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For years patients taking methotrexate and alcohol had been told by rheumatologists just to avoid alcohol altogether. Maybe these rheumatologists were wrong.
Methotrexate and Alcohol
Moderate alcohol intake while on methotrexate appears prudent. Research presented at the annual British Society for rheumatology conference revealed that rheumatoid arthritis RA patients who use methotrexate and alcohol moderately, appear to be at no greater risk for liver damage than non-drinkers. They found the risk of increased liver function tests were not different between drinkers and non-drinkers.
UK and USA
In the UK, it is advised that patients keep their alcoholic intake under 14 units per week. Similar to practitioners in the United States. UK rheumatologists tend to restrict alcohol consumption by their patients, as they believe alcohol to be hepatotoxic. But the evidence supporting a presumed adverse interaction is scant.
University of Manchester
Dr. Jenny Humphreys of the Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology at the University of Manchester presented findings from a database of more than 8,000 room tour thrice patients who started methotrexate between 1987 and 2011.
They concluded that alcohol consumption does not significantly increase your risk of abnormal liver function tests especially if you drink less than 14 units a week. Hence, moderation between methotrexate and alcohol appears to be prudent.
Not A Good Mix
Although, some researchers insist RA medicines and alcohol aren’t a good mix. Taking medicines like methotrexate and alcohol puts you at risk of liver damage. Drinking alcohol while taking certain RA medicines can increase the risk of liver damage.
Consult Doctor For Your Case
Your doctor will probably suggest you avoid all alcohol while taking certain RA medicines, Humira, Methylprednisolone 4 mg. If you’re having trouble giving up alcohol talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you find ways to cope or change your RA treatment.
By the way, a drink contains anywhere from 1-3 units depending on the alcohol content.
References
- https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-03-moderate-drinkers-widely-used-arthritis-medicine.html
- https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/moderate-alcohol-use-safe-methotrexate-ra/
This content is strictly an overview and study and is for informational and educational purposes only. Neither the sources of this content nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any medication.
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After over 2yrs on methotrexate, I can honestly say I feel worse, the pain doesn’t subside, I’m more depressed.
There is no one who really cares about this, I have waited 6 mnths for spinal surgery, and still got to wait another 6 mnths, it seems rediculous, had I been in accident I would be sorted by now, but because it’s on going, I feel like no one cares….