Arava and elevated GGT

[Joanne Mary]

For eleven weeks, I have been taking Arava for rheumatoid arthritis.  This has relieved the pain almost 100%.  However, for 6 weeks I have had elevated GGT (136) and elevated alkaline phosphatase (198).  AST, ALT and LDH are normal.  I also have been taking atenolol for about six months. Can these medication cause the high readings?  I have no symptoms of anything wrong with the gall bladder.

[Rbeth]

Hi~ definitely follow Patra's recco to post as new question!!

Just want to add if you treated & cured HCV 10 years ago & have no hepc virus, transmission or new infection will not come from medications. Hep c is a blood borne virus.... Only.

You haven't shared the condition of your liver eg., cirrhosis, fibrosis, healthy etc. I would think that would be the only thing to think about, if you are cured of hep c virus. Are the meds liver friendly or harmful? I don't know, but as Pat said DO repost your question & maybe state the status of your liver. Perhaps you'll get good feedback from others familiar with meds.
All best,
Randy

[patra_]

You have posted on a very old site (No one has posted here since 2004).

I suggest that you copy your post above, and go to the top of the thread, touch the green 'Ask a Question ' button and start a new thread.

Good luck.

[aburris]

I have had Hep c and was treated and in remission now for 10 years. I was dagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was put on Plaquinil 200 mgs bid. My pain hasnt been relieved totally with this med and the rheumatologist wants me to start on Arava in combination. Im scared of the hep c coming back with both of these meds. Opinions needed. Thanks

[MajNeni]

Dear Jill,
Congratulations on staying the course.  Good luck on your test.

I'm sure there are a lot of quiet people out there, perhaps  reading here but not posting.  We wish all of you success with the tx.
Maj Neni

[mother of three]

Hi, haven't been on in along time. I have been clear since 12 wks, I decided to 52 , I do shot 52 wensday! I can't believe it's over. My GI, only did one pcr at 12 and I'll do another in about 3 wks. It hasn't been easy for me, platelets stayed around 50, whites and reds very low; did nupegen and procrit every wk. Blood work every wk. I have had alot of pain in my legs and back,   But I have made it.. with alot of prayer and love.  Jill

[honey1616]

Nov 15th...Great Day,,,My sisters b-day so will remember that and be sending positive thoughts!  Yep,,,I think you got it at 88 weeks and just need the confirmation!  We are both doing good and excited about finishing up this winter! I can tell,,,Life is going to be so good,,,I can't wait to really enjoy after being on slack mode this past year.  Thanks for asking!

[honey1616]

Scott,,,I could have sworn that you were planning on getting your PCR Oct 3 or 4 and if so,,,,have you heard anything?

[cuteus]

week 68 on Monday, of about 72 or so.   so November ending date, I guess.

[Soleus]

Just took my 58th shot out of 60 tonight. This is my first and hopefully my only round of treatment. I decided to go longer because my viral load was a little high. However I

[MajNeni]

Dear Friend,
this is a patient to patient support group for people concerned with Hepatitis C.  Your question neds to be directed to a doctor.  You can also do a web search for some of the key words in your question.  Good luck.  Maj Neni

**************************************************************
There are a lot of you out there who are coming close to the end of treatment.  How about a round of checking in?  Who's finishing in October?  November?  December?  We'd like to cheer from the side-lines here!  
Maj Neni