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Date: 11.08.2010
From: Rach

Subject: MTX and Folic Acid?

Hi all

I was recently diagnosed with RA and started taking MTX about a month ago. I am on 7.5mg of MTX at the moment and 5mg of prednisone. I have heard that you are supposed to take Folic Acid with the MTX but my Rheumy never mentioned this. Is this the case? Also, does this constant tiredness ever go - I could sleep all the time?

Cheers

Rach
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: Kirstine

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

Most people take folic acid 2-3 days after you take your mtx dose. It helps lessen any side effects as it stops a build up of the drug in the body (someone might tbe able to confirm it as thats how my nurese explained it).
I would mention it to your doctor or GP as it is important, specially if your dose is increased :)
As for the tirdness, you will find with time you will have days where you feel full of energy and others where u are exhausted. Ive found that if i do too much one day i will suffer terrible the following couple of days. Its just a case of working out your limits and making sure you have a balance between activity and rest. Sorry i cant be anymore helpful xxx
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: Kirstine

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

Also ment to say i have a 2 year old and. 10 month old so if you ever want a good moan, remember there are a few of us on here with little ones and arthritis :)
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: Marilyn

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

Hi Rach, I am on my third does of MTX. I started three weeks ago. The nurse told me (in simple terms) take the Folic acid of Fridays ( because Folic and Friday both begin with an 'F' then you shoudn't forget to take it) and the MTX on Mondays (because they both begin with 'M' she said it would be easier to remember and so far it is OK. I am also at the moment on Salazopyrin but hoping to get these down when the MTX takes effect. I had a really good day yesterday but today I am a bit stiff. Best wishes Marilyn
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: Rachel

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

Thanks Kristine. That was really helpful. I will mention it to my doc.

I think the tiredness is prob a combination of the meds, working full time and having a 19 month old son who doesn't sleep that much!! Trying to be positive but its nice to know other people are in the same boat. My god 2 kids under 2, how do you do it!

Cheers

Rach
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: Rachel

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

Hi Marilyn

That was good advice. Don't think I would forget to take the meds considering its all I think about lately ha! I am feeling good at the mo but just a bit stiff in the morning. Hopefully the MTX will kick in soon and I can come off the steroids.

Take care

Rach
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Date: 24.11.2012
From: Tracy

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

I am on both methotrexate and frolic acid. The doc said the frolic acid is necessary w/methotrexate because one can become deficient in the folic acid. I have been in the combo since May of this year and my stomach continues to bother me and I am still quite tired all the time. It side effects have gotten only slightly better. I am still learning how to deal with the disease (systemic diffuse Scleroderma) and the meds. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether its the disease causing the symptoms or if it is the meds.
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Date: 24.11.2012
From: Colin

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

hi Tracy

know nothing about your disease , there are loads of us on here taking MTX for rheumatiod arthritis , been taking the drug for 14 years , it does cause stomach problems & take omeprazole for that very reason myself

we all take folic acid , it helps a lot with the side effects , I take 5mg tablets six days a week & 25mg MTX one day a week

hope you find it helps you
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Date: 26.11.2012
From: Two hip replacements and still going!

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

I also take 5mg folic acid Friday and 15mg methotrexate on a Monday. It does help with the side effects.
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Date: 10.02.2013
From: Amy

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

I take 15mg methotrexate one day a week (I choose Friday because it seems about 24 hours after taking it I have "stomach issues". I take 5mg folic acid daily along with plaquenil. I've been on it for 6 weeks now (6 treatments) the nausea I felt in the beginning has started to dissipate, however in the past few weeks I have experienced breast tenderness and constipation.
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Date: 11.02.2013
From: Tara

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

Hi hun
I m 41 with 6 kids I too have ra
I take 25 mg of mtx once a week folic acid 6 days a week naproxen (spelling?)and paracetamol it hard at times and on bad days I just take it an hour at a time the tiredness is all part of ra and u have to rest when u can I find that I will pay for it the next few days if I fight it
There s great ppl on here with great tips and
advise come on and have a good moan any time I know its very hard when u have little ones
Take care
Tara
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Date: 11.02.2013
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: MTX and Folic Acid?

hi Amy
like tara I am on 25mg with 5mg folic acid 6 days a week , also take omeprazole which helps with stomach problems , Mtx is a very good drug for RA if you can stand it , not everyone gets on with it but folic acid sorts most the side effects

you should check with your rhummy nurse if you are worried about the drug
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