Weaning off of my MTX | Arthritis Information

Unfortunatel I have to go off my MTX because my liver just can't seem to handle it. My SGTP number is 280 and should be under 40. I went down to 3 pills(7.5mg) last 2 weeks and got my blood tested again and it is just under 200.

Sooooo RD wants me off. I have been leading a 99% pain free life on Enbril & MTX the past 6 months.

I freaked out last night and took 5 mg and figured I would take 2.5 next week. Hoping to ease into the pain.

Has anyone else gone off? How quick did the pain come back. I am dreading it.

Has your RD suggested anything you can take in place of the MTX? To just go off seems harsh.

How long were you on the MTX, Gena? Did you have any warning signs, or was it just that your numbers came back so high? I hope the doctor has some good suggestions for you - especially since it was really working for you. Maybe that means you'll respond well to something else.

Is your doctor taking you off permanently or just temporarily?

I've been taken off a couple of times for about 2 weeks. The last time they didn't give me as high a dose and I'm not doing so well. I'm asking if they can increase it again.

As far as going off of it, the two weeks didn't make much of difference. After a few weeks on the lower dose, my pain has increased. But it does take awhile just like it took awhile for it to work. At least, that's what I'm hoping will be your experience too.

Sometimes, they can adjust the other meds to compensate for the MTX. Ask about that and if you will be able to go back on.

Have you ever been on just the Enbrel alone? Maybe it will be enough to work for you.I know someone that has a really bad liver, and they give her a few MTX a week. She can only take like 7 milligrams, and she still takes that much a week. Maybe you can stay at the lower dose for a while and see how the Enbrel is working. I guess this will put your Enbrel to the test.

It is amazing how elusive these drugs can be and how much we truly don't understand always "what" is doing the trick. Diet, stress, medications, so many contributing factors impact our state of mind and body.

I hope you get it worked out. Try not to stress yourself into a flare. Take it one day at a time.

This is the second time I have been pulled off the MTX. My RD wants me off completely this time because she doesn't think my liver can take it. She is talking about Planquenil.

Last time I went off the MTX I had only been on Enbril for a month. I was debilitated within a few weeks.This time I have been on the Enbril for 6 months. I am hoping maybe the Enbril has really kicked in and it will not be as devastating.

I hate the roller coaster of the new meds. I feel like I am such a highly allergic person and I do not take to all of these meds well.

I like my Plaquenil. It helped without any bad consequences and you are probably right. You've been on the Enbrel a lot longer.

If it doesn't work, then you'll know to push for something else right away.

I haven't heard of too many people having much trouble with the Plaquenil. But it is tough if you are very sensitive to medications. I can understand your worry. I would feel the same exact way. I want my MTX back up at the higher level for the same reason you don't want it to go away.

I may not be far from the boat you're riding in right now. He's taken me off twice now.

Poor, sensitive little livers. But you don't want the consequences of liver damage. That's much worse. It's better that your doctor is watching this so carefully.

But I know it's scary.

I think they often substitute Arava (leflunomide) for methotrexate, if mtx can't be used. My rheumatologist does, anyway.

Also it looks as though Arava can be used in combination with Enbrel too (having just googled it).

Best of luck,

Gene~ (Or others with experience) How long were you on MTX before it started effecting your liver? I've been taking it for over 3 years....close to 4 now I think. I'm up to 25mg and feel better than I have in a long time. I know MTX is responsable for a lot of that success. Have problems with it at this point is a big fear of mine. I'm curious how long you took it before starting to experience problems.

Lovie,

I started MTX in October and was pulled off the first time in February. Waited 2 weeks,,went back on a lower dose in March. My May blood tests were sky high again. If you have been on 25 mg for 3 years then you can obviously tolerate it. I am down to 7.5 mg and still have trouble.

Poor little liver. I went to Whole Foods and bought some of those liver detox supplements. The only thing I noticed was that my hot flashes ceased completely. How weird is that???

Gena, I am just taking Enbrel and relafin. It is pretty effective and seems to get more effective the longer I am on it. Maybe you will be able to go without the mtx. Take good care of your liver, with all these meds it is scary.

Don't panic. Let us know how it goes. Rox

Well as much as I hate to hear you are having troubles (Gene) like you said; the fact that I've been on it as long as I have is a good sign. I haven't been on 25mg the entire time; but I have steadily increased without any noticable problems.

I hope my luck holds out.