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Elevated ALT / AST and methotrexate

Posted , 3 users are following.

Paula2212
Paula2212

Hi everyone. My mum has been on methotrexate for nearly a year now and on 5mg and 2.5mg pred alternate days. Her MXT has been increased from 10mg initially, to 15mg to 20mg which she has been on for the last 6 months. On the higher dose she has felt more tired and a bit sock at times. At today's rehumy appt, the nurse increased the weekly folic acid to twice weekly to help combat sickness. She also advised that for the first time, mums liver function was raised. Her ALT/AST has gone from in the mid 20s or 30s previously to 81. They are awaiting results of mums blood tests today and have said if they remain raised, rather than just being the blip it could be, they will ask mum to stop the MXT for a couple of weeks. We are worried first about the raised blood test and impact on liver, but also, what happens if the MXT has to be stopped. Has anyone had the same experience? Thanks for any replies.

 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • natasa24657
    natasa24657 Paula2212

    Posted

    Hi yes I have. Raised liver function on methotrexate. They stopped me taking methotrexate every time it was raised. When it went down I took methotrexate but it kept my liver function up so no have stopped that for good.

    Wish you luck

    • Paula2212
      Paula2212 natasa24657

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your kind reply. Do you mind me asking, did coming off the meds cause a new flare for you? Did the hospital try other meds after in place of MXT? V worried about my mum as she is 84 now. Thanks so much.
    • natasa24657
      natasa24657 Paula2212

      Posted

      I am on sulfazaladine and waiting for a biological drug. But yes I had to stop work as my job was physical. I also take turmeric and fish oils. They help
  • debbie_39876
    debbie_39876 Paula2212

    Posted

    Hi, I've been on methotrexate for years, and yes it makes me so tired and feeling sick.. Also have raised liver function tests regularly, I've had two scans on the liver, my specialist normally makes me stop it for couple months, but I'm also on biological drugs so it's not too bad, but your mum should ask for a liver scan because it might not be the methotrexate, liver function can raise if you have fatty liver. So try not to worry too much until she's at least had a scan

    • Paula2212
      Paula2212 debbie_39876

      Posted

      Debbie, thanks for your kind reply. Will do that when we get next blood test results in the next couple of days. Wishing you well too. Paula.
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