Anyone have to stop Methotrexate?
Anyone have to stop methotrexate for liver toxicity/did it take long for your liver function tests to return to normal?
My husband had the same issues with raised liver enzymes after taking methotrexate, also. He was eventually sent to a GI doctor who put him on 800 to 1000 iu of vitamin E daily. It has brought his enzyme levels to near normal. With taking this much Vitamin E it does thin your blood down, though. Hope this info helps. I would talk to your doctor before trying this.
Hi Theresa! I was unaware that vitamin E could help with supporting and possibly lowering liver enzymes. I will research this further. As for now, I moved to a DMARD that may help me better and not affect my liver enzymes.
I agree with talking to a physician before starting or stopping any medication or supplement they have advised taking. Your input is much appreciated. Wishing good health and wellness for you and yours!
Rebecca (AxSpA.net moderator)
Hi kelld33 - I sympathize with you. I have been dealing with this issue for a long time now.
I took methotrexate for about a year and a half and was asked to stop due to elevated liver enzymes. A recheck of my labs showed my levels haven't returned to normal, even 2 years later. This may be my new normal. However, I have read that they should go back to acceptable numbers within a month of stopping methotrexate.
Because the mechanism behind how methotrexate works is still being studied, it is unclear what exactly makes the enzymes rise. One theory is that of depletion of folate stores in the liver, hence you are given folate when taking methotrexate. Unfortunately, folate is not that easy to metabolise and some may have issues absorbing it. Which may be my issue.
That said, I just began use of Rheumate - which is a prescribed dietary supplement for those using methotrexate. My rheumatologist suggested trying it, even while not on methotrexate. If you care to look into this, you can find info at this link.
https://www.rheumaterx.com/assets/pdfs/rheumate-pi.pdf
The brochure states "RHEUMATE is intended for the clinical dietary management of metabolic effects of methotrexate therapy administered to patients with chronic inflammatory diseases under physician supervision." (from the above link)
So far using Rheumate I have had a little bit more energy due to the ingredients - we will see how my enzymes react on my next lab draw. Thanks for the GREAT question.I was on methotrexate for 4 years but had to stop it for liver toxicity but it’s been 6 months and my liver enzymes still haven’t returned to normal 😕
Hi kelld33 – I sympathize with you. I have been dealing with this issue for a long time now.
I took methotrexate for about a year and a half and was asked to stop due to elevated liver enzymes. A recheck of my labs showed my levels haven’t returned to normal, even 2 years later. This may be my new normal. However, I have read that they should go back to acceptable numbers within a month of stopping methotrexate.
Because the mechanism behind how methotrexate works is still being studied, it is unclear what exactly makes the enzymes rise. One theory is that of depletion of folate stores in the liver, hence you are given folate when taking methotrexate. Unfortunately, folate is not that easy to metabolise and some may have issues absorbing it. Which may be my issue.
That said, I just began use of Rheumate – which is a prescribed dietary supplement for those using methotrexate. My rheumatologist suggested trying it, even while not on methotrexate. If you care to look into this, you can find info at this link.
https://www.rheumaterx.com/assets/pdfs/rheumate-pi.pdfThe brochure states “RHEUMATE is intended for the clinical dietary management of metabolic effects of methotrexate therapy administered to patients with chronic inflammatory diseases under physician supervision.” (from the above link)
So far using Rheumate I have had a little bit more energy due to the ingredients – we will see how my enzymes react on my next lab draw. Thanks for the GREAT question.
I did unfortunately. I only lasted about 2 months. I didn't see much improvement, but I lost a lot of hair. Didn't seem worth it.
Keeping in mind, everyone is different. What didn't work for me might be great for you.
