Liver problems

Billy85

Hi there, I've been on Methotrexate since January and Etoricoxib for longer than that. I have Osteoarthritis in my back and hips (awaiting a right hip replacement). I also have Psoriatic Arthritis.

Anyway, my routine 3 monthly blood test showed high liver markers, so I had them redone 2 weeks later and they were up again. My GP phoned to say my liver was under stress and recommended that I stop both Methotrexate and Etoricoxib for 2 weeks till I get my bloods done again.They might also arrange a liver scan.

Has anyone else had problems taking Methotrexate or Etoricoxib and what is the alternative?

Ellen

Hi @Billy85

Raised liver results in blood tests is an issue which comes up fairly often here. I have done you a quick search for threads on the subject:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?query=liver&scope=site&source=community

There are lots of alternative Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) available see here:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?query=liver&scope=site&source=community

There are also a lot of other Non-steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDs) too. I'm sure you Dr will look at alternatives for you if they turn out to be the culprit.

Wishing you the best

Ellen.

frogmorton

Annoying when your bloods go wrong isn't it @Billy85 ?

For many of us it can settle down though MTX is one of the ones that can do this (as can alcohol, statins etc) so it's a case usually of trying off it to see if it settles and if it does trying back on it.

Hope it's not too long before you are back on your meds or on something else which helps

Take care

Toni x