Raised Alt

[Lamc]

After 3 years on methotrexate my alt has sat around 80 for last few months. Gp says its stable and doesnt seem concerned. My dose is 15mg and is working well. Any others with similar stories?

[rab1874]

I’ve had to come off Methotrexate 15mgs as it was affecting my liver and lungs and the GP thinks this is causing my breathing problems,waiting for scans to make sure but glad to be off it,just on biological injection now

[GranAmie]

i had MTX withdrawn as it affected my lungs - 25% function loss- and into w/chair for a bit til swimming/singing got me better. after some months got biologic and touch wood haven't looked back, tho' my infusion is overdue so am getting a bit twitchy.

just keep an eye on yrself.. cough etc

[Hidden]

My rheumatologist decided my ALT needed to be watched once it went above 120. I was on 20 mg MTX at the time. The ALT climbed past 180 and I stopped the MTX for 3 weeks. ALT dropped to 45 and I went back on MTX at 10 mg a week. That was nearly five months ago. So far, so good.

If you are worried, can you contact the rheumatology nurses to ask about it?

[Lamc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, that's really helpful. I spoke to rheum nurse who said they allow wider than normal levels for folk on methotrexate (I'm a nurse so i kind of knew that anyway) but was just having a wobble cause I'm pain free for first time in a couple of years and really dont want to stop current meds 😬😊

[Hidden in reply to Lamc]

Yes, they told me they would be OK about my ALT being a bit above the usual maximum of 40, so long as my other liver tests are all right (which they are). I was worried about having to stop the MTX, but I had no ill effects from missing it for just three weeks. I hope things go well for you.

[nomoreheels]

I think it's often the case if your levels are steady at one value & it's not way outside the lab's normal values, & you're having no other ill effects of course, that they're content to accept that it's your norm. Obviously if they rise to an unacceptable level then they'll ask you to halt your MTX for a week or two, repeat the bloods & if they're still increased then look for other reasons.