Methotrexate & Alcohol | Arthritis Information

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I am 18 years old and I have been on methotrexate for some time now. My doctor told me that I should not be consuming alcohol at all with this medicine, but I have been a few times now. I can't be honest with my doctor because my mother is always in the room and (being the bad child I am) my mom doesn't/can't know and I'm not sure if she is just telling me mainly because of the underage or if it's still a large risk for me to be doing every now and then. I read up a little and I've seen that some alcohol consumption is okay every now and then, but that is usually for older people. I know that alcohol damages your liver and mtx does too(?). I am wondering if it's different for me since I am younger, how often/much is allowed without damaging myself (not from the legal point of view please, I know I'm underage but drinking in college will happen). From my p.o.v. I think it's better I know then to be ignorant on it and harming myself.

Thanks.I understand not wanting to talk about in front of your mom, but I do think you should talk to your dr. about this.  Could you call the office and explain that you need to ask the dr. a question privately?  I think they would respect that.  I think the nurseline could probably also answer this question for you.

My understanding is that you are supposed to avoid alcohol on mtx, no matter what your age is, because your meds and alcohol both go through your liver.  I've seen some adults post that they have a glass of wine spaced as far from their mtx dose as possible with no problems, but college students don't always limit themselves to one glass of wine LOL, so that is why I think you need to talk to your dr. and be totally honest about what is going on.
my doctor said 1-2 drinks a week not around the day you take the medicine should be okay I am a pharmacist and it is NEVER a good idea to drink while on MTX. There are little things that can happen. Like if you get sick and need an antibiotic. You are already limited being on MTX because of liver problems. Using alcohol could hurt even more. Or if you need to use Tylenol. Another liver damaging drug. Ther are so many scenarios where using MTX and drinking alcohol could be a problem.

 
That being said I drank in college. Parties were fun. You don't have to drink to have fun but....
My daughter has JRA and whether or not she is taking MTX when she is a teen I would want her to talk to me about drinking. I was there, I'd understand. Your mom might too. If not, you are 18 and not a minor. If you can't make an appointment by yourself with the doctor, call on the phone and ask any questions you have. They can't rat you out
 
Be careful!!
I have been on Methotrexate for 20 plus years at 15mg a week.  I drink and I'm a nurse.  I never have alchohol on the days around my dosing of Methotrexate.  I don't drink more than one or two drinks.  My doctor said no alchohol, but I been doing it for over 20 years and have perfectly normal liver functioning.  I am also sure to drink water after any alchohol I drink so I am well hydrated.  They are both broken down in the liver so it can be stressful on it.  Be careful if you do wish to indulge.  You may not have the luck I have had!




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