Q: I have been taking 15 mg of methotrexate weekly for the past seven years. I have had blood work done at least every other month during that time; however, my doctor wants me to have blood tests every month. Since none of my past blood tests have shown any problems, I am wondering why I need to have these tests so often. Wouldn't every few months suffice?
A: No, I wouldn't recommend having those tests any less frequently than your doctor recommends. In general, patients taking methotrexate should have the tests monthly. Just because you haven't had any problems for the past seven years doesn't mean you can't develop problems at any time in the future.
Frequent blood tests may detect subtle abnormalities that could alert your doctor to modify your methotrexate dose before a serious problem occurs. If you still have concerns about the frequency of your lab tests, I would recommend bringing up the subject with your doctor at your next appointment. In the meantime, I know it's a hassle to have the tests monthly, but in doing so, you may save yourself serious problems down the road.
Bernard Rubin, DO, Rheumatologist
The meds have done great wonders on me, due to the excruiating joint & imflamation pains that i was goin thru. I have now taken these meds very serious & that i do my monthly blood checks to monitor my bloods cells & liver to make sure everything is fine.
I have just started taking it after 2 years of trying Cyclosporin. That worked quite well - all my legs, back and much of my torso cleared up within 6 weeks but the side effect were bad. I have not seen an improvement in my psoriasis yet on this new medication - but it has only been 6 weeks (on 10mg) and fingers crossed - there are no side effects as of yet!
I was really honest with my Dermatologist and told him I drink at least 1 -2 glasses of wine a night and he said so long as I don't go over the RDA I will be fine.
However, reading this and some other stuff online I am starting to seriously worry that he has mis-informed me Should I not have any alcohol at all?
Sian
plural,like in ive seen 3 different ones.
I am taking Methotrexate 7.5 mg from the last two weeks after trying Plaquenil an Sulfasalazine..had to stop them due to the side effects.
My liver function test were slightly high due to side effects from the Ibuprofen...ALT was 100..but My Rheum suggested this MTX after discussions. I am already feeling a dfference in general well being, joint pains, exhaustion and fatigue.
I will keep praying that Liver does not get affected any more and no other side effects as I have read all about them.
My advice..please try these meds.
Exercise, exercise and exercise....it does miracles.
Sleep well, Eat well.
Roohee
my derm suspected i had psoriasis so he prescribed me with methotrexate 2.5mg (2 tabs, 2 times weekly). However it didnt improve my condition.
Therefore i went to seek a second opinion from another derm and he said it wasn't psoriasis and prescribed me with another kind of medicine. my condition improved after taking a diff med.(so it was clear that my conditon was not psoriasis)
At that pt, i have alrdy taken 4 tabs of methotrexate 2.5mg.
Though i stopped taking it, i am concerned if that will cause any form of side effects or is it necessary to take a blood test even though i just started on MTX and on such a low dosage.
Thank you for ur time :)
I have severe R.A. and uveitis and this combo along with 3 mg of prednisone daily, 100 mg celebrex, calcium, borage oil, folic acid and 1 mile walks every day has proved to be an amazing regimen for me. Eating healthy is very important as well. Stay away from too much sugar and salt and processed foods.
I agree with other posts, that having blood drawn every six weeks is a pain.
my main problem is oedema in the retna
What can I do about it? as no doctor seems to know what to give me to clear up this problem...
I've been off and on it since 1992 and honestly can't figure out the difference between being on and off. I take it because secondary Sjogren's from the RA caused scleritis to develop and I was in danger of losing my eyeball!
I don't have the usual symptoms of RA, such as severe joint pain (although I do have ulnar deviation in my right hand). If I had my 'druthers, I'd be off it but I can't keep running the risk of losing my eyesight from an autoimmune reaction.
When I was under the care of a rheumatologist, he ordered blood work every two months, after an initial spell of monthly tests.
I drink a beer or two almost every day, but try not to drink Thurs. night when I take the MTX.
So far my blood tests re: liver & kidney are good, except when I briefly took 20 mg/wk MTX,
so dr. cut me down to 15 mg/wk, and I have cut myself down to 10 mg/wk for past several months. But when I try to go to 7.5 mg, my joints complain, so I go back to 10mg/wk.
Was on prednisone for a year after my original flare-up 2 yrs ago, and then had a bone density test which was abnormal & showed significant bone loss, as my dr. put it. I am on the cusp between osteopenia & osteoporosis.
Am taking strontium & other nutrients to strenthen my bones after very negative experiences with Fosamax generic for 3 months.
Best advice: spend lots of time researching your issues on the internet; you may find, as I did, that my doctors were giving me bad advice!@
P.S. I am 62, and if my liver fails b/c of the beers I enjoy, well, that's o.k. ... I've lived long enough, and I wouldn't mind being dead.
I developed a DVT last month and the thrombosis doctor told me that being on methotrexate increased this risk. I am now on warfarin for 6 months, but I am concerned about the risk of another clot when I come off them. Has anyone else encountered this problem.
thanks, Maria
What about appetite loss, I'm looking forward to that one.
My former MD had me get blood tests every 3
months (I have RA and DiabetesII--am on Humira and Celebrex and Metformin)
My NEW MD only wants blood tests every 4-6 months Is that right?
I used Methotrexate for a year and a half and my doctor told me I need to have blood work every six weeks in case something abnormal showed it the test. They do it to make sure that its not harming your liver. But you should ask your doctor to be sure.
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