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Blood tests with Methotrexate.

Posted , 8 users are following.

veronica_13496
veronica_13496

Hi, I am about to start Methotrexate, already on Sulfasalazine, Rheumy says I will need more frequent blood tests, can anyone tell me how often this might be?, I now have blood tests every 3 months.

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

  • gillian_25383
    gillian_25383 veronica_13496

    Posted

    For myself it has been once a month but come August when I shall have been on it for a year I will go down to once every three months (I presume it all depends if the blood test results are acceptable-GP will soon contact you if there is a problem).
  • sherry29159
    sherry29159 veronica_13496

    Posted

    When I was first put on MTX I had bloods every two weeks. Its because some people react badly to it. After a few bloods are taken and no adverse effects are showing it goes to every few months. So expect some tests quite frequently to start with.
    • lynne_30818
      lynne_30818 veronica_13496

      Posted

      Hi. I have been on sufazalazine for 18 months and hydroxichlorquine , did have methotrxate but this made me very breathless so stopped this. I have blood tests every 2 weeks.
    • veronica_13496
      veronica_13496 lynne_30818

      Posted

      Thank you, it's good to get the views of others, I haven't had many bad side effects from Sulfasalazine, but I'm a bit apprehensive about Methotrexate.

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 veronica_13496

      Posted

      I have been OK on it and am now on maximum dose by injection. But it does need careful monitoring through blood tests. It worked well for me at start but gradually I have got resistant to it. Lots of people do great on it. Good luck!
    • veronica_13496
      veronica_13496 sherry29159

      Posted

      Thank you, I feel a bit better now I know lots are on it without bad side effects, that was what I was anxious about. I think that is what has happened to me with the Sulfasalazine because my flares were under control until recently, it's not working as well anymore.

  • stephen54311
    stephen54311 veronica_13496

    Posted

    Three months for me and if you don't have them your methotrexate can be stopped ho what fun

    • veronica_13496
      veronica_13496 stephen54311

      Posted

      Thank you, yes I've been told it's important that you must have regular tests only they didn't say how often, I suppose I'll be told this by my GP when he gets my notes through from Rheumatology.

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 veronica_13496

      Posted

      Its every two weeks at beginning then gradually gets longer apart if no adverse signs.
  • frances85589
    frances85589 veronica_13496

    Posted

    When I was on it, was every month.I still have monthly blood tests n results are sent to my rheumy. I am on sulfasalazine now
    • veronica_13496
      veronica_13496 frances85589

      Posted

      Thank you, looks like it's more frequent that what I have now, still if it helps with the flares it'll be worth it.

  • timothy11402
    timothy11402 veronica_13496

    Posted

    Hi Veronica:

    I have been on MTX for about 12 years. The doctor gave me a standing prescription for a year to go to a laboratory of my choice for a monthly blood test. The lab keeps the Rx on file for me. Since I take my MTX on Thursday, and since he wants the blood test to be taken 2 days before my MTX intake, I take the test on Tuesday morning. Once in a while I miss a test since I work part time in another city. But he does not seem alarmed by a missed test. 

    • veronica_13496
      veronica_13496 timothy11402

      Posted

      Thank you Timothy, you must be ok on it then, I hope it is the same for me, I'm waiting to hear from my GP to issue me with my script.

    • Kinjo1222
      Kinjo1222 veronica_13496

      Posted

      I was getting blood work done every month since January but as of April it's a standing order for every 3 months.

    • veronica_13496
      veronica_13496 Kinjo1222

      Posted

      Thank you, that's good to know that they extend the time, as I already get three monthly tests now being on Sulfasalazine.

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