alcohol and methyltrexate

[Darcy2000]

I have PMR and did have GCA..( in remission ) I am on 10 mgs of Pred and 25 mgs of methyltrexate, once a week.. I just has a fabulous pre Christmas week in NYC and had a couple of glasses of wine everynight. I know tsk tsk ..but any thoughts on short term alcohol in take while being on Methyltrexate in regards to liver

[dmart7]

Generally, the advice is that you can drink alcohol with up to 25mg Methotrexate weekly, usually qualified as no more than the standard 14 units alcohol per week. But you will also find more cautious suggestions out there - eg. avoid alcohol because of the threat to the liver. Three monthly liver finction tests are presumably especially important. I don't know whether it is clinically justified, but I take my Mtx on a Wednesday, and usually only consume alcohol at the weekend. But I'm also reviewing whether to stay on Mtx after the recent study suggesting that it may not be effective.

[Gaz227 in reply to dmart7]

Have you a link to this MTX study I’m on it also and would be interested to read it 👍

[arvine in reply to dmart7]

I have just done my 5 th injection of methotrexate, and on 4 mgs of prednisone currently, but been on pred for over 8 years, oriinally started on 40 mgs for pmr, the last year or so have had a lot of issues with pain, rheumy suggested no longer have pmr but rather osteoarthritis, chronic pain in every joint even hands and fingers, he had done an RA test over year ago result sero negative, but recently prescribed methotrexate injections anyway, Im waiting to see if this drug will help with pain, can I ask what you were diagnosed with to be prescribed methotrexate ?

[Darcy2000 in reply to arvine]

I have PMR for 5 years …seems below 4 mgs of Pred I flare so he added MTX

I am going to ask him to remove MTX at next appointment …cramping my socializing with the minimum alcohol😂 and seriously for the reason , I don't think it has changed the PMR situation and less meds the better.

[arvine in reply to Darcy2000]

Sorry how long did you say you were taking methotrexate, and what dose, and are you having regular tests to check liver, I enjoy my wine before dinner as well, will see what next bloodwork shows re liver, also take extra strength tulenol ad predcribed by GP bit try to limit to 2000 mgs a day,

[Darcy2000 in reply to arvine]

I started 25 mgs of MTX. 8 months ago with 10 mgs of pred . I really question if the MTX is doing anything.I see my Rheumy in January. I really do miss my wine …our family enjoys getting together and having some wine and I know 14 units a week is the limit.

[arvine in reply to Darcy2000]

So sounds like you havent had any relief with either med, and you were put on borh drugs at the same time then for GCA, well hopefully your rheumy will have suggestions for you,if Metho is not helping understand there are other meds that may help you, I hope so, take care

[Gaz227]

I have one drink on special occasions , I don’t alcohol free beer so I might have one of those when I go out for a meal or meet up with friends . 👍,

[dmart7]

Came up here a few weeks ago. Link I have is:

acrabstracts.org/abstract/r...

[Darcy2000]

Thanks so much for referring me to that study on MTX. Definitely will talk to my Dr about it . Gives me hope for reducing or eliminating the MTX

[Myfoe]

I have avoided alcohol since PMR began in the beginning because it caused me more symptoms but then a close friend died from liver failure after drinking alcohol while being on methotrexate and a biologic am also taking methotrexate, prednisone and a biologic… Thank you for posting the article I been wanting to end methotrexate but my rheumatologist said it would be better to get off prednisone first but I am not feeling it does much for me…