Scared

Suppose to start taking 8 methotrexate 2.5 this evening, along with folic acid. My question is, is it ok to have a glass of wine tonight and is it ok to drink wine while taking this med ?

[geminigirl1963]

Your pharmacist is always a great source of this type of information regarding side effects and what to avoid while taking a medication.

I did do a little research on this for you and while looking at a site, found the following information:

What should I avoid while taking methotrexate?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds), especially if you are being treated for psoriasis. Methotrexate can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and your psoriasis may worsen. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking methotrexate.

So, I'm hoping you haven't had that glass of wine tonight and avoid drinking while you're on it.  My guess is that, even though the dosing of methotrexate is usually not an every day dose, but rather several times a week - you probably should still not drink alcohol even on the days that you do not take the methotrexate.  However, to verify that and see if it would be safe for you to have a glass of wine on the days you don't take the meds, you may want to ask your pharmacist.  They really do have a better knowledge of what to do and not do while taking meds than your physician does.

[geminigirl1963]

I forgot to mention that the reason they say to avoid alcohol while taking methotrexate is because of the risk of liver damage is greater.

[Deni37]

The response is correct....you are not supposed to drink alcoholic beverages while taking methotrexate...I was on the same dose as you and my rheumy said no alcohol...some rheumies will allow a certain number of drinks per year...like 1 drink on a special occasion...recommend you contact your rheumy if not already done, as s/he should have provided this direction to you...it's to avoid liver damage...I've since been put on other RA meds, but still can't drink...and I have no liver problems based on my bloodwork...please also make sure they check your bloodwork periodically...they did mine every 8 weeks while on MTX, and they still do it every 8 weeks while I'm on the current mix of meds (prednisone, plaquenil, imuran, humira & Celebrex)...best wishes with the MTX and  be sure to take your folic acid with it as prescribed (since it will minimize any side effects)...good luck and don't be scared...I was too when I first started on MTX, but it went fine....