Comments on: Elevated Transaminases http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2010/07/elevated-transaminases/ Tue, 08 Sep 2015 08:11:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.3 By: Rachel http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2010/07/elevated-transaminases/#comment-2890 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:44:09 +0000 http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?p=10342#comment-2890 Hi RA guy,

Sorry to hear about the damage – ugh. I’ve been on Arava for a few years now, and that has been my personal saviour. I’d be interested to find out how others are going on it? Oh it hasn’t fixed the damage, so next surgery will be the good old hip replacement. The pain is making me want to rip it out of the joint now, but apparently that’s not an acceptable treatment method. Go figure.

best of luck, keep us informed.

Rach.

]]> By: Lynn Rivers http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2010/07/elevated-transaminases/#comment-2889 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:06:51 +0000 http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?p=10342#comment-2889 I’ve been on and off Arava twice now. I had one set of liver enzymes come back elevated (not rush to the hospital or anything) and my Rhuemy took me off it right away. He told me to go in once a week for three weeks and we would monitor it. My numbers came down quickly each week. My Rhuemy was assured that it WASN’T the Arava. Arava has a very long half life (stays in your system for very long time) and stopping the Arava would only see a slight reduction in my blood levels not a drastic one. I recommend going for several more liver tests before you decide that the Arava was the cause. In my case the elevated tests were due to an infection (round of antibiotics) and later on due to the NSAIDS. I had several tests that were only one or two points above normal. My liver has been fine since I’ve stopped taking the Volataren (Diclofenac Sodium).

The Enbrel & Arava combo is working wonders for me so don’t give up on it too quickly. One abnormal liver test is not enough to blame any given medication.

I go for routine blood tests every 6 weeks… you should too if you are on Arava.

]]> By: Cathy http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2010/07/elevated-transaminases/#comment-2886 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:18:37 +0000 http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?p=10342#comment-2886 Hey RA Guy, how are you doing? Are you adapting to the lower dosage without much pain? I think of you often and send lots of healing thoughts. Cathy

]]> By: Miss Waxie http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2010/07/elevated-transaminases/#comment-2885 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:51:08 +0000 http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?p=10342#comment-2885 Oh man. I’m sorry to hear this, it just fully sucks. Way to be on top of your medical care and lab results; a lesser patient might not have noticed this for months!

A note on changing up meds for you liver: in an effort to help elevated AFTs and ALTs, I was taken off my immunosuppressant, imuran, because the doctors were sure it was doing the liver damage and were equally sure the 2 other immunosupressants I was on plus the low dose pred would hold me.

Sadly not so and I rapidly (since March) developed crohns/colitis & ITP. All I can say is pay as close attention to your body after you get off your med as you do right now (and i’m sure you will), and keep those doctors on top of things!

– Miss Waxie
http://acomiclifeindeed.wordpress.com

]]> By: Robin http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2010/07/elevated-transaminases/#comment-2884 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:42:15 +0000 http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?p=10342#comment-2884 ugh, I’m so sorry this has happened. Hopefully cutting the dosage will help. I was always really worried about my liver when taking meds…but I guess it didn’t stop me from drinking a crap load of alcohol in college! at least your rheumy has warned you about it!
take care and love your liver up with green veggies!
robin

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