Blood tests with Methotrexate.

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 2:02pm

Hi, I am about to start Methotrexate, already on Sulfasalazine, Rheumy says I will need more frequent blood tests, can anyone tell me how often this might be?, I now have blood tests every 3 months.

anon53727290 · July 3, 2016, 2:22pm

For myself it has been once a month but come August when I shall have been on it for a year I will go down to once every three months (I presume it all depends if the blood test results are acceptable-GP will soon contact you if there is a problem).

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 2:31pm

Thank you.

nh_user_955079 · July 3, 2016, 2:34pm

When I was first put on MTX I had bloods every two weeks. Its because some people react badly to it. After a few bloods are taken and no adverse effects are showing it goes to every few months. So expect some tests quite frequently to start with.

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 2:38pm

Thank you, I will be prepared.

anon53727290 · July 3, 2016, 4:52pm

Hi. I have been on sufazalazine for 18 months and hydroxichlorquine , did have methotrxate but this made me very breathless so stopped this. I have blood tests every 2 weeks.

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 5:27pm

Thank you, it's good to get the views of others, I haven't had many bad side effects from Sulfasalazine, but I'm a bit apprehensive about Methotrexate.

nh_user_48902 · July 3, 2016, 6:17pm

Three months for me and if you don't have them your methotrexate can be stopped ho what fun

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 6:23pm

Thank you, yes I've been told it's important that you must have regular tests only they didn't say how often, I suppose I'll be told this by my GP when he gets my notes through from Rheumatology.

nh_user_955079 · July 3, 2016, 6:34pm

Its every two weeks at beginning then gradually gets longer apart if no adverse signs.

nh_user_955079 · July 3, 2016, 6:38pm

I have been OK on it and am now on maximum dose by injection. But it does need careful monitoring through blood tests. It worked well for me at start but gradually I have got resistant to it. Lots of people do great on it. Good luck!

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 6:53pm

Thank you, I feel a bit better now I know lots are on it without bad side effects, that was what I was anxious about. I think that is what has happened to me with the Sulfasalazine because my flares were under control until recently, it's not working as well anymore.

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 6:58pm

Thank you, I hope I'm ok on it.

anon53727290 · July 3, 2016, 7:28pm

When I was on it, was every month.I still have monthly blood tests n results are sent to my rheumy. I am on sulfasalazine now

nh_user_954113 · July 3, 2016, 7:37pm

Thank you, looks like it's more frequent that what I have now, still if it helps with the flares it'll be worth it.

nh_user_932917 · July 4, 2016, 2:53pm

Hi Veronica:

I have been on MTX for about 12 years. The doctor gave me a standing prescription for a year to go to a laboratory of my choice for a monthly blood test. The lab keeps the Rx on file for me. Since I take my MTX on Thursday, and since he wants the blood test to be taken 2 days before my MTX intake, I take the test on Tuesday morning. Once in a while I miss a test since I work part time in another city. But he does not seem alarmed by a missed test.

nh_user_954113 · July 4, 2016, 4:20pm

Thank you Timothy, you must be ok on it then, I hope it is the same for me, I'm waiting to hear from my GP to issue me with my script.

nh_user_941532 · July 5, 2016, 4:07am

I was getting blood work done every month since January but as of April it's a standing order for every 3 months.

nh_user_954113 · July 5, 2016, 9:47am

Thank you, that's good to know that they extend the time, as I already get three monthly tests now being on Sulfasalazine.