Folic Acid/Methotrexate

tillytop

Evening Peeps!

I know this topic comes up quite often but just thought I would share this in case it helps anyone else.

I usually take 20mg meth weekly and, over the past few months it has been making me feel really rough. I had been taking just one 5mg folic acid each week, 4 days after the meth, as prescribed. But I asked the rheumatology helpline at the hospital for advice a couple of weeks ago and they said I could increase the folic acid up to 6 tabs each week, so long as I didn't take it on meth day. I have been taking the increased dose for just over a week now - and I gave myself a "meth holiday" last week and I have felt indescribably better in terms of meth related nausea and fatigue. I took 17.5mg meth yesterday night and the nausea has been there but hardly noticeable which is a huge improvement.

I know that some hospitals routinely prescribe these higher doses of folic acid but from other posts I have read, it does seem to vary. I wouldn't advise anyone to increase their prescribed folic acid dose without checking with their doc first but, if you are on a low dose and struggling, might be worth an ask.

Tilly xxx

stickywicket

Folic acid with meth does seem to be a 'variable feast', Tilly. I've been on meth about 10 years, 20mgs at first, now (just) down to 15mgs. I was always told to take 5 mgs Folic acid the day after and also 3 days before my meth. I've never had any problems but I remember the nurse who did all the routine pre-op tests before my knee revision was surprised I only took it twice a week. She was on meth herself and took the Folic acid every day.

tillytop

Evening Sticky,

You are right. When this topic has been posted before, it seems that everyone is told to do something different, When I took meth first time round, about 14 years ago, I don't remember taking folic acid alongside so I wonder if it has only become commonplace since then.

Tilly xxx

stickywicket

This is quite likely, Tilly.

As you can see, I had nothing of value to add here but, as my next post was going to elevate me to the ranks of 'veteran' rather than mere 'contributer', I thought I like to give you the honour of being the recipient.

Do I get a pension now? Can I claim a disability scooter? How does it feel?

Starburst

I also take 20mg weekly. I've felt much better since I started taking folic acid 6 days a week. The mouth ulcers are much better and the hair loss has eased up a bit. I do still feel a bit sick and tired on the day after mtx (I take it in the evening) but it is a strong drug, so I'm not expecting no side effects.

Poppyg1rl

Hi Tilly,
Ive been on 20mg metho since Nov last year, (had a 6 week break recently but you know why ) and ive always been told to take 5mg every day except the day of taking metho.
Everyone seems to be told something different, I guess it depends on your Rheumy.
Love and hugs xxx

tillytop

Thanks Sticky, Starburst and Poppy

Welcome to the "veterans" club Sticky. I feel honoured to have been the recipient of your qualifying post . Oh yes, you can now claim your AC pension and your courtesy scooter. As to how it feels - don't really know how to answer that :roll:

Starburst - so glad that you are feeling better with the folic acid too!

Evening Poppy! how are you doing with the injected meth?

Tilly xxx

ironic

Hi Tilly,
I have been told to increase my folic to twice a week. When I first started mtx I was told to take the folic 3 days after mtx. I am now trying to work out the best days to take it so at the moment I take one tablet two days after and one 5 days after.
so far so good, anything that can help is a bonus.

welcome to the veterans club sticky.

Poppyg1rl

Hi Tilly,
Thanks for asking I'm getting on alright with the injected meth...no sickness at all I'm going tomorrow for my 2nd one and my lovely Rheumy nurse said that if I did this one ok I could skip the rest of the course and she'll order them in for the following week
Only thing is tomorrow I've got my needle phobic hubby coming with me :???: bless him, he says he wants to come and support me, very sweet seeing as when I had an epidural I had to hold him up not kidding either!! I'll let you know how it goes.
Xxx

nanasue

Hello all, just thought I'd add my bit to this, I take folic acid five days a week as told to by rheumy as I suffered from very sore mouth and tongue (no probs now), five days is because I split my 20mg dose over 2 days as I was getting churning stomach and queasiness if I took them on the same day, even if I took one at lunch and one at dinner, at the moment I'm not having any problems apart from the usual tiredness from taking it so I hope it lasts. If any of you do have trouble I would suggest you talk to rheumy as it is possible to make changes that will hopefully improve your quality of life. Wishing you all well and hoping that you all find what suits you, although it could take time and trial and error.

Good luck
Sue x

DebraKelly

I've been on meth for the past year.

I only take one folic acid tablet a week.

The other thing that I have found that is really help is when I do feel a bit yucky is taking a mint.

Hope this helps.

Poppyg1rl

Hi Tilly,
Just had a call from Hospital, my nurse is ill today so no methotrexate injection today.They said she'll call me when she comes back to re arrange. So off to take folic acid as I'm not having metho today
Hope you are ok Tilly? Sending love and hugs xxx

prefabkid47

Hi Tilly
I have been on 12.5mg methotrexate weekly for some years and have been told to take my folic acid (1x5mg) 24 hrs later.Fortunately to date have suffered no side effects.
Ron

tillytop

Thanks Ironic, Poppy, Sue, Debrakelly and Ron for your replies.

Seems as if there really is no "standard" on the folic acid doesn't there?

Poppy, hope that when you get back on the injected meth, it continues to be "non-sicky".

Love Tilly xxx