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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
New Bloomfield, PA

My RA flared after almost 20 years of being quite. I had changed rheumatologist this past year. My old one never listened, so I might have a flare up and not realize it. My new rheumatologist put me on methotrexate as soon as she saw my hands. Never was on that before. After 3weeks, she did blood work. Came back showing renal insufficiency. She had me stop all my arthritis meds immediately. Put me on prednisone for the next 7 weeks. My question has this happened to anyone else, this… read more

May 24, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared experiences with methotrexate causing kidney problems, with several reporting that renal function improved after stopping the... Read more

Members shared experiences with methotrexate causing kidney problems, with several reporting that renal function improved after stopping the medication and making lifestyle changes like drinking more water, cutting back on caffeine and soda, and avoiding ibuprofen. Many members found success with alternative treatments, including biologics alone, acupuncture, and supplements like Milk Thistle for liver protection, with one member's kidney filtration rate recovering from 38 to over 60 after dietary adjustments. A recurring theme was the difficult balance between managing RA symptoms and protecting vital organs from medication side effects, with members emphasizing the importance of regular bloodwork, staying hydrated, and advocating for treatment changes when serious reactions occur.

A myRAteam Member

The methotrexate will affect any cell producing organs ,but in your case it does seem that your kidneys were badly affected. They will regenerate but I agree that a cleanse is a good option

May 30, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I was on methotrexate and it sent me to th ER with Anaphylaxis. So not surprised.

May 29, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I"ve taken methotrexate off and on several different times, and never had this happen....... but that IS why they do blood work!

May 27, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I take Milk Thistle which is a supplement you get at the nutritional stores or GNC or health food stores. It's supposed to help protect your liver. As for the renal insufficiency, I did like Rebecca, quit the soda, tea, beer and upped the water. I haven't really had any problems since. It's part of taking care of ourselves. I will cheat and have a small soda with extra ice or a coke-flavored icee when I really want the flavor. But for the most part I'm a water girl. It has helped my renal function. I went from a GFR (Glomular Filtration Rate) over 60 to a 38 then back up to over 60. So it can improve.

May 27, 2016
A myRAteam Member

This happened to me 2 years ago, I stopped all meds for several months, drank more water, less caffeine, no soda, beer etc, absolutely no ibuprophen. after a few months my counts went back to normal, and I refuse to take MTX ever again. Sadly these RA meds that keep us functioning are also dangerous to our health, so I try to be very careful of everything else I put into my body. I hope you do well.

May 25, 2016

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