HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

On Methotrexate For Atopic Eczema, Tests Show High ALT. Cause?

I have been on 15mg/week methotrexate for a year for atopic excema (which I have had since childhood) but my ALT test has come out at 59. I have not drunk any alcohol for two weeks so should this have fallen below the safe limit by now? I have been told to come off methotrexate until my ALT level has fallen and have stopped drinking completely since then.
Fri, 8 Nov 2013
Report Abuse
Gastroenterologist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
Methotrexate over a period of time can damage liver and can case fibrosis. It can cause a raise in the liver enzymes.
During methotrexate treatment, one should abstain from alcohol. Because it increases the risk of methotrexate induced liver injury.
The liver enzymes would not have reached baseline within two weeks.
The ideal thing to do is to get a liver biopsy done and proceed with methotrexate treatment only if the biopsy shows no changes or just grade I and II changes.
I hope that answers your question.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Eczema


Loading Online Doctors....
On Methotrexate For Atopic Eczema, Tests Show High ALT. Cause?

Hi, Thanks for posting your query. Methotrexate over a period of time can damage liver and can case fibrosis. It can cause a raise in the liver enzymes. During methotrexate treatment, one should abstain from alcohol. Because it increases the risk of methotrexate induced liver injury. The liver enzymes would not have reached baseline within two weeks. The ideal thing to do is to get a liver biopsy done and proceed with methotrexate treatment only if the biopsy shows no changes or just grade I and II changes. I hope that answers your question. Regards.