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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liver lab results?

achymom
achymom
Just got my latest liver panel results, and some of the levels, while still within limits, are on the rise. I'm taking plaquinel and MTX (20mg/ week), and my rheumy has me tested every 4 weeks. I'm 2 months away from my next appt, so looking to all of you for some over the counter perspective.

Have any of you seen this? Is this a bad sign (I have a tendency to worry), or am I overreacting? She checks creatinine, eGFR, AST, AST and Alkaline Phosphatase - as I said, all within the ranges, but just higher than last month, and all are trending up during the 4 months I've been on these meds.

Would appreciate any thoughts!
thx, achymom
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am on MTX. I started on 10mg s and my ALT was high at 46 scale is 6-40. My Dr decided to raise it to 15mgs to see what my liver would do. My current ALT rose to 57. I haven't heard from the Dr yet but I did not take the MTX on Sunday.

If you stay within the normal range you should be okay. It's when it keeps rising and goes above the normal scales. You are on a higher dose than me and your levels are still normal that is good. Don't worry your Dr will keep checking your levels.

I have been on MTX for 3 mths and it is not working for me. I still can't get off the prednisone. I hope he calls and take me off it. I do have an appt on 1/20. Try not to worry too much. I know these meds are scary. Take care. I hope I helped.

Hugs

Jan
achymom
achymom
thanks Jan. Good luck with finding the right treatment cocktail for you.

achymom
deleted_user
deleted_user
HI I was on MTX for 5 years, some numbers would trend higher but all was well until October 2010, then they went too high and rheumy stopped MTX, after a month and 1/2 I was retested and all is well. Don't worry, that's why they check you every 4 weeks, if numbers look bad they take you off MTX , I don't think plaquinel is hard on the system, and numbers usually go back down.
suera