Methotrexate and alcohol

I would like to know the affects methotrexate has on the blood especially in regard to how alcohol may affect the blood. I currently am on methotrexate and I am allowed to drink a relatively small amount of alcohol. However I note when taking methotrexate and Alcohol there can be some adverse affects due to the low blood count. If one was to be stopped for an offence relating to drinking and driving is there the possibility that higher than normal alcohol readings in the blood may be given due to the adverse affect MTX can have on the blood. IE what would be considered below legal alcohol limits under normal circumstances could be increased by the presence of MTX in the blood due to the abnormally high ratio of alcohol to blood cell count and platelets. I appreciate it is better not to drink at all and remove the risk all together,however there are times when a social glass of beer or wine is taken. Can this increase the risk of giving a false higher than normal reading in the event of being breath or blood tested?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I have never heard anything about methotexate changing the blood alcohol level.  The concern with this drug, as you know, is potential liver damage.  I'm not sure I know what you mean by "some adverse affects due to the low blood count."  However, blood cell count and platelet count have nothing to do with alcohol blood level, as far as I know.  However, I am not expert on breath and blood testing for alcohol, so I can't comment on that particular question with any expertise.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[duped48]

A related discussion, methotrexate and bac levels was started.