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Blood Test Frequency for Methotrexate

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

ann

08 Mar 2010, 13:52

I'v had rumatoid since 1987 no meds, just controlled me stress level, then had a bad flare up. dr put me on HUmera and methrotrexate for one year, I got off for 2 months because switching insurance. i went to new dr. said she couldn't put me back on because I have a double stranded dna and something about a 9? Said if she put me back on humeria could cause problems like a cancer? Now only take methrotrx but scared has hell, I feel like I am a walking time bomb has any one heard of this situation before, I almost think I rather not take any of this crap!

bill

22 Feb 2010, 12:37

I have been on MTX for two years @ 10-15 mg/wk.
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.

New York

21 Feb 2010, 11:29

I have RA. I want to avoid the biological drugs and would prefer a more holistic treatment, but can not seem to find an RA Dr. that considers more natural treatments, therefore I have been taking methotrexate on and off for the past four years. I am now taking 15mg daily, along with 400mg of Placquinol. I have a daily wine. I do have my blood tests taken once every 3months. Haven't had a problem as yet. By having a cocktail daily, am I setting myself up for trouble with the liver later on? Has anyone taken this amount of Methotrexate for longer periods of time? ms

Carol

01 Feb 2010, 05:40

I was on 20mg Methotrexate tablets for 12 months and they made me sick each week. I now inject myself with just 15mg and feel much better. I had some hair thinning when on the tablets, but my hair is starting to thicken since on the injections, although this could be due to the reduced dose.
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.

Lois

29 Jan 2010, 15:43

I have had RA for 4 yrs. and I am on Methotrexate 2.5 mg and Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg. I have blood work done every 12 weeks after doing them every 8 weeks. I am doing great on these drugs and haven't had any side affects. I was in very severe pain when first diagnosed and can't thank my dr. enough for getting my life back.

Maria

07 Nov 2009, 15:13

Maggie, I don't think that you should be drinking beer but I do believe that some doctors let there patients have a few drinks a week but I wouldn't recommend it considering that the medicine could damage the liver. I haven't heard of it causing appetite loss but I would LOVE that side effect!!! I'm concerned about the hair loss that will totally suck!!!! This medicine effects people differently just like any other medicine. If you find out about the hair loss please let me know.

thanks, Maria

maggie

05 Nov 2009, 17:02

I'm in the same boat as Maria, and I'm scared too. Is there alot or a little hair loss? Can you drink beer? Will I be sick?
What about appetite loss, I'm looking forward to that one.

maria

01 Nov 2009, 08:48

Has anyone experienced hair loss with methotrexate and if so is it mild hair loss or total hair loss. Thanks

Maria

01 Nov 2009, 05:40

I'm suppose to start methotrexate but i'm scared to death of it. I have read all the side effects. Has any one had any side effects from this medicine. This is a night mare for me I was a healthy woman on day and woke up in a nightmare. HELP

june

20 Oct 2009, 18:08

i have been taking methotrxate forat least 5 years!!i am suppose to get my labs blood work done every month, i try my darndest to comply because this is my life. do as your doctor orders,ive had to decrease my dosage due to elevated enzymes in my liver. so do follow thru this is a life changing disease.also i take quite a few other ra meds.

naomi berkson

15 Jul 2009, 09:14

Help!

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?

Diane L. Bronner

30 Jun 2009, 10:39

I just started methotrexate and I am doing my first blood work up, I will follow what my doctor says when it come to the testing. I dont want to take a chance.This is new to me and concerning!

Laida

22 Jun 2009, 12:48

Hi,
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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Blood Test Frequency for Methotrexate

Blood Test Frequency for Methotrexate

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