Methotrexate & Vitamin Supplements

maggieoxford

I have been on Methotrexate for a number of years and over the last year my hair has become thinner and thinner, and also very brittle. As well as this my nails are very dry and brittle and I am beginning to think that vitamin supplements - such as selenium and iodine, and maybe some of the B's - might help.

But when I began the various medications I am now on I was told by the Rheumatology team that I must never take any supplements. Has anyone out there had similar experience of the hair and nails problem and has anyone taken vitamin supplements? Or any other remedy?

Currently I am going through a rough time - one of the hardest things of this disease is its unpredictability...maybe tomorrow I'll be fine

Kind regards to all, Maggie

stickywicket

Hi Maggie,

I’ve been on meth over 10 years too. I’m pretty sure that, since I went on it, my hair isn’t as thick as it used to be and my skin doesn’t looks so good but whether that’s meth or anno domini I’ve no idea. My finger nails aren’t particularly brittle but they’re kind of streaky which I always thought was due to the RA anyway. My toe nails? Oh let’s not go there. Even the podiatrist struggles.

I don’t remember ever being told not to take supplements but I do think it’s a good idea to check first for any specific ones because some of them could work against the meds.

I’m sorry things are rough for you right now and you’re spot on about the unpredictability. Don’t suffer in silence for too long. If the meds aren’t doing enough maybe they need upping or changing – or just a steroid jab to kick start things. You are right, in that maybe tomorrow you’ll be fine, but don’t tell yourself that every day. There comes a time when we have to bite the bullet and call in at the doc's.

dreamdaisy

I was told the same thing when I began the injected meth (and for the other meds too). I have PsA and that usually goes for the nails but so far so good: after fainting and biting the solid wood worktop on the way down I altered the shape of my teeth and biting my nails (and anything else!) became a thing of the past. I use OPI Nail Envy and the Avoplex oil, I have done for years now and my nails are usually OK but every now and again (and this is one of those times) they all break within a matter of days and I have to start from scratch (which is summat I currently can't do as I have no nails. ) Using a nail strengthener/cuticle feed oil should not affect the meth in any way as it not ingested.

As for the hair, well it's always been thin for me so to be honest I cannot tell the difference on the thickness front but it does tend to frizz now, which it never used to do. It may well be worth asking your rheumatologist on the next visit whether there is anything you can take to help matters, he may have some ideas or suggestions.

I am so sorry to read that you are currently having a rough time - I second Sticky in her advice - sometimes we tolerate the intolerable because we are too used to doing just that. I wish you well. DD

tiggernut

Hi maggie,

I'm on MTX injections. My hair is now very thin and my skin dry although I think dry skin goes with RA anyway. I've never been told not to take vitamin supplements and I take VitBcomplex and have done for years. It's on my rhuemy records I think and my rhuemy nurse encouraged me to take glucosamine I don't know if that's classed as a supplement.
Did they say why you shouldn't take supplements? I mean we have to take folic acid, is that not a supplement?
I will ask my rhuemy when I see him at the end of the month because I am now curious lol!
Take care,
Anita.

maggieoxford

Hi all, I just wanted to say thanks to tiggernut, dreamdaisy and stickywicket. It is the first time that I have used the forum and it feels good to connect with fellow travellers.
You are so right stickyywicket such is this disease that when it is at its most relentless you have to take a pause and say this isn't on and go and see the Doc.
I think I will also explore upping the folic acid,there seems to be many who have been advised to.
Hope it is a brighter day wherever you are.
Maggie

stickywicket

It's been a lovely day here, thank you, Maggie.

The dosage of Folic Acid does seem to be extremely varied. I've always taken it the day after my meth plus 3 days after that.

Do come back to 'travel with us' again. There is much encouragement to be found here.