I had a chest x-ray as a baseline during my first week of starting MTX. As suggested and instructed by my specialist I have had 3 blood tests so far so I am regualrly being monitored for any abnormalities that show up! So far nothing and everything is as should be so thats a positive.
How often should I be having the chest x-rays to ensure that I have no abnormal inflammation? I have now been taking the MTX for 11 weeks so surely I'm due another scan soonish. x
I'm not sure how often u need a chest xray. I've been on MTX for about 10 years and have never had one done.
Kelly
I was on MTX for , geesh, I don't even remember, more than 5 years anyway. I never had a chest xray for that so I have no idea. I had a chest xray before I began a Humira trial......other than that, never for MTX.....hmmmmmm, maybe something new your Dr. is trying? Maybe you are high risk for something?
ALl my tests for Rheumatoid that the Dr. here took were for an initial visit......"to see where my Rheumatoid is now"........."cannot always know how a patient is by the medical chart"....so I have no idea.
You might ask your Dr. if there is another problem you should told about concerning your xrays.*Of course, that is just the way I am, I don't think Dr.'s like it when you question their protocol* But I figure...hey, it is my body, my life, ask away.
Ditto! Have been on MTX for most of 15 yrs. No chest x-ray for that!As far as the chest x-rays go, I had one the first week of starting MTX. He said that the medication can cause inflammation of the lungs so needs to be monitored by taking an x-ray before the meds and then at regular periods after that. I do have asthma (I'm a living wreck
It's not a bad idea though. Especially with your asthma. MTX in rare cases has been know to cause or contribute to serious lung problems. I would consider myself lucky if my doctor was keeping that close of an eye on what could be the most serious complication from MTX.
Hope you're having good results with this medication.
Lovie
I found this on a health website about Methotrexate:
Before you start taking methotrexate, your doctor will do a chest X-ray plus blood tests to determine your blood cell counts, liver enzyme levels, and the efficiency of your kidney function. While you are taking methotrexate, the blood tests will be repeated at regular intervals; if you develop a cough or chest pain, the chest X-ray will be repeated.
Your right though Lovie it is good as well as lucky that I have a doctor that is keeping a close eye on me. As long as the MTX keeps doing its job I wouldn't mind having a blood test every week to check that everything is still as it should be. x
I'm off my MTX & Humira until I get over an infection. I've had a cough for a couple of weeks. The only other infections I've had were bladder/UTI infections and I continued my meds during that time.
I guess when it could be lung related they worry more about complications.