High potassium levels. : I take Methotrexate 25mg per... - NRAS

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High potassium levels.

Maggiemae58 profile image
9 Replies

I take Methotrexate 25mg per week. Does this affect anyone’s potassium levels?

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Wobbies profile image
Wobbies

Sorry no answer to it but I am interested in your post as I have high potassium levels and am on methotrexate. They are always at the top of normal and sometimes over.

Doughnut61 profile image
Doughnut61

I had this twice, ask nurse to loosen the tourniquet once needle in vein, since doing this mine have been normal 👏🏻 Apparently you can get false readings if tourniquet is to tight 🙏🏻

Maggiemae58 profile image
Maggiemae58 in reply toDoughnut61

This is interesting because the tourniquet is always so tight I can hardly stand it. So yes I will mention that next time I get my blood drawn. Thank you

Kidney function is a big part of potassium regulation, when you take methatrexate your kidney function is closely monitored because it can irritate them sometimes.

There are so many reasons why someone might get a high potassium, and not all of them are because of the person (if your blood sample has been sat around too long it can cause a false high potassium for example).

A true high potassium is a medical emergency and they would be doing something about it (there's a distinct cut off on reference range where potassium is considered high) if it was significant.

Does it worry you ? If so defo chat to your Dr, but GPs would be really hot on high potassium plus they would be phoned by the labs if it was a high one (I use to work in lab and make these calls to GPs), so your GP would be getting in contact if they thought you were hyperkalemic.

Wobbies profile image
Wobbies in reply toMarionfromhappydays

Yes I have been phoned and sent to A & E by GP because of potassium level once. Mind you told me to drive there even though he told me I was at risk of a heart attack. 🤣🤣

Marionfromhappydays profile image
Marionfromhappydays in reply toWobbies

🥺

Hope they gave you an explanation of why it was raised, all very stressful I bet x

Wobbies profile image
Wobbies in reply toMarionfromhappydays

Oddly I did not find it stressful as I never believed the GP. When I got to the hospital, they took another blood sample and it was OK at the top of the range. The original phlebotomist had made me squeeze a ball which I think ruined the test. Only my theory but I have avoided that phlebotomist ever since. The most annoying thing was it was a dark wet Friday evening and I live 25 miles from A & E so not a great way to spend a Friday evening. However, I should be grateful he was on the ball. x

Marionfromhappydays profile image
Marionfromhappydays in reply toWobbies

Well glad it turned out ok, 25 miles though 🥺

Maggiemae58 profile image
Maggiemae58 in reply toMarionfromhappydays

Thank you Marion for your information and time . My kidney functions are always normal and I’ve cut out potassium rich foods. The last 4 times my blood was drawn it’s above the normal range. A bit frustrating as my Doctor doesn’t seem concerned.

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