Methotrexate-Eye or Anemia Problems? | Arthritis Information

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone has either had vision changes or anemia due to taking Methotrexate?

I've noticed for months now its harder for me to focus, blurrier and eyes feel tired. Wondering if anyone has run into this ?

I also have had low Hemoglobin(sp) and HCT counts on my lab work. My doctor said sometimes Mtx can do something to your bone marrow causing anemia. Said we will watch it and if it goes down too much more, will do more tests and re-think Mtx. Ohhh greeeattt. Just when my RA starts to feel better I have to have side effects from it!

Thanks,

Kelly

Kelly

I noticed the blurry eyes when on prednisone. I actually needed reading glasses- now I don't!!!
[QUOTE=klynn141] [QUOTE=Spelunker]Have you considered making some dietary changes to improve your hg/hct levels? Making some simple changes in eating patterns can result in a big payoff in blood counts. Additionally, sometimes an increase in the daily intake of folic acid will help increase the counts. As always discuss any change in your diet or the addition of supplements with your physician.
Spelunker: Well, I'm eating prunes! LOL I thought I'd take your advice and try to eat better, more veggies, fruit, less bad stuff....I read Prunes are a great source of iron, fiber and potassium.... Lets see...the list goes on... horrible leg cramps the past several days, constipation for a month now (yeah glad I put that one out there) and Iron for anemia ...a good source for all those things. My tremors have worsened, (prob Prednisone?), ankles I noticed lastnight look like fluid retention, wheezing still there...and on and on..... I am just a bucket of fun!

I've been on MTX for a long time and I've never noticed a change in my vision. In fact, it's been quite stable.

As far as the CBC goes, here are the results of my last few blood tests. This is what's normal for ME. The abnormal results are the result of MTX and aren't worth worrying about.

	NORMAL VALUES
BLOOD CELLS
WBC	3.80	10.80	6.30	7.80	9.70
RBC	3.80	5.10	3.54	3.61	3.61
HEMOGLOBIN	11.3	15.5	11.0	11.5	10.9
HEMATOCTRIT	35.5	45.0	35.2	35.8	37.1
MCV [Avg volume]	80.0	100.0	99.0	99.0	103.0
MCR [MCH] [amt of Hemoglobin]	27.0	33.0	31.1	32.0	30.2
MCHC	31.0	37.0	31.3	32.2	29.4
RDW	11.5	14.5	15.3	15.6	15.3
PLATELET COUNT [5]	150	450	342	432	441