Low iron? Could it be from Methotrexate?

[slimhobo]

I just found out that my iron is really low. I have to take ferrous sulfate 3x a day. I also take 8mg pred, 10mg Methotrex. Colchicine, folic acid and protonix.
What do you think? Could this low iron be from the Methotrexate? I have been on it for 10 months and have not had any iron problems before this......
Thanks for your imput.
Kimb

[Raglet]

hi there

I wouldn't have thought that metho would make you low in iron, but then I'm no authority! Did you ask your doctor about it ?

raglet

[Aileen]

Low Iron was one of my first SLE things that GP spotted
and ordered more bloods
I'm on Fersamal 210mg 3 x a day for it :)

It might just be a new symptom you have :sad: I'm new to this :hehe:

http://www.uklupus.co.uk/lsymp.html its under Blood Disorders this is what it says
Anaemia
Anaemia is the most common blood problem in people with SLE. It is the lack of red blood cells, or the presence of red blood cells that do not have enough oxygen-carrying capacity due to a deficiency in iron or vitamins.

Anaemia is diagnosed using blood tests - the red blood cell count, or the haemocrit.

In lupus patients, anaemia can be caused by chronic inflammation, iron deficiency, prolonged uraemia, or haemolytic anaemia.

Red blood cells are produced by bone marrow, but prolonged inflammation can hinder the production of red blood cells. When there is inflammation, iron is not handled properly, and accumulates in the bone marrow tissue. But iron is needed to produce haemoglobin (red pigment in the cells), and if it is accumulating in the marrow tissue, it can't be used to produce the red cells. Therefore, treating the anaemia as one normally would with iron would be useless if the anaemia is caused by inflammation. In these cases the production of red blood cells would return to normal only when the inflammation is treated.

Uraemia is marked kidney insufficiency in which wastes normally excreted by the kidneys remains in the bloodstream. Uraemia can cause anaemia in lupus patients, but can be treated with androgens (male hormones), or with a hormone called erythropoietin.

Anaemia can also be caused by iron deficiency, which can be brought on by heavy periods in women, or internal bleeding in the stomach (which can be caused by NSAIDs). Treatment is with iron tablets.

Haemolytic anaemia is a condition where red blood cells are prematurely destroyed. Red blood cells normally live for 120 days, but in haemolytic anaemia, they only live for about 10-15 days. In lupus patients, it can be caused by antibodies that are made against the red blood cells. If other substances such as complement are present, the antibodies can pop the red cells. It can be treated with corticosteroids or cytotoxics, but in some cases, the spleen may have to be removed.

I hope that might help you with an answer http://w11.eleven2.com/~joanne86/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif
but your best to ask your GP next time you see them

[hazel595]

Hi Kimb
I have been on methotrexate for 4 years and have never had any problems with iron although I know lots of Lupus patients do have a low iron problem and need to have iron injections or tablets. I also take prednisolone, folic acid, actonel and warfarin.

I do not think it is anything to do with the taking the methorexate but if you are still unsure then have a word with your pharmacist.

xxxxhazel

[somerset]

Hello

I have been on ferrous sulphate for 4 months now - and have not been aneamic before now. I have been on the methotrexate for a year and a bit so I can't see a connection. Consultant didn't think it was the lupus causing aneamia - I am 42 so maybe it is an age thing - heavy periods every other month. Saying that I have been extremely tired since my flu jab and am now being nauseous the day after my metho. Also liver ALT went up to 132 two months ago so maybe metho is the culprit?!?!:wink2: Why is lupus such a bewildering complaint? ALT is back to 22 now and I am still on metho/plaquenil and steroids. Is it the flu jab? a flare? the meds?

Who do you all turn to when you are feeling poorly? My doctor is fantastic but doesn't specialise in lupus - my consultant is brilliant but so so busy and I don't know how bad I have to feel to contact her between appts.

Take care everyone Juliet

[Douglas]

The medicos found my low iron long before the dx of SLE came on the scene. I have been on the iron pills for years now and probably would be horizontal without them. How is your thyroid? That was the next thing they found; mine would make a good paperweight (for really small papers). Not on Methotrexate so on that, no comment.
Douglas+