Has anyone had to stop their methotrexate because of changes in their liver function tests? WHat happened?

[Gina_K]

I am driven mad worrying about increase in ALT in LFT I have a repeat test next tues, so won't know til Friday next week, why am I always waiting for results or appointments!

[Beth58]

Hi Gina, I've had to stop in the past a few times because of either low HB or platelet counts or high liver, kidney function results.

Sometimes the lab makes an error or it's just been a blip in the test and once my levels were back to normal I was back on the meds.

I know it's easier said than done but please try not to worry there's nothing you can do until the repeat test results are in. I think the worst thing is they may have to stop MTX, reduce the dose or try another medication.

Good luck hope all's back to normal when the repeat results come in.

Beth xx

[lislou]

Hi, I'm currently at the same stage as you! Because of my results they reduced my MTX and added Sulphasalazine, unfortunately they gave me the worst headache in the world so have stopped taking them! Off to see my rheumy nurse on Monday to find out where we go next! I worry too because I want everything under control but I'm starting to understand it takes time! Keep yr chin up, try not to worry too much and let us know what happens! Lisa x

[Treesha]

Hi gina sorry to hear that your not sorted yet. Can't help with the ALT but I have had to have bloods done yesterday and told to stop MTX this weekend. I am having platelets checked because of the blood spots under my skin and because I can't get rid of my eye infections ( both eyes) I am sure anything major would have been spotted by now. Thinking of you. Keep us updated.xxx

[beachbabe]

Hi, i have justbeen thru the same thing as you Gina! i am still worried but last three bloods have not been so bad so am back on lower dose on mtx.

i have had two consultant appts cancelled so havent seen hin for year and half so was really panicking.

i rang rheumy nurse who made me feed bit better but just hope i can see cons.

in feb.

it all feels such a worry andi seem to be having cold after cold even with flu jab.

i needreally cheering up ! hope you ok too xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Gina_K in reply to beachbabe]

Hi BB,

Its great that we can chat on here, you feel less alone to know someone else going thru same.

Gina, xx

[LavendarLady]

Hi all, try not to worry about this. Blood tests do show odd blips from time to time or something happened in the lab - either the tests weren't analysed correctly or some contaminant got in and mucked up the results.

I had low HB sometime ago and got sent off for loads of tests by the temporary incompetent GP including cameras. Silly man didn't know it is one of the symptoms of RA!

Beachbabe, the flu jab won't stop you getting colds - it is designed to stop you getting flu. (or at least a very minor dose). Cold bugs are completely different and if you are exposed to the current bug doing the rounds, you will get it. Our immune systems are so battered, they cannot cope with all the different bugs. Suggest you also get back onto the Rheumatology dept and scream and shout for an earlier appt with consultant rather than next February. The fact 2 appts were cancelled is absolutely disgraceful and I personally, would put in a written complaint to the hospital.

I pick up colds from the grand children or anyone else who has one. Hubby and myself are just getting over one which has lasted 10 days and left us with awful rattly coughs.

Tis the season for bugs I am afraid. Keep warm and well rested helps.

LavendarLady x

[swoodge]

Hi yes i have had to stop Mtx twice because of elevated LFT both times and then repeated bloods twice before i was allowed back on it. Not sure why it happens and not sure why it goes back down and stays down!! I'm currently off Humira as i have suffered from a really bad rash like a bad burn across my feet and ankles with oedema in both calves really badly i couldnt put my shoes on!! All went back to nearly normal and i was put back on the Humira as we couldnt believe it was a side effect as i had been on it for over 18 months||! However, went back on it for 1 injection and bingo i got a horrendous rash like acne all over my face! yuck i hadnt even got zits like that when i was a teenager! I came straight off it and i am still trying to get rid of this rash its been very much like acne mixed with a burn & its been really sore. I hopefully will get rid of it by Christmas or i will run out of my Touche Eclat!!!

I hope you get your meds sorted and if you are worried about your results and tests you need to keep asking them to explain it all to you until you get the answers you need. Dont worry about being a pest sometimes you need to be to get what you want! Merry Christmas Sue x

[Hidden in reply to swoodge]

Sue, I would suggest asking your doc to culture your rash lesions, see if there is an organism that is taking over when the Humira is first on the scene (in the blood stream). I'm a suspicious Microbiologist, so I am suspicious of micro-organisms invading our weakened immune systems, Can't hurt. Loret

[Gina_K]

Thanks Sue,

I am on Humira about that length of time maybe longer, hopefully I won't get that. Thanks for all.

When you came off Mtx did your RA flare?

[shaun67]

been on mtx for about 6 yrs now recently my ALT scores went up to 62 then 87 and then 120...stopped mtx and in two weeks have fallen from 106 to 98...it is a great medicine if tolerated,but the lft are a clear indication something is not right,in my case a few beers and gallstones have not helped,low fat diet and fiber will restore your lft

[blackie50]

Hi

my alt is over 200 so off the meth until sorted dont no why yet not had a drink lately

[dek55]

Hi Gina k I've been on mtx for 6months low dose feeling great then doctor phoned to say to stop mtx as my liver levels have increased dramatically going for more blood tests on Wednesday then doctor on Thursday she said she has caught it in time still worrying about when mtx is out my system what the after affects will be.

[Ellieellie]

I have just had call telling me to stop taking metatroxate and sulphsaldine immediately because or raised liver levels. Got to go back next week for bloods. They said my tests were deranged! Am concerned.

[Trace2018]

Hi, Gina. MTX gave me drug induced hepatitis. I was so VERY sick-30 years old and literally felt like I was dying. I’m 46 now and have never been able to take it again. On my 5th biologic as they work a while but then start failing. That’s not the norm though. Lots of people do well on biologics and they are not as hard in your liver has MTX!