got with RA. I think it takes time to get used to the adjustment in your life when you get any illness. One day at a time. Best wishes.

[Happy5]

Awww shame you've had this experience.

I usually explain to friends that consultants, doctors etc diagnose and prescribe.

Whereas nurses especially the specialist nurse are all about explaining your treatment and care plan. As others have said call to speak to the nurse. Also I was given an advice line telephone number as well as leaflets.

When you start MTX you're on very frequent blood tests and monitoring so you should be seeing someone soon.

Hopefully you get some sense from someone asap.

[Cleardiamond]

Im on metoject its the injection form of methotrexate as i got horrible side effects from the tablet form like burning mouth and my face would burn up and go red. The only side effects i get with metoject is tiredness the day i take my injection and sometimes the following day. I have to take folic acid 6 days a week and iron tablets everyday. I'm not a big drinker of alcohol but when i have had a drink on special occasions i only have 1 or 2 as i worry about drinking while on medication as i also take very strong painkillers which you're not meant to drink on. I will say that metoject does really help with my rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis but i still get the odd flare up. They did start me off on 15mg but had to put it up to 20mg as my body got used to the 15mg an i was having really bad pains in my hands, wrist and ankles but recently ive started getting pains in my left hip an left knee 🤦‍♀️ ive got to see my rheumatologist in February so hopefully they can give me a x-ray to see whats going on.