Liver test & starting methotrexate.

[Nelliekel]

hi everyone.

I'm a bit confused, I had my chest x Ray and blood test ready to start methotrexate, but the nurse called and said my liver result was a bit high and also my immflamation markers were up although my CRP being raised doesn't surprise me in the slightest seeing as I'm still in my initial flare.

she told me to stop taking naproxen for 2 weeks and then to return and have another blood test.

what exactly is wrong with my liver and is this common? Or does it sound like something wrong and I'll not be allowed it.

Thanks,

Kelly.

[Bootoo]

I had to stop taking naproxen as my liver didn't like it and my bloods returned to as normal as they could be in a few weeks. I don't think you need to worry it'll be a case of trying other things.

[Neonkittie17]

I echo Bootoo and had to stop anti inflams same reason when starting Mtx many years ago. It settled down fine after the next blood test two weeks later. It’s quite common. I don’t think you’ll be refused starting it at all, as soon as your LFT comes back to the required level. Good luck. 💗

[Nelliekel]

Thank you both, just feels a bit one thing after another at the minute so think everything is making me anxious x

[helixhelix]

What they are testing are liver enzymes. These increase for many, many reasons. And drugs are one of them. So it is possible that your liver is reacting to anti-inflammatories as many people do have that reaction.

But the liver is a remarkable organ and can repair itself, so don’t worry. The most likely is that at the next blood test all will be fine and you will be able to start MTX. And you may not react the same way to other anti-inflammatories so may be able to use them if needed in the future.

[Nelliekel]

Thank you. What happens if the next test is still high. Would I not be allowed to start methotrexate and have to try something else?

[helixhelix in reply to Nelliekel]

That is possible, but there are a lot of possible drugs for RA now.

[Esmereld]

It is a worry at first. Lots of us get blips in our blood results from time to time. You’ll get used to it. Most of us have tried a few different drugs over the years. There are plenty to choose from so don’t worry if methotrexate isn’t for you. As others have said, your next results will more than likely come back normal. It’s very common. We’re so lucky to have these teams keeping an eye on us.

[Otto11]

I agree with all the other comments. It is most likely a blip & that is the reason they do these tests as they know this happens from time to time. It happens with a few medications & once you start Methotrexate you will have regular blood tests to monitor your liver enzymes along with other things. Our livers are very good at repairing themselves & very quickly too so don’t be too worried. If your nurse didn’t mention cutting down on alcohol then I would suggest it ( that’s if you do drink alcohol) as that has a similar effect on your liver.

It’s happened to a lot of us from time to time. Hope all will be ok & you can start treatment soon x

[madme1]

My reading is also always a bit high although I am not on naproxen. I was told that this is normal and not to worry about it.

[Chockyuk]

As others have said already, liver tests can be up for a number of reasons. My ALT was in the 100’s when I first started taking MTX, so I had to come off it for a few weeks, then start again. For me, it turned out I was taking high doses of Omeprazol and it interacted badly with the MTX, but the first thing the nurse said to me was, are you taking lots of painkillers, so I can see why they are asking you to cut back on the Naproxen.But there are other treatments for RA, that I’m sure aren’t as harsh on the liver as MTX, so they could well start you on something else.

Good luck, I hope it goes well for you.

x

[Nelliekel in reply to Chockyuk]

Thank you, that's interesting. I am actually already on omeprazole, but the consultant knows this so hope they don't interact when I do start!

[Chockyuk in reply to Nelliekel]

I’m sure it’ll be ok, everyone is different, but it affected me as I was on 40mg per day. Now I’m on just the one 15mg of Lansaprozal and my liver tests are really low now, in fact my ALT has even been 17, which is really good, I’ve been so much higher in the past.It’s amazing how just one or two things can change your liver tests, but since I’ve had RA, I’ve learnt so much about what the blood tests mean, I think we have to be our own advocates with this disease.

👍👍😊