Hi,
I had the methotrexate injection on Tuesday (when my hcg levels measured at 406)
I had my blood test today (day 4) since the injection and the levels are STILL exactly the same-406.
I know the levels are supposed to go up on day 4 and then decrease from there. But I don’t know what it means if they stay the same.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Does it mean the methotrexate hasn’t worked? Or hasn’t kicked in yet?
Thanks in advance for any info/advice
Lucy
Dear LJP,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss,
Methotrexate is not instantaneous so levels will often rise in day 4. I would say the fact that they have not risen is a positive and hopefully you will see a reduction in your next bloods.
To help the methotrexate work you should stop taking any vitamins, minerals, or other medicines unless you have been told by the doctors treating you to continue with them, as some interfere with the effects of methotrexate. It is particularly important that you do not take any folic acid supplements and avoid foods enriched with folic acid until your doctors are sure that the drug has worked and hCG hormone level has returned to non-pregnant.
You should not do any heavy lifting or housework until the hCG levels are dropping consistently and should only undertake gentle exercise, such as walking, until the hCG (pregnancy hormone) is at non-pregnant level.
You should avoid sexual intercourse until your hCG is down to non-pregnant level.
Most people take time off from work initially and do not return to work for at least two weeks while the treatment begins to work. Our website has information about ectopic pregnancy and the workplace.
In the first week, it is important to avoid pain killers which fall into the NSAID group such as ibuprofen. The preferred painkiller is paracetamol.
You should refrain from drinking alcohol until hCG has fallen to a non-pregnant level and not drink alcohol for a few weeks after that.
I hope you get more answers and some reassurance on your next bloods
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team
Hi Lucy,
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Hope you’re doing ok. I was discharged a couple of weeks ago having had the MTX injection. At the time I scoured this forum looking for the rate people’s HCG levels dropped so promised myself I’d come on here and share mine. It’s hard because everyone seems to have a different experience but here’s mine:
Day 1: 650
Day 4: 1189 (this was v upsetting as didn’t know they could rise by this much but still be working!)
Day 7: 912 - enough of a drop to not need another dose!
Day 14: 578
Day 21: 281
Day 28: 138
Day 35: 13
Day 42: 0 and discharged
It felt like a really long process although I know it’s longer for others. Take care of yourself in any way you can. I really missed exercise but got myself into a bath and skincare routine. Sounds a bit daft but it helped me relax and feel like I was doing something to look after myself.
All the best xxx
Hope22,
Thank you so much for sharing your timeline. I will make sure to also share mine. I got my methotrexate shot on Tuesday this week. I am on day three right now and headed to get my hCG tested tomorrow. Day 1, my level was 8304 and I’m quite concerned about needing a second shot.
It’s very reassuring to see that your levels went up high enough to cause concern, but went down low enough to prevent you from needing a second shot. I’m really glad that I found this post.
Thank you,