hiya is it ok to have my blood test done the same day i take my methotrexate

[jaqi1]

[Hidden]

Hi Jaqi

Your blood test should be done the day after you take Methotrexate. This is apparently a fairly new guideline that has come out recently (not sure by whom ... I didn't think to ask, just booked appropriate appointment!)

It's not good to have it the same day as the blood test is to check the effects of the MTX so needs to be soon after it's taken but long enough for it to have passed through the gut and into the bloodstream. The tests are done to check the affect on the liver as well as its efficacy with the RA.

Hope this helps,

Lyn x

[jaqi1 in reply to Hidden]

thanks for the answer. i take my mtx tomorrow morning and i have got my blood test booked in late afternoon. mayb i should change it

[Hidden in reply to jaqi1]

Or you could take the methotrexate NOW so by tomorrow afternoon it will be well on its way through your system! It will save changing the appointment

Lyn x

[jaqi1 in reply to Hidden]

ha yes good thinking

[Gina_K]

I did'nt think it made any difference whether or not it was mtx day when you had bloods tested. Lyn is quite up to date so maybe do as she says.

xxx Gina.

[jaqi1 in reply to Gina_K]

hiya gina i wasn't told not to do the blood test on the same day so i thought it woz ok. but like u say lyn is up to date on all this stuff. i havent got a clue lol

[Hidden]

I can't see what difference it would make as the MTX is always in your system whenever you have it! I've had mine in the past on the same day and never been told any differently and I've had RA 17 yrs and been on MTX 10 years!

Doesn't make any sense to me, think I'll check it out on my next appointment just in case.

Take care

Mandy xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mandy

I have asked today and it is because MTX is at its most toxic about 24 hours after taking it. Therefore between 24-48 hours the amount in your blood could be causing reduced neutrophils, increased LFTs etc. which may signify acute problems. If the blood test is done say 4/5 days after taking it the levels will have reduced and may not show up toxicity issues which could lead to potential long term problems. The same applies if the MTX is taken on the same day as the blood test; 7 days could have passed!

Sorry if it doesn't make sense ... got a splitting headache and can't concentrate!

Lyn x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lyn, thank you. I know in the past I have had it done on the same day, not very often I must admit. You know how it is having had ra so long we just tend to get on with it and into a routine. I know I don't always get to know about any changes unless of course they directly affect me.

Thanks for explaining it Lyn I just couldn't get me head round it.

Hope you headache gets better soon.

Take care

Mand xx

[Hidden]

I think its important to get the result before you are due to reinject. I know the drug stays in your system 2 months or so even after you have stopped but the last thing you want to do is reinject it if you are already below recommended WBC range... esp neutraphils..Just my view because people have died from methotrexate and toxicity. x

[Hidden]

yes it does stay in your system for about 2 months and I am with sparkle on her opinion on this one.. mine was always before the next dose. the nhs guidelines are simply fortnightly/ monthly.. monthly is when "stable"

[emandedmum]

I've just been informed I can go back to 2 monthly blood tests as the mtx increase hasn't caused any alarming results during the 3 months I've been closely monitored...phew, the vein in my arm was almost non-existent anyway

[Sheila_G]

Hi Lyn

I didn't know that! I always have my blood test on thurs morning and mxt thur night. Were you told this at the rheummy clinic? I would have thought the opposite to be honest. This would give a better overall picture as the day after mxt would show a higher than normal reading. I would be interested to hear more about this.

[Hidden in reply to Sheila_G]

Hi Sheila

I was told this at my doctors surgery when I went for my bloods 2 weeks ago. They need to check the levels when the MTX is at its most toxic because this is when damage can be done to the liver. Waiting for several days for the blood test will not highlight potential serious ongoing problems. RA wise it probably makes no difference whatsoever!

My rheumatology nurse is looking into it and will get back to me. There was a recent death due to MTX that caused liver problems that went undetected so don't know whether this has prompted a change in procedure/guidelines.

Will keep you posted!

Lyn x

[Sheila_G]

Thanks Lyn. See you next week. x