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Folic acid and Methotrexate

Posted , 7 users are following.

Dinah54
Dinah54

I'm still confused about this. I take the prescribed 5mg once a week, not on sane day as mtx.

But the medical information (not forum) on this site says categorically not to take any vitamin preparations which contain folic acid. I take a Beroca multi vitamin every day except Monday (mtx day) and Friday (folic acid day) Along with other B vitamins and C it contains 360 micrograms of folic acid. Could this do any harm?

0 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • brenda05405
    brenda05405 Dinah54

    Posted

    I take MTX 2.5mg x 5 on Thursday and a "Prescription" only folic acid 1mg every day as prescribed by my doctor. No folic acid "Vitamin" preparations 
  • Yejyde
    Yejyde Dinah54

    Posted

    This is one I find confusing too. I've been since by two different consultants since starting Mxt n both have prescribed folic acid differently, one said to take folic acid everyday with hydroxychloroquine, the other said to take folic acid once a week two days before or after taking Mxt. I went for the later though only because I'll do anything to reduce the number of tablets I pump into myself.

    I'm curious to hear a pharmacist' opinion n will ask the next time I pick up my next set of injections

    • cheria
      cheria Yejyde

      Posted

      Once a week if 5 mg tablets of folic acid..everyday if it is a 1 mg tablet...not to be taken on the same day as methotrexate.
    • Yejyde
      Yejyde cheria

      Posted

      My prescription says 5mg everyday, not 1mg everyday
    • cheria
      cheria Yejyde

      Posted

      This must be important to your doctor for your particular case..this sounds reasonable if you are not taking any other means of folic acid thru a multu vitamin or b complex supplement..Many who have RA take multivitamins and/or other supplements ..the doctor makes his best judgement call.
    • mrsmop
      mrsmop Yejyde

      Posted

      Yejyde, I saw a different Consultant originally, and she prescribed Folic Acid 5mg for 5 days a week, the Consultant I see now, prescribes 5mg once a week and, as I have said elsewhere, I was taking it at the same time as the MTX, on his instructions, following a severe adverse reaction to the MTX.

      I don't take supplements either because I get what I need from my food.

       

    • cheria
      cheria mrsmop

      Posted

      Much disease actually starts from not absorbing the vitamins and nutrients from fiood including auto immune diseases...such as a lifetime of eafing gluten or dairy and having sensitivities that many were not even aware of..the body needs the correct balance in order for absorbption..theres much to know.. My RN nursing has taught much.
  • Emis_Moderator
    Emis_Moderator Dinah54

    Posted

    Hi all,

    I have had a reply from the author of the leaflets as below.

    Two things are important here - folic acid should not be taken on the same day of the week as methotrexate; and (for this reason) people taking methotrexate should not take folic acid unless it has been prescribed for them.

    I have modified both leaflets to make this clearer.

    As far as the original posting is concerned, our advice should be that this person contacts their doctor to discuss further.

    So if there are any queries these should be discussed with your GP. The revised leaflets should be on the site soon. Also, if anyone wants to read detailed information I found the link below which may explain things. There is a lot of technical info but if you go down to the Summary section it explains the different protocols etc.

    http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageId=774153

    Hope this helps.

    Alan

  • cheria
    cheria Dinah54

    Posted

    If i had a doctor that did not prescribe folic acid with his prescription of methotrexate, i think its very important to get other professional opinions asap when on this medication.
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