bloods - raised liver

lesleygraham
lesleygraham Member Posts: 91
edited 14. Jan 2010, 17:30 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi folks
Nurse just phoned to say my bloods have shown raised elt in my liver. What is this? I have to stop methotrexate, leflunomide and humira. Anyone else had this, what does it mean and is it due to meds.
Take care
Les

Comments

  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Les,

    You'll find that a lot of us on the forum who are on some/ the same meds as you have had the same experience...raised LFTs (ALT & AST enzymes)....and had to come off / have a change of drugs.

    Good thing is that once you stop taking the meds the liver seems to recover very quickly, as LFT readings will show (more blood tests taken). hopefully you will be restarted with same or new drugs depending on what the rheummy thinks.

    Sounds as though you are in good hands and will be monitored carefully which is the main thing.

    Hope that helps. iris x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I don't have ra, but oa. I have seen some posts on here from other people, who have your problem with the liver, so I don't think it is unusual and corrects itself. I'm sure someone with the same problems will be along soon.
    Love Sue
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Les, I've had this problem but before I was on Mtx. Mine righted themselves, don't know why. I think it can be related to meds but no doubt your doctor can fill you in.
    Hope things settle down for you.
    S
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    that's why those of us on MTX / leflunomide etc have to have regular blood tests.

    I believe that if the results for some tests get beyond a certain level then they stop the meds and check that they recover. Often then they can restart the drugs at a slightly lower level and can monitor more closely to check what is happening.

    Whilst these drugs are great for the arthritis, they can unfortunately add to the work that the liver has to do, so it is a balancing act to get the right levels for each individual.

    Don't be afraid to ask what the tests mean, it will show that you are taking an interest in what is going on and most doctors/nurses are only too happy to explain in my experience.

    hope you soon get back on your meds