Drinking alcholic drinks while taking methotrexate

 

Question  I have just recently been diagnosed with RA and am starting on my 4th week of Methotrexate. My doctor has told me I can have 4 glasses of wine a year. I have read where you should not drink on the day you take Methotrexate and that having a couple glasses of wine a week is permissible. Why is my doctor telling me otherwise? All my initial blood work came out fine. If one goes into remission after a year or two with RA, can you go off the Methotrexate or do you have to continue taking the drug no matter what?
 
Answer 

Hi Marybeth,

Rheumatologists differ on how much alcohol they allow their patients to drink.  Our general rule of thumb at the Hopkins Arthritis Center is to allow two drinks per week.  That assumes that the liver function tests are being monitored regularly.  There aren't any data that would address your question about taking the alcohol on the same day as the methotrexate but it would seem prudent not to do so.

Last update: 04:13 PM Wednesday, January 28, 2009

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Joan Bathon, MD

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