Methotrexate & Folic acid..

Aimer66
Aimer66 Member Posts: 50
edited 14. Dec 2012, 13:44 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello, hope this finds you all well.

Well, I have been on Meth now for 7 weeks with no side effects EXCEPT...

Really bad mouth ulcers and pimples on my tongue in the last week. My Rhumey nurse has now given me folic acid (5mg daily except on meth days) but it doesn't seem to be having any effect on the ulcers yet.

Does anyone know how long it takes for the folic to kick in (I have been taking it for 5 days now)?

Many thanks,

Mark.
Want what you have.

Comments

  • LignumVitae
    LignumVitae Member Posts: 1,972
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Mouth ulcers were are my most frequent meth side effect. I'm not sure with the folic acid because it sounds like you've only just been given it and you should have had it right from the start. If that is the case I guess it may take a while for your body to rebuild the levels in your system. I've never known somebody be prescribed meth without folic acid before. Good luck, mouth ulcers are evil, vile little things, you have my sympathy. LV
    Hey little fighter, things will get brighter
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Mark, I was on meth for a very long while without FA then someone realised that I should be taking it. I take one tablet a day after the injection and that's it. I didnt have any trouble before the FA and still don't - I realise I am lucky on that front. You haven't been on the FA for that long, I guess it will take time to build in its effect so stick with it and I hope things ease soon 'cos that sounds very uncomfy. :( Good luck and please let us know how you get on, OK? I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • trepolpen
    trepolpen Member Posts: 504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Mark

    six 5mg folic acid a week should help sort your problems with mouth ulcers , I am on 25mg Mtx & been on it over ten years , some people have problems but its a good drug if you can get on with it
  • refereerick
    refereerick Member Posts: 71
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Mark, i'm not on meth, i'm on sulfa instead but i've been suffering with sickness etc at the moment and the rheumy nurse put me on folic acid on Friday. She said to give it a good 2 weeks to take effect.

    Hope this helps, Rick.
  • ritwren
    ritwren Member Posts: 928
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm on 25mg MTX injection weekly and take Folic Acid 2 days after the injection. Mouth ulcers as has already been said are very common with MTX. When I restarted a couple of weeks ago I forgot all about the folic acid and ended up with 2 sore spots in my mouth. They're still there but less now, I was'nt bothered with them the first time I tood the MTX and I was on it for a couple of years.
    I do hope your mouth clears up for you but if it does'nt I'd go see your GP as they can prescribe something topical which might help you.
  • Aimer66
    Aimer66 Member Posts: 50
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the responses.

    Looks like I will wait for another few days to see if thre is some improvement .
    Mark.
    Want what you have.
  • Aimer66
    Aimer66 Member Posts: 50
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Been taking the folic acid for just over 2 weeks now and the mouth ulcers seem to have cleared up.

    I still get the tingling that may turn into an ulcer a couple of days after taking the meth, but (touching lots of wood) they don't seem to develop into anything.

    Does anyone else taking meth get itchy lower legs a few days after taking it?

    Thanks,

    Mark.
    Want what you have.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Mark
    Sorry I cant help, but I can offer my support, and I do hope the mouth ulcers clear up very soon...they are so blinking painful..
    You take care x
    Love
    Barbara
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,760
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's good news, Mark. I hope it continues. I don't get itchy legs but my skin is drier as a whole, and especially my lower legs and feet, since I started on meth. I use E45 to moisturise them.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright