Raised urea at blood test

[Missfitt]

Has any one out there had raised urea levels at blood test? I have RA and am on methotrexate.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

This is not an RA forum - only a few of us are on methotrexate as it isn't a regular drug for PMR. Perhaps the NRAS forum would be more helpful?

[Blearyeyed]

Was your urea test high normal , or abnormal , and do you know how far over the normal range it was?

Did you also have a Creatinine test or other blood tests that showed any changes?

Do you have any new symptoms that seem to be drug side effects instead of PMR symptoms?

What was your GPs opinion and advice?

A single higher or raised Urea test alone when you take MTX is not usually treated as urgent , unless you are also complaining of other symptoms and you also have other abnormal blood results.

The GP should note it , give you advice on helping reduce it and tell you to contact them if you experience any problems or other changes , retesting the Urea level in a few weeks time , after you reduce the sodium in your diet and increase your fluid intake .

It is also useful to have a urine test to rule out the possibility of any urinary or kidney infection.

Sometimes one test can be abnormal if you were dehydrated on the day if testing .

If your next test is in abnormal range you then need to discuss continuing MTX with the GP or Rheumy , and getting extra advice to prevent kidney or liver issues if you remain on it.

[gifford7]

I recently had mine measured and its slightly high. I have GCA. My lab indicates normal BUN is 6-25 mg/dL. Link from Mayo:

mayoclinic.org/tests-proced...

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test

"A common blood test, the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test reveals important information about how well your kidneys and liver are working. A BUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen that's in your blood............................................

A BUN test can reveal whether your urea nitrogen levels are higher than normal, suggesting that your kidneys or liver may not be working properly....................................

Results of the blood urea nitrogen test are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the United States and in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) internationally. In general, around 7 to 20 mg/dL (2.5 to 7.1 mmol/L) is considered normal.

But normal ranges may vary, depending on the reference range used by the lab, and your age. Ask your doctor to explain your results." Methotrexate link:

healthline.com/health/metho... excerpt:

"FDA warnings

-This drug has black box warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Black box warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

-Liver problems warning: Methotrexate can cause end-stage liver disease (fibrosis and cirrhosis). Your risk increases the longer you take this drug."

see link for more warnings [I am not on this drug].

webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthri...

How Does Methotrexate Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis? excerpt:

"Methotrexate for Your RA

Methotrexate is one of the most effective medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA)...

Your doctor will test your blood often to check on how well your treatment works and to make sure it’s safe for organs such as your liver. "