methotrexate question: My last blood work has shown... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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methotrexate question

Linny3 profile image
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My last blood work has shown a slightly elevated blood work for the liver. The figure is 36u/l (35u/l being high normal)

Thru the past 6 years my numbers have been low the highest being 20 u/l a few years ago.

This makes me nervous. The dr. Said to stay on metho. And re-test in 4 weeks.

For those who have been taken off metho. I am wondering how high were your numbers?

Thank you

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Linny3
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

That is so close to normal it barely counts at present, They will look for a trend and how much it goes up.

You don't say WHICH test that is the result for but the liver enzyme they worry about is a transaminase - which can be raised by other factors too, including alcohol, NSAIDs, non-alc fatty liver disease and other things. They don't usually worry until it is at least double the upper level of the normal level - which you are nowhere near - so I imagine they will see what happens next time. That's WHY they do the tests - so they identify things before they become a problem.

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toPMRpro

Thank you for the reply. What concerned me is the 36 is triple what the figure normally is. Seems like a big jump even though it is just over normal.I repeat test in 4 weeks. I really do want to stay on the metho.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toLinny3

Did see someone say they had to stop because the liver results were dodgy but were off for a few weeks and then restarted at a lower dose and crept up and it was OK.

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toPMRpro

As. I recall, haven’t you been on it and had to stop due to blood work?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toLinny3

No, I stopped because I felt so ill and fatigued. I couldn't function and that wasn't an option.

PMRCanada profile image
PMRCanada in reply toLinny3

I believe that was Mrs. Nails.

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

Linny - in FAQ’s you’ll find My Story & it goes through why l was taken of MTX & how l was restarted & the ‘acceptable’ levels. Just bring up by 1point is not a problem we can all flip either side without a worry.

Unfortunately, l’m extremely tired tonight but l’ll attach you the link, l’m not around tomorrow but can touch base on Sunday if you are still concerned.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

MrsN

Rugger profile image
Rugger

I'm on MTX and my figure doubled from 31 to 62 recently. A month later it was back down to 30 and the cause of the increase was thought most likley to have been the Covid vaccination that I'd had - it was my liver's normal response to the vaccine (or any other infection)!!

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toRugger

Thank you so much for responding. It helps to ease my mind. Have you been able to reduce the prednisone?

Rugger profile image
Rugger in reply toLinny3

I had reduced the pred to zero with the help of Tocilizumab before I started MTX! I'm only on MTX because my Rheumatologist feared I might flare on no medication at all! I've been on it for 4 months and we decided to give it a year's trial before risking nothing at all. Watch this space!

PMR 2016

GCA-LVV 2019

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toRugger

That is wonderful. I yearn for the day when my body gives up this awful disease🤨

Rugger profile image
Rugger in reply toLinny3

Yes, we are all living in the hope that will happen. The years pass by, but we're still here and I try to remain positive about the possibility of remission. 🤞

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