Methotrexate blood tests

[IlonaJ]

Hi, I’ve been on Methotrexate for 13 years and have regular monthly blood tests which have always been fine . However last month my test came back showing raised ALT levels so the test has been repeated today. Apparently my levels had risen from 64 to 84. I have no idea what this means? What would a ‘normal/ok’ reading be? I must admit I have not taken the time to learn anything about my blood tests over the years, ie what is being tested, what ‘normal’ levels are , whether my levels are ok or not etc. I’ve never been told there was a problem before. Can anyone shed any light , in layman’s terms if poss as I’m now a little worried about what this means for the future for me . I have not been able to speak to my GP but suspect they may not know that much either given their usual performance / understanding of psoriatic arthritis and what that means for the patient . All comments welcome!

[Skymollie]

Hello, sorry to hear of the rise. I know the alt (sgpt) is a liver test and the range is supposed to be 0-45 u/l. When I wasn't on methotrexate my level was 12. Other blood tests I've taken say the range is 10-65 u/l, my level was 20. This enzyme is present in many tissues including the liver. Elevations can be due to certain medications or extensive exercise, but can also be a sign of liver disorders and acute viral hepatitis. I was on methotrexate for five weeks and my number for alt was 19. I think you definitely need to talk to the Doctors. I've seen on the forums where they take people off methotrexate once this starts happening. Good luck.

[Happyrosie]

If you want to understand the levels of what is ‘normal’ when you have a blood test there is a way.

each laboratory states what it’s normal is.

To ascertain this you need to see your test results. To get these, download the NHS app from the App Store or whatever your iPad or iPhone has for apps.

You then register with it - it’s quite a process but this makes it secure. But when you have done it you can use it to view test results. For example, on a recent blood test I had the following : platelet count 251 [150-400] showing that my platelet count of 251 is in the normal range of 150 to 400 for that laboratory.

I’m just giving this result as an example. If you’re on good terms with your pharmacist he or she might help to interpret your test results (gp’s often seem too busy)

I always feel that if I’m armed with I for action it makes it easier to understand what’s going on.

[Georgiab123]

Make sure you find out from consultant I took methotrexate it caused lung disease which has really changed my life so never give up