Methotrexate and Humira questions

[Shryock86]

I just started Methotrexate today, and should start Humira by the end of the week or early next week. A few questions I have that I forgot to ask my Doctor, and was just wondering if you guys knew the answers to are:

1) Why is Methotrexate only taken once a week ?

2) Is drinking alcohol a big no no with either or both medicines ?

3) I take 100mg Trazodone to help me sleep at night, any idea if that interferes with any of the medicines ?

I know I can always call the Pharmacy and ask them but I just figured this would be quicker.

 

[handle]

Hi Shryock -

Interesting questions. The mechanism of action isn't full understood for Methotrexate. However it is a very powerful drug, and once a week is quite enough. If that dose were taken daily it could possibly kill you within a week...
Have you been told to take folic acid? It is very important to take about 5mg weekly, usually the morning after the Methotrexate. The Mtx interferes with folic acid production which causes a lot of the side effects from the drug (nausea, mouth sores etc.)
Unfortunately alcohol is a 'big no no' with the mtx. It causes liver damage due to the combined effect. I believe one beer a month is permitted!
I've heard of people taking Trazadone with mtx, so it is probably ok but you will have to check with the doc.

Good luck with it all, hope it goes well for you.

 

[Nial Black]

Alcohol is a big no! I found this out the hard way by having 2-3 beers on a friday out. It is also important to space out your dose of Folic acid, my Dr told me to remember it like this 'Methotrexate on a monday, Folic acid on a friday' I assume that means spacing it out 4 days. Best of luck with treatment

 

[handle]

Regarding folic acid:
As yet there seems no consensus view on when the folic acid supplement should be taken, even whether weekly or daily is preferable, so best to follow your own doctors recommendations. It's a bit of trial and error with each person, but has shown great benefit.

 

[Shryock86]

I am also taking folic acid because of the methotrexate. My Doctor has me taking 1mg once a day.

That is somewhat disappointing about the drinking thing. I rarely ever drink but I am glad I asked.

 

[Shryock86]

Alcohol is a big no! I found this out the hard way by having 2-3 beers on a friday out. It is also important to space out your dose of Folic acid, my Dr told me to remember it like this 'Methotrexate on a monday, Folic acid on a friday' I assume that means spacing it out 4 days. Best of luck with treatment

What do you mean by you had to find out the hard way ?