methotrexate side affects

[arvine]

due to take 7 th injection of methotrexate, 20 mgs, as previously said not noticeable relief from painful joints arthritis yet, but had bloodwork dine again, last one was on Nov 22, and I have access to results this morning , showing rbc,flagged gone lower, haemoglobin flagged lower and hemocrit flagged lower, coupd methotrexate cause my numbers to have gone lower?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How much have they fallen and over how long? Methotrexate usually affects white blood cells which is why they test and not the red ones - the results you have mentioned are all linked, fewer RBCs means a lower haematocrit and lower haemoglobin. but there are all sorts of reasons they may change.

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

I ll check previous results compared to yesterdays results and tell you, thank you

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

So started metho Nov 22, bloodwork Dec 10, rbc 4,06 , Jan 2 , 3.59, ( normal range 4.00-5.10), dec 10 hemoglobin 120, jan 2 now 109, ( range 120-160), dec 10 hematocrit .362, now jan 2 results 109( range 120-160) , just wondering if methotrxate affecting blood results?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to arvine]

Surely you started methotrexate Nov 2024, seven weeks ago, or do you mean the 22nd of November???

That is quite a big change and the first thing that should be done is the tests should be checked with a new sample. If they still have the Jan 2nd sample, it should be checked too. There could be a mistake at the lab.

Have you seen any blood in your urine or your stools? Are your gums bleeding? You have been taking folic acid all the time?

When will you see your doctor? You need to speak to them as soon as possible so they can check this out.

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

Yes started methyrexate Nov 22/2024, botj rheumy and GP not back from holidays intil Monday, gums not bleeding, no noticeable blood in urine, I have decided not to do my injection today, will call dr s on Monday, hopefully they will have blood results by then, I get next day on pocket health on computer, sometimes they dont get from lab for 3 days. Will continur folic acid for while yet though

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to arvine]

Yes, I think you are right to do that until they have worked out what is going on.

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, thank you