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Date: 25.11.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Hi, Can anyone help me, I have been taking methotrexate (been on it and off it twice) I was taking 10mg then they upped it to 12.5mg weekly since taking the 12.5mg I have have a liver function test which is high. I have been told not to take the methotrexate this week and to have another blood test next week. Has anyone else had this happen to them. The nurse has mentioned taking TNF drugs, don't know what this means. I am also taking 4 Salazopyrin a day.
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Date: 25.11.2011
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

hi Maz, This happened to me. It went back to normal and I continued with mtx. Anti tnf drugs are the next level up. there is loads of info on the web.
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Date: 25.11.2011
From: colin

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

hi Maz

its pretty normal with your CRP on your blood test being raised which is liver function , folic acid helps a lot , I take 5mg 6 days a week which keeps it under control , normaly they tell you to take it once a week , I am on 20mg methotrexate + salazopyrin & going back on a unti TNF drug soon
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Date: 26.11.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Thanks Colin and bsk for reply. I only take folic acid once a week so thanks Colin I will ask my Nurse if an increase in folic acid may help. However I have felt pretty good taking the methotrexate and it seems such a shame to have to come off it, don't know what to expect on anti TNF drugs, has any one had any side effecs on these.
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Date: 26.11.2011
From: Colin

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

ment ALT on blood test & not CRP , mine was high for long time , over 100 so increase folic acid made it come back to normal ,
I have had RA for 17 years now & been on Metotrexate for most of it & only real side affect is liver funtion , the anti TNF will make huge differance if they let you try one & find one that suits you
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Date: 26.11.2011
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

I was on folic acid 5 days a week and it didn't help my ALT but it did come down on it's own. It is a very sensitive test that can be affected by even one drink, according to my rheumy, which is one reason they advise caution with alcohol. I wouldn't worry about it unless it continues personally.
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Date: 26.11.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Thanks Colin and bsk, I was quite concerned when the nurse rang me but after your replies I feel less worried and will definately tell her what you have said, its nice to know someone else has had this problem. Oh forgot to say I haven't had a drink since taking methotrexate so the high reading couldn't be from drink. Many thanks to you both.
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Date: 26.11.2011
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

I hope it sorts itself out soon.
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Date: 26.11.2011
From: Tom H

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

My ALT has gone below 50 for the first time in 18 months since I stopped MTX.
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Date: 27.11.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

0
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Date: 27.11.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Thanks Tom H, did they give you anything when they took you off the MTX, and have you had any anti TNF drugs, if so what are the side effects of those and can you take this for long period of time. I have been very well or so I thought on MTX until this Liver function test came back high which is such a shame.
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Date: 28.11.2011
From: chris adams

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Hi Maz. I had this happen after a xmas holiday in Cyprus. I was having one glass of wine per night but when I asked rheumatologist if that was the cause he said no. I came off mthx for a month then started back on it and was ok. Im not keen on taking tnf. I find if you listen to your own body it helps.i.e.Ive dropped my nthx from 8 per week to six as I was feeling depressed and generally yuk. But everyone is different.
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Date: 28.11.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Thanks Chris, I don't drink so where the high reading came from I don't know. I will hopefully know by the end of the week whats happening and if it still remains high. I have, or so I thought been fine on MTX it has helped an awful lot so will be very dissapointed if I have to come off it.
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Date: 28.11.2011
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

I don't drink either so it wasn't why my results were high but it can be a cause I'm told. It's probably just the way your liver metabolizes the drug, faster (or slower...?) than other people. \
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Date: 29.11.2011
From: Val

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Hi Maz, Am also on MTX and Sal but I take 2 folic acid each week, 1 day after MTX and 1 mid week. I must admit I don't know what high is on CRP, mine is at 29. Naproxin is my other main med. Hope all works out for you, we can all say we empathise with you.
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Date: 29.11.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Hi Val, its the ALT number which is high not the CRP. I will ask the nurse if taking more folic acid would help, thanks for your reply.
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Date: 02.12.2011
From: Tom H

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Maz

Sorry for late reply.

I took myself off MTX as was gradually feeling sicker and sicker for longer periods so was not given anything else. I also stopped taking folic acid and didn't change drinking habits so was definately MTX that gave me a high ALT reading

Hope this helps.
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Date: 02.12.2011
From: Maz

Subject: Re: Methotrexate and Liver Function Test

Thanks Tom H , I had my blood test Thursday and told to ring today, but no-one is there for me to speak to so probably my results should be back by Monday I am keeping fingers crossed. Thanks for your reply
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