Hi Sylvia

Whilst missing methotrexate probably won't do any harm, it stays in the system for weeks anyway, I personally would advise against it. Interruption in the meds can cause problems for other bodily systems which have to cope with the withdrawal so I would be inclined to continue unless medically advised not to. As mtx stays in the system the 'rules' relating to drink would still apply anyway. Those rules seem to differ; I was told no alcohol at all, others seem to have received other advice allowing a small amount. Perhaps someone else can add their thoughts on this!

Hmmm... it does seem rather wasteful hanging about patiently waiting for such a brief encounter but I suppose if things were going awry it would have been a welcome opportunity to discuss any issues!

Hope you have a lovely holiday. Where are you off to?

Lyn x

Hi Sylvia,

I have been on MTX for almost 3 years and missed it out for up to two weeks whilst on holiday and it has never shown in bloods and I have said I was going to do so before hand and told it was ok. I have did this on a number of holidays, I also have a drink now and again not much but I like wine, or a gin and tonic, or a malibu and orange. never anymore than 2 in a night. Also I would only do it once a week on normal occasions but more on holiday. Hope this is some help to you. Have a ball on holiday Lorna x

Hi Sylvia

I don't have a drink every week but if I want one and its a lovely evening whether im on MTX or not I have one and it has never did me any harm. If you are careful it should be ok. I was given sheets on all the drugs and it said having a drink in moderation was ok. I dont on Saturday night when I take MTX but another night I would. It's putting normallity back into your life that makes all the difference. Enjoy your vodka and soda I'm sure you will be fine. Lorna x

well i have just took it too croatia and had the normel 2 doses .

i stuck to little mouthfulls of drink as it was served twice a day with meals and all afternoon and eveing free of charge

Somedays just had juice and water ....I had may be quater of a glass and drunk a whole one on 25 wedding .

Mouthfull of brandy and mouthfull of this and that .
Home 2 days already had the blood test so will let you know if any thing is wrong christine

I started taking MTX 3 weeks ago. I asked my specailist nurse about drinking and was told it was OK to have my daily allowance 2 - 3 units per day (its says this in the booklet I was given). If anything showed up in my blood test I would have to stop and see if things improved. Adding that they don't want to stop us having something that we enjoy.

We don't drink everyday so when I went and my blood test done last week I asked the nurse if I I hadn't had a drink for a few days could I have them all in one go. I knew what she would say NO but I asked anyway. I've read many times on here not to have a drink the day before your test, I had mine done last Monday, realised Monday morning I had a glass of wine the night before. Everything is OK so I got away with it. I like wine and I have decided that I am going to start as I mean to go on. I am not going to stop drinking the odd glass of wine. RA has taken alot of me from me and it's not going to stop me enjoying the odd glass of wine. I measure it out 250ml and enjoy every swallow. (I'm not going to be done out of one single drop).

I would think from what I have read that if you do stop taking it for one week it will still be in your system so I would think it wouldn't be wise to drink too much. The best person to ask is your specailist nurse.

Cheers
Paula x x

I was offered a drink of pop when I went to see my mother in law in the nursing home. I don't really like eating or drinking there, I'm a little funny about things llike that, but I had to drink it. It was Asda Cherries and Berries, with no added sugar dilute pop. It was so nice I went straight and got myself some.

After reading what Lyn put in the above post, if I use sparkly water, put in a nice wine glass I can pretend it's Rose wine. Same colour, worth a try.

Oh I can dream!!!!!

Paula x x x

Yes, I know I am boring but in the interests of 'reasonably' good health ...

"Patients on methotrexate should completely abstain from alcohol due to the fact that the increased risk of liver damage is significant for people who are drinking alcohol while taking methotrexate. I typically permit my patients to have a drink on a special occasion but to limit it to only a few times per year and no more than two drinks per month. In addition, alcohol can elevate the liver function tests in the blood which may affect the dose of medication prescribed." (Courtesy of Dr Zashin, Professor of Rheumatology and various American medical associations and colleges and author of a number of RA books)

I knew I had this info somewhere, these are the guidelines followed by my own rheumatologist. I have the benefit of over 10 years experience on methotrexate and, at risk of sounding completely grumpy (which I am today ), it really is a toxic drug. Please don't underestimate it by taking unnecessary chances for a few hours pleasure. It can take a while for liver damage to show by which time ... who knows!

End of ....!!!

Lyn x

P.S. You might only have been joking Paula but I like that idea! I have some lovely mixed berry juice in the fridge and sparkly water ... just need to find the wine glasses!!! Umm luvley jubbly!!

Oh Lyn, I knew someone would come along and tell me not to drink.

I know is early days for me with MTX and I wouldn't want to do something that may cause me problems.

I answered about drinking in another thread and I did say that I had read that the only way to find out if there is a problem with your liver is by a biopsi and not just from a blood test. I had to see my GP a few days ago to get my stomach protector that had been prescribed by my consultant on my repeat prescription list. Thought it was a waste of an appointment but I had to go, so when I was there I asked for his opinion re liver and blood tests. He told me that if my liver function test results showed everything was OK then there wasn't a problem. If they did show that something was wrong then more test would have to be done.

I would think that from what he said any changes would be found out very quickly with all of the blood test that you have to have done when taking MTX. I wouldn't think that severe damage could be done just in the space of a month. My mother in law use to have a drink problem, when I say a problem I mean a problem. I tried everything that I could to try to stop her from drinking. I even went behind her back to see her GP. Long story of what happened but she did end up having a liver function test done which did raise concerns. She stopped drinking spirits and drank wine and her liver function did return back to within normal function levels. She then went back to drinking spirits again but that's another story.

I have also read that the liver will heal itself until you cross the line of drinking too much. Like I said I don't think that this line would be crossed just within a month because of the monthly test. I have read on lots of post from people saying that they have had to have a break from taking MTX because of results from blood tests and once the liver's returned to normal they have started taking it again.

Just a footnote about my mother in laws drinking.........she seemed to of got away with it with her liver but according to her doctor it is what caused her dementia. The only positive thing thats come out of her dementia is that she's forgot she likes drink.

Paula x x

Lyn.........you have said the S word. No need to be sorry, you are just trying to help. It seems that we have been given conflicting advice.

I have been told my nurse that it is alright to have a drink as long as I don't go over the recommended units.

I was give a little monitoring booklet to keep a record of my dosage and blood results in. Its plum and pink in colour. Its from the NHS National Patient Safety Agency. It is titled 'Methotrexate Treatment' Printed on it...... Oral Methotrexate pre-treatment patient information leaflet.

I have read this from cover to cover and there is a section on alcohol.

It reads......Methotrexate and alcohol may both cause liver damage. The risk of liver damage from MTX appears to be greater in psoriasis than with individuals who have RA. The risk is increased by alcohol, if you are taking MTX you should ensure that your alcohol intake is well within the maximum limits (2 -3 units per day for women and 3-4 units per day for men). It then goes on to say that if you have psoriasis it may be recommended that you avoid alcohol altogether....It says risk of liver damage, but we are having regular blood tests done to detect any changes in our liver function and if any changes do show we will take measures to try to stop it i.e. stopping drinking.

I have just got out the leaflet that I was given at the chemist from the manufactures of the drug and yes it does say that alcohol should be avoided while receiving MTX. But it also says that taking NSAID'S can reduce the efffectiveness of how MTX works. The chemist when I went to have my prescription made up threw a tissy fit when she saw that I was being prescribed them as well. I think that the manufactures are just acting on the safe side to cover themselves.

I've taken the advice from my nurse who must of seen thousands of patient taking MTX and having the odd drink. This is my decision and I wouldn't want to advise anyone to start drinking whilst taking MTX. We all have to make our own personal choice of if we do or if we don't drink. Like I said before RA's taken alot of me from me and I enjoy a glass of wine and if my body can tolerate it whilst on MTX then long may it continue.

I may not be posting for the next few days, problems with the lap top, so if I don't reply again to you Lyn, please don't think I have taken offence at anything that you may post. I always find your post very informitive and interesting, you've got so much experience to offer about things related to RA.

Love Paula x x

Hi Paula

Once again conflicting information rules the day! My drug management book is white and is also from the NHS National Patient Safety Agency. However, the information given is quite different to yours.

I have been taking NSAIDs, Methotrexate, Steroid and a Biologic concurrently for many years now so avoid alcohol anyway; just don't feel safe adding any more toxins! As a result of all this blooming stuff that is supposed to make me feel something like 'normal' I am, for the second time in five months, Neutropenic. My immune system is completely wiped out this time to the extent that I may now need a bone marrow transplant to rectify the situation as the neutrophils aren't picking up. I'm going to see another specialist later in the week.

I appreciate I'm over reacting at the moment but would hate to see anyone else experience Methotrexate difficulties that could perhaps be avoided. We shouldn't have to justify anything we do and I'm quite sure the odd glass of whatever takes our fancy is totally safe. I am just very wary due to my present position.

Hope you get the laptop sorted, dratted things!! Speak soon Paula,

Lyn xx