Arava and Alcohol Use | Arthritis Information
Saw the recent post on Methotrexate and alcohol use. How about those of us who are on Arava? I just had my first blood work drawn last week since starting Arava and am anxiously waiting for the results. I have about two drinks a week and just hate to give it up if it's not necessary. It has become part of our social life since retiring. But, if it's feeling well versus drinking, guess the alcohol will have to go. Hi....I don't take arava so I don't know any of the recommendations regarding alcohol use while taking it. I mostly just wanted to say that I hope your tests come back normal. Let us know, K? :) Linncn2009-08-09 18:47:23arava is harder on the liver than mtx is so you do need to be very careful with the alcohol and tylenol productsDidn't know Arava was harder on the liver than Methotrexate. I just couldn't get used to that tired feeling on Methotrexate, waves of nausea, and increased nodules. Guess I should have asked a few more questions about Arava. But when you are in a flare, you don't always get the details...you just want relief!
Now that I'm much improved, I guess I'll follow up with more questions, or maybe I'll just be thankful I feel better. Doctor's office said they'd call if tests were not normal; otherwise I'll know more when I go in end of September. Thanks for the responses!
Hi Sharon
Hope your tests come out fine. Can you ask for copies of your tests be mailed to you or does your clinic have online lab results you can access? I never liked that they would just call if there was a problem and want to see for myself, so I get copies. Just thought I'd mention it. Cuts down on the worrying.
I don't take arava, but I talked to my doctor about switching from mtx to arava at one time due to headaches from mtx and I asked about alcohol and arava and she didn't feel moderate use was an issue with arava. I'll be curious to see what your doctor says.
Cathy....Thanks for responding. I usually ask for copies of my tests as I like to look back on them at times.
I agree it does cut down on the worrying. I have my Orencia at a nearby hospital (outpatient unit) and haven't needed the routine tests until I started the Arava about six weeks ago. I am someone who hates to call the office asking for anything, and the arrangements were actually made through an exchange of voice mails. When I go into the office in September, I think I will ask that the test results be mailed.
When it was suggested that I start Arava (a year and a half ago), they said "moderate alcohol" and I didn't question exactly what that meant. It's interesting that your doctor felt it wasn't an issue with Arava.....they sure all think differently!
I've been on Remicade, plaquenil, piroxicam, misoprostol, (not mtx) for 5+ years, added Arava two years ago, and have not given up my social drinking. Unfortunately, a cold beer works better for pain than a pain med... The only irregular liver test i've had came back after a wicked flare during which I took tylenol daily for a week solid. After I stopped taking it, the values were normal again. Everyone is different, but I was told by a friend who is a nurse not to worry too much about it. Good luck!
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