20 mg methotrexate and folic acid on other days are not working for me!

Hi Lisa, you need to see or speak to your consultant, not the secretary/receptionist.

I took MTX for a different disease & after a break, I think you should build up the dose again, not go straight onto 20mg a week.

I don't think it will be the folic acid causing the problems but the MTX.

The first consultant I saw, put me on 5mg MTX to start with & folic acid on the days I didn't take MTX.  When I increased the dose to 10mg/week, the MTX made me pass out.  My new consultant told me to try taking the folic acid at the same time, all the nurses were telling me that the doctor was wrong, however, I trust him & did as he suggested.  

I didn't have any problems for nearly 2 years & the MTX did its job.  I had to come off it for another reason.

So, talk to your consultant, not a secretary, except to leave messages.

Good luck

Hi Lisa

Unfortunately when you miss taking metho for a month(Ive done the same as I was having implants done& needed them to heal)metho is no longer effective.Ive then had to go to hosp for steroid inj.&continue metho.

Ive been on it 5 yrs &still not got it working properly.

Currently on 12.5.

Best wishes

Joyce

Hello Lisa, Sorry to hear you see suffering with a swollen finger but it will not be the folic acid.  The increase in folic acid is to reduce the toxicity effect on your liver as I understand it.  My dose was increased because of this too.  I have swelling in a couple of fingers, wrists and ankles because of the RA so maybe it's the same for you.  As you know the drug takes a few months before you see general improvements so I would stick with it.  Good luck. 

Hi Lisa,

I have also been put on the same as you and I had a great improvement when I changed from 1 folic acid day to 6. So I take it every day except mtx day.

I have just had my follow up and because I am still in lots of pain I've been given Cortesone and she says the elevated pain is because the inflammation is not under control.

I have a cortesone shot every hospital visit and it does help alot but is always disappointing when it wears off.

Also they are planning to change me to the mtx injection because of the sickness and exhaustion, and they can increase it easier that way as it avoids stomach.

Things to ask/check/do

Please ask gp or consultant before anything;

Folic acid 6 days per week except mtx day

Ask about cortesone shots

Ask about injection of mtx

Ask about anti inflammatory or a change in your current ones

Avoid alcohol at all costs on mtx especially if your liver bloods are elevated.

Try milk thistle supplements for the liver.

Hope this helps. It's a long hard battle but I guess we have to trust they know what they are doing and share our own experiences to see what helps/doesn't.