methotrexate with liver biopsy vs Imuran

hana24

Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2007

Posts : 354

Posted 7/15/2009 1:13 AM (GMT 0)

I was wondering if I could have some of youralls insight. I not not process Imuran very well and I am only on 25 mg and have low white blood count. I am have side effects of nausea and dizziness. My doctor says we could try methotrexate but I am scared of the liver biopsies. A lady in the remicade room said they will not put her out for the biopsies anymore and they are the most painful thing she has ever had done. I do not handle pain well. Does anyone have any experiences with this?

Nanners

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 14999

Posted 7/15/2009 12:59 PM (GMT 0)

I do not believe the would do a liver biopsy in order for you to take Methotrexate. You would only do that test if you were having liver problems. Maybe you should try switching to 6mp. It is similar to Imuran but breaks down differently. I found much less side effects on 6mp than I did with Imuran. Good luck!

isergodur

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2009

Posts : 832

Posted 7/15/2009 2:09 PM (GMT 0)

I just had my liver biopsy done three hours ago. It did not hurt that much, small pressure that's it. Good luck

Bammer

Regular Member

Joined : Mar 2008

Posts : 382

Posted 7/15/2009 2:31 PM (GMT 0)

I have been on methotrexate for ten months and have never had a liver biopsy. I do get bloodwork done monthly.

CrohnsPatient

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2008

Posts : 314

Posted 7/15/2009 5:03 PM (GMT 0)

Ive taken Methotrexate for many years and Ive never had to have one.

ZenaWP

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 884

Posted 7/15/2009 5:27 PM (GMT 0)

I had a liver biopsy while on 6mp because my liver enzymes were elevated and they had already tried a MCRP and ERCP. The biopsy did not hurt at all and I was very surprised by how easy it was. I was on methotrexate until last week and was just having monthly labs. Enzymes are up again so they took me off of the mtx. Doesn't make any sense to me to have biopsies while on mtx unless the bloodwork shows elevated enzymes and other tests (like MRCP and ERCP) are inconclusive. My rheumy is making me stop the mtx until we can figure out if it's what elevated my enzymes this time.

hana24

Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2007

Posts : 354

Posted 7/16/2009 2:43 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the info guys- the biopsy scares me more than anything

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply