Advice?: My rheumatologist is a bit of a flake and can... - NRAS

NRAS

37,229 members46,073 posts

Advice?

Karen77 profile image
6 Replies

My rheumatologist is a bit of a flake and can't keep track of my medications. She called me last night to tell me that my blood work is showing my liver is starting to be affected, so she wants me to reduce my MTX to "9". She then hung up the phone. I'm taking MTX by injection, so I can't reduce it to "9". I called her office back but it's closed until Jan 5 and doesn't accept messages. Do I ask my GP to prescribe me 2 weeks worth of MTX at a lower injection volume (currently it's 25 mg or the equivalent of 10 pills)? Or do I go back to pills for 2 weeks? I see my rheumy next on Jan 9.

Written by
Karen77 profile image
Karen77
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
wishbone profile image
wishbone

Crikey, that's a bit of a weird one! Do you have a rheumy helpline you can phone? If that's not possible then go ahead and get in touch with your GP to see what he/she has to say. Maybe they can contact her or someone else in your rheumy team.

Karen77 profile image
Karen77 in reply towishbone

Thanks. No helpline here (Canada) that I'm aware of. My GP has suggested I take the oral MTX until my rheumy is back from holidays.

in reply toKaren77

It sounds like she expected you to take the equivalent of 9 MTX pills for while to see if your liver function improves. I would do as your GP suggests.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

Do you think she meant 9 tablets Karen? That's how I read it, that would be 22.5mg. Are they prefilled injections or do you have syringe & separate mtx in a bottle? The safest way would be to go to tablets for the fortnight but, again your GP should hopefully advise if that's the safer option. How odd!

Just as an example, my MTX was increased from 15mg to 20mg once when I had a new Consultant & my liver objected so it was reduced back down to 15mg with no further issues, my next liver readings were back to normal after reducing the dose. x

Just read your reply to wishbone, tablets it is then!

Karen77 profile image
Karen77 in reply tonomoreheels

Thanks Heels. Merry Christmas!!

Connie_C profile image
Connie_C

That's not good service is it ! If you can get to see or talk to the gp I'd suggest doing that. If not, how about the pharmacist where you'd normally get your prescription ? Another suggestion would be to call 111. They have Dr's available for instances like this. I think you'd be best with some medical advice before you reduce the Mtx yourself. When you next see the Rhuematologist who let you down tell her what you had to do because she didn't do her job properly !! Good luck.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

MTX back on

RA nurse called me as a quick fix as they can't send me a script for anything else back on to MTX...

Anyone have RA as well as a myalgia?

Hi All, I joined the group several weeks ago but was diagnosed with RA about 6 months ago. I...
francko profile image

Neutrophils down again...

Same old story, body just does not cope for long on Metaject or oral MTX. After calling for blood...

Drowziness on Buccastem tablets versus nausea of MTX versus pain if I dish it all!?

Hi All, Sorry to be back again with yet another dilemna but I find these anti-emetics are making...

Injectable Mtx !!!

Hi Saw the rheumy nurse today. The upshot is, to reduce the sickness and diarrhoea that I am...
sciqueen profile image

Moderation team

See all
KateL-NRAS profile image
KateL-NRASAdministrator
Donagh-NRAS profile image
Donagh-NRASAdministrator
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.