Taking MTX on holiday?

[RichardL60]

I am due on holiday in September for 2 weeks in (hopefully) sunny and warm St Lucia. Just started on 7.5mg MTX. I like to have a drink when on holiday. Could I miss a dose in the middle and take before and after holiday?

[Beth58]

I stopped taking Leflunomide 20mg daily for 3 weeks (before and during my holiday) last year, never had any problems but I did suffer in the weeks following my holiday until it built up in my system again.

People often have to miss a dose due to ill health or blood values, as long as you already have it in your system I can't see a problem as most DMARD's stay in the body for sometime after stopping them.

Go off enjoy your holiday but take plenty painkillers just in case.

Beth xx.

[Beegee]

Having been on MTX for many years, I suggest that you don't miss any doses as this may cause a "flare-up" which will spoil your holiday. 7.5mg is only a small amount and having a drink in moderation should be OK.

[Hidden]

At risk of sounding a bit grumpy Richard - I wouldn't stop taking the 7.5 unless I absolutely had to because of monitoring problems - let alone just for a holiday? Is it making you feel very ill or is this just because you want to have a few drinks? I would say you shouldn't drop a dose until it's been in your system for a much longer time at a higher dose if you want it to actually work.

If you read my question below yours I'm contemplating dropping a dose tomorrow but that's because I've been taking it for over 8 months and it has made me very sick recently and now I've got a horrible cold to boot so just really fancy a proper break to recover myself a bit.

Going on holiday to St. Lucia would seem a wonderful luxury to me and I certainly wouldn't want to risk a flare up or slow down the effects of a new drug that might help my RA if I were you. You could have a few drinks anyway as it's a low dose and probably won't make any difference - although I've found that even one drink seems to play havoc with my liver now I'm taking MTX - but that's just me I think ;-(

Have a good time away and get some vit D down you for me too. Tilda x

[thekeys46]

I went to mexico last Septemeber after having started on MTX in the August. We were all inclusive so I still had a few drinks(although not as many as on a previous holiday). I don't think it caused me any problems although now I am on 20mg I only have the odd drink as I just don't feel like it. My rheumatologist did give me a kenalog injection before I went(at her suggestion to make me feel better able to enjoy the holiday) so that may be worth asking about.

Have a good time

Lottie x

[megant]

Hi Richard

I was on methotrexate and still drank at the weekends ! It won't hurt not taking the MTX for a week or so as it will still be in your system anyway.

Don't let this disease ruin your holiday, go off and have a few drinks and bliming enjoy yourself, life is too short.

Have a great time

Alison

x

[RichardL60]

Many thanks for all your very helpful advice and comments. Much appreciated. I think I will continue to take MTX on holiday. Just have to give this 'moderation?' a try!!!

Be well or as best as possible!

Richard