Re: Abnormal Lab from Methotrexate

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

You don't need to be weaned off of methotrexate. You can just stop

cold turkey, and maybe those liver enzymes will go back down. Your

doctor may have to try you on another medication.

When I was on mtx, my liver enzymes were fine. It was my white blood

cell count that it worked on, making it go way low.

I hope your rheumy gets it all straightened out.

Sue

On Sep 9, 2010, at 5:54 PM, Heidi Kimball wrote:

>

> Hi Group,

>

> I haven't posted in awhile, but read everyday. I tried to refill my

> Methotrexate through my doctors office; had to run some errands and

> upon my return home was a message from his assistant stating that my

> last labs came back abnormal for Liver function. ???? I've been on

> 20 mgs Methotrexate weekly since March 2009. I'm concerned because

> I was not told at the time (late July 2010) and I haven't felt well

> for about 6 wks. I always get flu like symptoms for at least three

> days after I take my weekly dose at night, however, for about two

> months now I haven't felt myself. If anybody can offer any insight

> I'd be very grateful as my Dr. is out of town until Monday. I'm

> scheduled for labs next Thursday, but can you miss your weekly

> dose? Do you need to be weaned off of it? The other doctors in the

> practice will not refill until I get further labs done.

>

[Guest guest]

Sue,

Thanks for the info.  Going off Methotrexate was my main concern.  I did some

research last night, but it was so vague and there are so many different tests

they perform for Liver function. I think I counted 8 so far. If I can't take

this med any longer that will be a blessing.

It makes me so sick every week.  I thought it's main function for RA was to

slow down the progression of the disease.  In my case I've grown nodules and it

has not slowed down the process.  We'll see next week. 

Heidi in Denver

[Guest guest]

I don't know what your situation is, but my lft's (liver function) were elevated

to a point that they took me off MTX. I was changed to enbrel with no meds like

mtx or plaquenil, since the mtx caused problems and the plaquenil really didn't

seem to do anything. I did feel pretty sick for the few months before they took

me off mtx, nausea, extreme fatigue, just plain felt bad.

jane in dallas

>

>

> Hi Group,

>

> I haven't posted in awhile, but read everyday.  I tried to refill my

Methotrexate through my doctors office; had to run some errands and upon my

return home was a message from his assistant stating that my last labs came back

abnormal for Liver function. ???? I've been on 20 mgs Methotrexate weekly since

March 2009.  I'm concerned because I was not told at the time (late July 2010)

and I haven't felt well for about 6 wks.  I always get flu like symptoms for at

least three days after I take my weekly dose at night, however, for about two

months now I haven't felt myself.  If anybody can offer any insight I'd be very

grateful as my Dr. is out of town until Monday.  I'm scheduled for labs next

Thursday, but can you miss your weekly dose?  Do you need to be weaned off of

it?  The other doctors in the practice will not refill until I get further labs

done.

>

>

> Heidi in Denver

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi,

That happened to me last year. My Doc increased my folic acid and the liver

function came back into normal limits. That could be why you don't feel well.

I've skipped dosages when I've had a cold without incident. Good luck!

Meg in Mo

>

>

> Hi Group,

>

> I haven't posted in awhile, but read everyday.  I tried to refill my

Methotrexate through my doctors office; had to run some errands and upon my

return home was a message from his assistant stating that my last labs came back

abnormal for Liver function. ???? I've been on 20 mgs Methotrexate weekly since

March 2009.  I'm concerned because I was not told at the time (late July 2010)

and I haven't felt well for about 6 wks.  I always get flu like symptoms for at

least three days after I take my weekly dose at night, however, for about two

months now I haven't felt myself.  If anybody can offer any insight I'd be very

grateful as my Dr. is out of town until Monday.  I'm scheduled for labs next

Thursday, but can you miss your weekly dose?  Do you need to be weaned off of

it?  The other doctors in the practice will not refill until I get further labs

done.

>

>

> Heidi in Denver

>