High Liver Function results: Hi has any one had high... - NRAS

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High Liver Function results

Cactiman profile image
11 Replies

Hi has any one had high Liver function results when they have had a blood test. This is the second time I have, I’m told to stop taking Methotrexate and get another blood test. It seems to go back down again afterwards.

Just wondering if it is common thing with R.A.?

Thanks Dennis

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Cactiman profile image
Cactiman
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11 Replies
cass24 profile image
cass24

I think you'll find it's not UNcommon when taking Mtx - and it's one of the reasons we need to have blood tests so regularly.

Thankfully I've not had problems with my liver so far, but my white cell count and neutrophils quite frequently fluctuate and the usual advice is to continue the Mtx but to have another blood test in another couple of weeks' time.

My GP did however also mention that there are certain levels which, if reached, would indicate that Mtx should be stopped immediately which I would guess is what has happened in your case. Fingers crossed, if you take a break for a few weeks, things will normalise or if your liver continues to be affected then possibly it will be necessary to find an alternative treatment.

Good luck!

oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

Yup. Common thing to happen on methotrexate. It stopped me drinking all together as I was fed up with being asked how much I had been drinking (one glass of wine in the evening it was then) as though, somehow, it was my fault that the LFTs (liver function tests) were raised. Stopping the wine didn't make any difference and then I had to come off it anyway because of other problems.

dawkin_S profile image
dawkin_S

I have had exactly this happen Cactiman. I got myself in a right state worrying about having to go on some new drugs, as I had two tests in a row with elevated levels, but the next one was back to normal. So, in my anecdotal experience at least, it seems to go up and down.

I have wondered as well if it matters when they do the test - I've had the test a couple of times on methotrexate day and had higher levels then.

Jutsum profile image
Jutsum

Yes have had several raised liver function test results and advised to have more frequent blood tests until levels drop, and occasionally have been told stop taking mx until things level out. Hope it all calms down soon.

My liver function numbers were going higher and higher about a year ago. I was only taking MTX (20 mg). I stopped it for 3 weeks, the numbers came down and I was restarted on 10 mg of MTX. Since then, no problems - touch wood!

beeckey profile image
beeckey

My LFT were very high for a long time back and forward every 2 weeks.I have stopped MTX completely now

rpb20003 profile image
rpb20003

not quite sure but my blood test all was come back with high liver function but i have gilberts syndrome

HelloRAbackagain profile image
HelloRAbackagain

Hi,I've had high Liver function for my last 2 blood tests and was advised to stop mtx. Apparantly it's common but a bit worrying when it does happen. My GP advised me to monitor other symptoms if they occurred like sweating, stomach and back pain.

Waiting on 3rd test. If it hasn't reduced my rheumy nurse says they'll do other tests. Fingers crossed it goes down.

I guess advise is monitor symptoms and let them know what's going on.

Best of luck.

Ms-D profile image
Ms-D

I get that a lot depending on the meds I am taking. It will go down so please don't worry but they need to make sure it doesn't get more than 4 x the normal level. Hopefully stopping the medication for a while will help. They will monitor you and if it happens again possibly change your medication. As the person before said check for other symptoms too. Hope you get better results next time x

Cactiman profile image
Cactiman

Thank you for all your comments, I feel a bit more reassured now.

Eden1 profile image
Eden1

I have had the same over past number of weeks. Was on 20mg mtx, liver function got very elevated, came off for few weeks , back on it then liver function raised again and back off. But it had reduced with last test so recently back on at reduced dose of 10 mg. But I’m having regular blood tests so need to see how it goes.

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