Liver function ALT levels

cancan
cancan Member Posts: 43
edited 26. Jan 2009, 17:36 in Living with Arthritis archive
I am on Methotrexate 15mg a week. My blood test has just been done and the level has shot up to 76 it was 30 odd. has anyone else had this happen to them? I have been told to have another test in one month and a letter is been sent to my rhumy.
Just a bit worried.

Comments

  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear! sorry to get worrying news, but maybe the test result was a one-off and the next one will be fine. I.m sure that can happen thats why they repeat the test, but I know its silly to say 'don't worry' but try not to too much :!: :) :!: Sue
  • claregood1
    claregood1 Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm in a similar position but a bit further along the line. I came out of hospital after having a knee replacement to a letter asking me to repeat a blood test for the same reasons as you. This followed a change from mxt tablets to injections. Unfortunately my second blood test showed there were still concernc and that my white blood cell count was affected too. I was therefore asked to stop the mxt for a couple of weeks and repeat bloods. There were still probs then so I'm still off the mxt, it's been 5 weeks now, have bloods done tomorrow.

    To be honest I'm not feeling any worse off without the meds than I did with them so I think I'm going to chose not to go back on them. Not taken any painkillers either for 2 weeks so on a complete detox!

    I know it sounds worrying but I've had similar reactions before from other drugs and had no lasting effects. I've just stopped the relevant drug and then been prescribed another. It's good to know that they do keep such a check on our general health, and must be better to catch ppotential problems early, and then take action as soon as possible.

    I hope it works out for you.
    Take care
    Clare
  • cancan
    cancan Member Posts: 43
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Clare,
    What were your levels, do you know? I don't like the idea of damaging my liver at all. I now darn't take any alcahol at all, even before this scare all I had was 1/4 glass of wine topped up with soda maybe twice a week. I also don't like taking paracetamol now. I had to give up Cocodamol cos it bunged me up :oops:
    I am very interested to hear how you get on and what drugs they may try next.

    Cancan
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cancan,

    Try not to worry too much - if your GP was concerned he would have told you to stop taking your Mtx immediately and also from what I understand your reading isn't sky-high. Please don't ask me what 'sky-high' is I just know that we've had earlier posts on here where people have had readings well into the hundreds :shock: and they've been told to stop taking it straight away. Your surgery is just being cautious, I'm sure.

    The other thing is that the liver is regenerative and is the one organ in our bodies that can repair itself if damaged.

    Paracetamol is a very safe drug, obviously as long as we follow the doseage instructions - so try not to suffer unnecessarily.

    You can also go and make an appointment to talk to your GP if you're unduly worried - remember stress does your arthritis no good at all :)

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • rubyrude
    rubyrude Member Posts: 14
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My LFT have also been high at my last test, my nurse did explain this is quite common over xmas as we all enjoy ourselves so don't worry too much until they tell you too.
  • cancan
    cancan Member Posts: 43
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the help and reasurance, I am not worrying about it now, like you say worrying does not help and I have enough to think about with my ongoing abcess problem caused by my steroid jab. That is a nightmare. :cry:
  • slummymummy
    slummymummy Member Posts: 69
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My ALT went up to 91 when I had flu. I was on 15mg Methotrexate at the time. My GP phoned and asked me to get tested the week after, and it had gone back down to 40. The nurse told me they stop methotrexate if it goes over 100, but re-start it a week later in most cases, as it comes down fairly quickly in most people. hope this helps.

    Slummy
  • claregood1
    claregood1 Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, Just to update you, I had my bloods done again last week and the results are back to normal. I still don't want to go back on mxt but my ESR level is raised so waiting to hear what the consultant thinks. I don't want to damage my joints either.

    It's a very complex balancing act all this isn't it? We have to be guided by the medics but our own gut instinct must come into it somewhere.

    I hope your feeling better and have had some more news by now

    Clare

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