MTX blood tests

[jim1063]

Hi I got diagnosed with RA in January this year. I have been taking 20mg of MTX for the last 8 weeks. My GP has told me my blood tests are showing low haemoglobin levels. For 3 or 4 days after taking MTX I feel like I've ran into a wall. Has anyone had the same problems.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Jim, welcome. Sorry to hear you've had the diagnosis. I'm a veteran of MTX, 8 years, diagnosed seropositive 9 years. This problem is one reason we have regular drug monitoring blood tests, MTX can cause reductions in levels of Hb, other blood cells & organs too. Was your GP concerned enough to ask you to go in for another blood test or to stop MTX for a week or so? If not maybe he just wants to keep a closer eye on your results.

Alternatively as 20mg is on the higher side for an initial dose, you being newly diagnosed, your Rheumy may want to reduce the dose a tad to see if your Hb value reduces again.

Either way don't worry, it can take a little while to balance dose against even blood tests.

[BoneyC]

My Hb is often below the recommended level, but nothing is done. However, recently I had my ferritin level checked and it was 49 - can be up to about 300. I was prescribed 200mg Iron tabs for 8 weeks and its now up to 84. One GP told me she would get my level up to 150 and another said she's never met a female with ferritin level of 150! Different Dr's have differing opinions. If it's only just below the recommended level, they probably wont do anything about it.