Date: 25.02.2012
From: Maz
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Subject: High ALT test
Hi everyone, I have had a high reading of 102 ALT on my last blood test. I only take 10mg of Methotrexate a week and 4 Salazopyrin every day. The hospital rang me about it but said that I was to take the Methotrexate again on Monday. Doesn't sound right to me. Has anyone else had a high ALT reading. This has happened twice before . I come off the Methotrexate for a while and then they put me back on it, this is the third time of trying it.
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Date: 25.02.2012
From: shiffy
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hi Maz, Are you same person from Australia, cos I was speaking to person called Maz from Australia, just wondered if your same person. Sorry to hear about ALT being so high while on MTX. Your rhuematologist should keep an eye on things like your bloods. take care
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Date: 25.02.2012
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Maz the secret is folic acid , it will control it , 6 tables a week ,(5mg) btw 102 is not that high that you need to come of mtx , mine was like that for several years before they increased folic acid & came back to normal
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Date: 25.02.2012
From: Shiffy
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hi colin, Soory just catching up on this post, as you posted. I been on MTX AS WELL. I feel i had some side effects, but I just wanted to ask as you increased your folic acid to combat the high ALT levels, did it increase your weight? take care
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Date: 25.02.2012
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
dont think so , had weight problems long time before I had RA , dont think folic acid changed anything apart from getting my ALT down from 165 to under 40
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Date: 25.02.2012
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Yes, I had high Alt about 90 but my rheumy wasn't worried about it. As Colin says, it's not that high. Apparently people with liver disease can have Alt readings 10 times that!
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Date: 26.02.2012
From: Maz
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hi everyone, Thanks for your replies. To Shiffy , no I am not the Maz from Australia and thanks for your reply. Thanks Colin I will ask about the folic acid increase. I have felt quite well on Methotrexate but would more folic acid stop the methotrexate from working. To bsk is your ALT still 90 , the hospital said that they get in touch with you if it goes over 100. Many thanks to you all.
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Date: 26.02.2012
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Maz , worth reading about mtx/folic acid , you need to talk to consultant if the nurse is no help about increasing dose before coming off mtx http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/forums/living-with-arthritis-forum-f8/methotrexate-folic-acid-when-to-take-them-t8644-15.html?sid=e8eacbc9fa5e9fc36e3b24f5c90a89af
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Date: 26.02.2012
From: Teresa
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hy Maz I was taken off. Methotrexate in Dec 12 because. My liver Alt was 285 I was only on 4 metho a week and 1folic acid I've had to have a liver Ultrasound and a c/t scan.I have now started on leflunomide 2weeks ago. I wish they would have increased my folic acid My rheumy has now refered me to a gynecologist I don't mind telling you alarm bells are going off.I hope they sort you out. Take care Teresa
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Date: 26.02.2012
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Teresa 285 is very high & think they done right thing taking you off it , they took me off mtx for few years because of high alt reading , after they let me try again same problem happen & thats when they increased folic acid gl with leflunomide & maybe try get anti-tnf drug sometime like enbrel , they work realy well sometimes
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Date: 26.02.2012
From: teresa
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Thanks Colin I'm hoping the leflu/ works just a bit anxious. About the gynea scan. Don't no what's worse the R /A. Or what
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Date: 27.02.2012
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hi Maz, I am off Mtx now. However it was my GP who wrote to my consultant about my high alt readings and he really wasn't concerned at all. It's fine now.
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Date: 01.03.2012
From: Maz
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hi to all who have replied, thankyou Teresa, it may be that they want me to try Leflunomide next, although the methotrexate for me has been a god send. It has worked really well and would love to stay on it if only the ALT reading was lower. I had another blood test Wednesday so by Friday someone will be in touch from the hospital to decide the outcome.
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Date: 01.03.2012
From: Teresa
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hi Maz Hope your results are ok.The metho was fine for me too only for the blood counts.Wish someone could create a cure all pill.Oh well one can dream take care Teresa
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Date: 02.03.2012
From: Maz
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Subject: Re: High ALT test
Hi Teresa, Results came back and the ALT reading was 125 so the nurse has told me not to take any more Methotrexate. I have to have another blood test in 2 weeks. In the meantime I am only on Salazopyrin. So I think my arthritis may get worse. I would love a cure all pill too. Hope you get on OK with your scan, take care.
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