Confused about folic acid!!??!!

poppy30
poppy30 Member Posts: 67
edited 6. Feb 2010, 13:35 in Living with Arthritis archive
Just a quick query about folic acid and methotrexate. I am restarting mtx and previously I have taken mtx and then folic acid every day apart from mtx day.

My new prescription says I'm to take folic acid 3 times a week.... and I'm not sure why the reduction?!? :? Have tried to call my hospital helpline but no answer and I know that they are really short staffed at the moment so i'm not expecting them to get back to me! Was hoping that you guys could help me instead. :D When do you take your folic acid?

Cheers,

Poppy x

Comments

  • ladydi
    ladydi Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    i take 20mg of mtx and take 1 folic acid 48hrs later .. dont know if that helps u...diane
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm on 20mg MTX too and I take folic acid x three times a week...perhaps it's done on an individual basis?

    Annie
  • poppy30
    poppy30 Member Posts: 67
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the responses! :D

    Annie... can I ask you which days you take your folic acid on? I plan to take my MTX tonight but am not sure how best to space out the folic acid during the week? :?

    Cheers!

    Poppy x
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sure, I take MTX Sunday lunchtime and take the folic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays..........otherwise I'd never remember!

    Annie
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi, I take 5mg folic acid 5 days a week (not on Mtx day or day after)
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    this is always so confusing, as different parts of the country and different consultants seem all to do different things.

    I take 15mg MTX injections and 5mg Folic acid every day except the day I have the MTX.

    sorry it isn't any clearer - I would suggest ringing your GP and asking for clarification, as they should have a copy of the local protocol for prescribing folic acid with MTX.
  • jaspercat
    jaspercat Member Posts: 1,238
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Poppy, I take 20mg MXT injections, I take Folic Acid 5 days a week as directed by my Rheumy, I was told to take it 3 days a week but developed really bad sores in my mouth love Jaspercatxx
  • page35
    page35 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Poppy, think it depends on any side effects you get from the mtx too. i started on 1x 5mg folic acid, got side effects from mtx so upped my dose of folic acid to 4 times a week.
    was told to wait 48h after taking the mtx before taking folic acid.
  • poppy30
    poppy30 Member Posts: 67
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Gosh.... there are so many different responses!! Will take it 3 times a week and see how I get on. :shock: The nurse did get back to me and when I asked about taking it everday apart from mtx day she said that I would be "over-doing it"!!! Hmmmmm we'll see!!! :? :?

    Poppy x