Alcoholic drinks and RA Meds: hi all! Just wondering... - NRAS

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Alcoholic drinks and RA Meds

Mybirthday1975 profile image
21 Replies

hi all!

Just wondering does anyone have a few casual alcoholic drinks even though they’re on RA drugs?im currently on Metratrexate and a Biologic but haven’t drank in years!!but with Christmas around the corner was thinking of maybe a baileys or two but was just wondering if anyone on here has a few units.

All replies are hugely appreciated 🫶🏽

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Mybirthday1975 profile image
Mybirthday1975
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21 Replies
welsh12 profile image
welsh12

Yes I do....

HappyD34 profile image
HappyD34

Hi there. I’ve only just started my metho injections (3rd tomorrow) and I have wine but no more than 14 units a week. My consultant said that should be fine just never binge drink, which at 59 I don’t do anymore 😁 and must stay within the guidelines. Although tomorrow I have my first blood tests to check how my system is coping so I’ll know more after then. Fingers crossed it’s all ok, but it’s a learning curve for me. I’m sure having the odd alcoholic drink should be fine.

All the best

JenniferBut profile image
JenniferBut

Hi there 👋 I have a few wines , I think you will be fine. Avoid drinking on methotrexate day and the day before and after is always good. Drink lots of water. Enjoy!!

meelfyn profile image
meelfyn in reply toJenniferBut

I agree. That is my system also

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

I do have the occasional glass of gin or wine but never , never Baileys its vile. lol

wilbertjellyfish profile image
wilbertjellyfish

A few years ago when I was first diagnosed I drank loads and was fine, bloods etc all ok. Even better I didn't get hangovers. Currently I've lost interest in drinking beyond the occasional cider. It's a little bit of an issue as my best friend really misses our Friday afternoons sitting around putting the world right and drinking, hopefully if I start to feel better I'll maybe start to want to socialise more.

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply towilbertjellyfish

I asked my Nephrologist about this too and he said the odd glass is fine too. Social activity is mood boosting so ring your chum and put the world too rights again soon.

Feank profile image
Feank

Absolutely! Enjoy, in moderation of course!

bpeal1 profile image
bpeal1

As long as your blood tests are ok you should be fine. As with all things to do with RA we all react differently so you need to find your own level. For me 1-2 units a week is fine, anymore than that and my liver tests start to rise but I know others who drink a lot more than that without issues. For me the risk of having to come off medication for a few weeks isn’t worth it. If I have slightly more than that (ie 3-4 units) over the Christmas period I don’t drink at all for a couple of weeks.

I guess what I’m saying is increase the amount/frequency very gradually whilst keeping an eye on your blood test results.

Runrig01 profile image
Runrig01

my rheumatologist allows drinking up to the 14 units a week, but to avoid MTX day. I would be cautious till you know your liver function is ok

Darciedoodles profile image
Darciedoodles

I was on methotrexate for 18 mths and had a few drinks regularly At weekend never had a problem or told not too. Didn’t drink to excess maybe 3-4 vodka and Diet Coke over the weekend

Enjoy.

Gaz227 profile image
Gaz227

I’ve been on MTX injections 3 years almost and could count the amount of alcoholic drinks I have had on one hand . I do like Guinness Zero and it’s getting more and more easy to get in bars and restaurants , some alcohol free lagers are ok also , I’m happy with that as the thought of a hangover puts me right off drink . Had my share as a young person 👍but everyone to their own . 🥳🙏

CagneysMum profile image
CagneysMum

Hi . I enjoy a glass of wine most nights with dinner and an occasional gin and tonic or rum if out. My blood test results are always fine. My consultant recommends keeping within national guidelines (14 units ?) so I take what I think is a sensible approach. All has been well for 4 years and continuing.

As a comparison …I know my blood test (liver) results shot up 18 months ago directly following a holiday in South America.... but then I also know I enjoyed the Malbec red wine in Argentina a little too much. Oops ! 2weeks of abstinence and lots of water rectified that. We are only human and life doesn’t stop because of RA … it goes on despite it 👍

You will learn to adapt over time and your body will make clear what it can or cannot tolerate …. But life is for living. Enjoy x

marti profile image
marti

I've been on methotrexate for 17 years and have always had a few drinks at the weekend my consultant said as long as my bloods were fine and I stayed within the recommended units he didn't have a problem. I must say as I've got older I seem to drink less though and never on tablet day.

Happy5 profile image
Happy5

I'm on MTX weekly injections, when in remission I do drink G & T or glass of red wine or small sherry. At present in a mother of a flare so no desire to drink alcohol so don't usually.

I do use 00 alcohol alternative to gin or wines.

stbernhard profile image
stbernhard

On MTX and Anti TNF for over 10 years. When I'm out to eat or entertain at home, I have a drink of sorts if my Ra behaves. I've been drunk a few times as well. Mind, it only takes a couple of glasses of wine to get to that stage.

GinnyE profile image
GinnyE

I keep to 14 units a week. Not methotrexate day. Bloods ok. Been on methotrexate 20 mg for about five years or more. Agreed by Rheumatologist.

Cat-E profile image
Cat-E

I was diagnosed a year ago and being just before Christmas when I started meds, the alcohol question was the first one I asked! I am a bit of a binge drinker but generally stay under or around the 14 units limit. I also swapped my mtx day to Tuesday so I at least wasn't drinking on the day before or after too, don't know if that makes much difference bit while my liver results keep being OK then this is what I will continue doing 😀

meelfyn profile image
meelfyn in reply toCat-E

My system also

HeadInASpin profile image
HeadInASpin

yes I always make a point of going out each week and having a couple of beers and a nice meal. Even if I’m not feeling great, I find it helps take my mind off things and reminds me that I haven’t lost everything from my old life…including the lovely man sitting opposite me!

kevbess profile image
kevbess

My Rheumatologist said that the unwritten rule is that you can drink as much as he can, and I like a drink or two.

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