Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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nomorera 05/01/2014

I was doing well until my Dr. and I took me off the MTX in February for a respiratory infection and decided to keep me off. Then I started flaring, then I started back on the MTX and I am still flaring 6 weeks later...sigh..the reason I am writing is because I have noticed my urine smells very strong, Like the smell of old peoples urine in a nursing home (sorry that's the best description I've got).

This just started a week or two ago. I drink at least 60oz of water daily and the amount and frequency haven't changed. There haven't been any changes in my diet.
I don't think it's anything to worry about but I had to ask if anyone else has had this issue and if they know what has caused it and what I might possibly do about it, if anything.

thanks

lionprincess00 05/01/2014

Can't type more right now because I'm out, but I've googled liver problems and urine issues come up like smell. Do some searches and don't freak out first lol...but see if the symptoms are similar to your issues. Maybe your enzymes are elevated or something like that...really don't freak on the Google though because it's easy to go overboard on Dr Google, I know I have!

dd24 05/01/2014

It might help to add more water to your daily intake. Also adding lemon juice to your water will help flush the liver.

stephgas 05/01/2014

when's the last time you had a blood workup? a noticeable change in urine like that *could* be something more sinister, but often is nothing. did you start a new vitamin? i used to take a gnc women's vitamin that made my pee smell HORRIBLE. and it was neon orange. ridiculous.

now it smells, well, less horrible. and is neon yellow. so, you know.

if you've added a new vitamin or changed your multi recently, this could definitely be the issue. if you stop taking it for a day or two, your pee will go right back to 'normal' and you'll have solved it. (i switched my multi to a women's from vitamin shoppe. better.) b vitamins are notorious for vibrant, odorous urine.

confoosed 05/01/2014

Do you take any other meds? The same thing happened to me when I took diclofenac, but no other drug has caused it.

Trooper45yrs 05/01/2014

When I was on Humira, my pee smelled horrible. Now I'm on Orencia and I don't notice that anymore. I've seen other discussions here previously about people having this issue with Humira. Not sure about Methotrexate. Just make sure your Creatinine levels are at or below 1.2 or so, and there is no blood or protein in your urine. We have to take charge of our bodies, so ask for these tests.

nomorera 05/04/2014

Thanks for the input. I was hoping it would go away but it's not. I am also in the midst of a really crappy flare. I tried to google this but not coming up with anything that looks like it might be helpful. If it doesn't go away I will talk to my dr. I am due for more bloodwork in 2 weeks. I don't think it's anything to panic about either.

Thanks for the input. I truly appreciate you all.

trishcorsi 05/04/2014

I didn't notice what you are taking for the flares. I am living the same scenario, off mtx due to respiratory thing in Feb and have gone thru two bunches of steroids that have gotten me thru. Now I can take meloxicam again. The unusual urine smell would be a side effect from drugs but I sure would have blood work checked. Trish

Thewino 05/04/2014

Hello Nomore,

My urine also has a very strong odor to it as well. I've always attributed it to my Sulfasalazine and never even considered the MTX.

Anyway, I've been on both of the meds for at least six months and my non-RA labs have always been normal.

Between my primary, Rheumy, and pain doc, I feel like the most blood drawn, lab tested man on the planet!

At one point, I was having labs drawn, including a UA, every week. Now, for my Rheumy, I have labs drawn, with UA, once monthly. All is well so far.

Be well,
TheWino

Lori57703 05/04/2014

I noted a funky odor to my urine as soon as I started MTX. It seems to last about 24-36 hours and then goes away.

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