It’s like drinking and driving for me. You just dont do it. I have been diagnosed with JRA at the young age of 11. I have been taking medications since I can remember. My parents have always taught me never to drink and take any kind of medication. Besides when I wake the next day from having a drink my hands and feet swell up. Never again… bottle water, coffee, juice-plenty of other stuff to drink other than alcohol.

I would like to know how long it takes my liver to process a glass of wine (or other alcoholic beverage) and if, at the end of that biochemical process, I can take a Tylenol—either regular, extra, or “arthritis” (up to 8 hours pain relief, it claims) strength.

The recent concerns about daily maximum dosage of Tylenol have not included this type of information.

I realize each individual’s drug therapy must be considered; however, this information would guide my imbibing. For example, does a glass of wine with dinner, an arthritis Tylenol at bedtime, and another Tylenol in the morning keep me and my liver happy and healthy?

I believe the jury is still out on drinking and Methotrexate.  There are no scientific studies I am aware of that suggests there is a link between the two.  There are research studies that indicate that moderate consumption of wine can have health benefits for some people; I hate to think I might miss out on something that might promote better health.  I have been on Methotrexate for many years and do enjoy an occasional drink.  However, I do so judiciously and am careful not to use it as a Methotrexate chaser.  I am also a “sipper”, and can make a glass of wine last a very long time!

After living with severe RA for 25 years, the first 15 spent feeling unwell, the last 10, with the help of a biologic, feeling well. I’m still excited to wake up each day able to get out of bed. Moderate alcohol consumption is fine for most, but for me, it makes me feel ill and I have become used to waking up feeling good.

I think that the study suggesting that alcohol may ward off disease in our senior years is likely “putting the cart before the horse”.  People who do not drink because they take medications for their ailments (that could result in negative interactions) are very likely to be less healthy than those people who are able to drink alcohol and don’t have any medications (or interactions) to worry about at all.  We already know that heavy drinking is very hard on one’s liver so that is irrelevant. 
I would have to see the manner in which this “study” was conducted before I would believe it.

I was bemused in reading the article in your latest VOICES publication regarding the benefits of light to moderate drinking of alcohol.
               
I am a senior with severe RA and hope to find relief soon by taking my second biologic, Enbrel. (Remicade worked great for 7 years, then stopped). I am also a moderate drinker.

My rheumatologist suggested a move to Enbrel, but advised that if I wished to be covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan, I would be required first to take Methotrexate for three months before starting Enbrel. She has stated before and once again reiterated that one drink per week is the maximum allowed when on Methotrexate, meaning that I would be missing out on the benefits of moderate drinking!

I have opted to pay for the medication myself (with some help from insurance), rather than giving up alcohol and its enjoyment and benefits.

I find the situation somewhat ironic, but assume that it all has to do with costs to the government.

Richard MacLean Toronto