MTX dose v blood test timing.

[Robejo]

Hi, has anyone ever noticed any sort of correlation between (1) the relative timing of mtx dose and the monitoring blood test, and (2) the level of any abnormality in the results? So for example, if mtx is taken on sunday night and bloodtest is on monday morning, is that more likely to show abnormality as compared to having the bloodtest on the friday? (All else being equal)

[KittyJ]

I’ve never even thought about it but I’m sure if it affected your results we’d be advised to get them done a certain amount of time after taking mtx 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Robejo in reply to KittyJ]

Sounds very sensible to me. I've just restarted MTX after a break. Last time I usually had blood tests later in week, but my first one this time is booked for a Monday. Didn't want to get off on wrong foot with a needlessly elevated result and unwarranted attention so just checking in case. I'll maybe just take the mtx on the friday that week. (12-24 hr shift here and there in the weekly regimen is surely not a big problem). One other thing I noticed on the packets this time.. there is a big warning about sunlight. I'm sure that wasn't there before!

[KittyJ in reply to Robejo]

Never noticed about sunlight before but I haven’t had an original packet for a while.

[helixhelix in reply to KittyJ]

It’s been there ever since I first started on injections! Maybe 10 years! When I had actual syringes they came in a very thick black plastic bag with huge warning on it.

[Robejo in reply to helixhelix]

I guess it has at least always been there amongst the 2000 or so disconcerting side effects listed on the leaflet inside the packet but def wasn't on the front of mine though until recently!! I guess sufficiently high factor suncream is an easy solution to this particular side effect though.

[Cirrostratus in reply to Robejo]

The warning on the packet refers to storage of the syringes - keep out of the light - but yes, the human recipient does need to be careful in the sun too.

[Robejo in reply to Cirrostratus]

Makes sense 😀. Apparently, with respect to the recipient, mtx has the potential to reactivate previous sites of sunburn - god only knows how that happens. I didn't notice in portugal a couple of years ago before I was aware and was only using spf 15 without any noticeable adverse effects.

[helixhelix in reply to Robejo]

Yes, like cirrostratus I meant store the drugs out of sunlight!

But does also apply to us. And now have to use full sunblock and cover up or I blister very easily. And rheumy sends me to annual dermatology check as now on biologics too.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to helixhelix]

I noticed that my Pharmacy stores the mtx tablet boxes just below the ceiling lights which look very bright and warm! Also on the box it clearly states keep away from light!

[KittyJ in reply to helixhelix]

I’m not on injections anymore and my tablets come in white boxes or a jar, maybe I’m not observant but I’ve never been told that either in 25 years 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Lewsdon in reply to KittyJ]

You are supposed to wear sun cream all the year round,if on Methotrexate..

Not sure if that means even in winter when wearing ,jumpers etc.

[KittyJ in reply to Lewsdon]

🤷🏻‍♀️ well I’ve never been told that, maybe it’s more recent than when I started them.

[Paula-C]

I did ask a specialist nurse that question once and she said it didn't make any difference.

[Robejo in reply to Paula-C]

Tks for sharing, there also doesn't seem to be anything googlable on this, which i think offers further evidence. It is odd as seems to me like it somehow should be important in same way as alcohol has an adverse affect on the blood results if drinking in the 24hrs before (hangs head in shame).

[smilelines]

How is it going for you on the methotrexate this time? I have never noticed anything with regards to blood tests and when I take my medication. I don't think it really matters because all you want is for your bloods to fluctuate within the normal range.

[Robejo in reply to smilelines]

Hi smilelines, that is kind of you to ask. I've only had 2 weeks of 15mg so far, and it feels familiar. Gastro stuff largely handled via diet e.g. taking with kefir (my wife finally convinced me to stop being scared of the word 'fermented'). Definitely affecting mood and sleep but I have a different attitude to it now. I've completely knocked booze on the head, so my previously obligatory weekend alcohol no longer limits when I can take MTX. Juggling the bad 48hrs between family life (weekend) and full time stressful city job mon-fri. I hope everything is ok with you and your meds right now

[Gilliancheche]

Yes definitely. For the first 18 months or so I had 2 weekly blood tests. My white cells and neutrophils are always very low. With time I noticed they were always worse if I did the bloods the day after injection and better if I did a day or 2 before injection.

[Robejo]

Oh thanks for sharing that, I'll definitely mention to the nurse in a couple of weeks time that I took the dose the day before. Plenty of opportunity to monitor going fwds. Nothing like a scientific experiment to take the mind off things

[Pitbull2017]

Never crossed my mind in 25 years, now in full remission probably because I don't worry about every little thing.

[Robejo in reply to Pitbull2017]

Great to hear you are in remission - long may it last. I'm not really worried this time around as I know what to expect from MTX (although appreciate things can change), more just curious about the mechanism of the drug (in layman sense). I guess there are healthier things to be curious about though 😀

[Portinatx17]

I have not noticed any change and yes I did wonder when I first started years ago. I even didnt have breakfast until after blood test, no change. I now do 14hour fast so from 7pm 9am to give my gut a rest . Do feel this helps me plus drinking loads of water.

[Seabird1]

Hi RobejoI have my methotrexate on a Sunday and arrange my test for a Thursday or Friday.

I was told otherwise it might give an abnormal result. I have done this for years now. It was a pathology person who advised it and it makes sense. My GP agreed with it.