Hi everyone, I'm new here and I have a question. I have RA newly diagnosed. Just took my third week of MTX and folic acid. What can I do for the side effects? I get severe headaches and nausea the day after I take my meds. I mean I cant get out of bed for 1 to 2 days. Also, what does the folic acid do for my RA? Thanks for any advice!!Well, I've been taking mtx for years so I'm not bothered by too many side effects, perhaps my body has adjusted to it. Also, I inject mtx, so I no longer have stomach or nausea problems like I did when I took pills and other RA oral meds. I do try to drink a lot of water, fluids, on the day of and after my shot, I just feel better if I do. I can feel tired the day after the shot, so I just keep that in mind when planning my day, if I'm fatigued, I'll be lazy and not attempt to do much. What does folic acid do? I think, the mtx may deplete folic acid, so you're replacing it, but it will also keep from getting mouth sores. I take 1 mg folic acid a day, I think some folks may take more, that is, if your RA doc, says its okay. I hope you see good results w/the mtx and it controls the RA. Take care and welcome to the forum!
Hi Leenie,
I'm sorry you are feeling so lousy with the mtx. There is a med called Leukovorin Calcium that is I believe a form of folic acid that is much more concentrated. It is taken once a week 24 hours after the MTX. Ask your doc about that too.
You might call and let the rheumy know that you are feeling so badly the day or 2 after. If you are taking the pills maybe they can switch you to the injectable and adjust your folic acid or start you with the Leukovorin.
I'm on my 3rd dose of MTX also. I am not having the bad side effects like I thought I would except being tired after taking it. My RD started me off with 3 pills the first two weeks and 6 this last week and I'm doing okay. I am also taking 10mg of prednisone and each week I am feeling better. I take a multi Vitamin the day I take the MTX and that helps. Also I make sure I take the meds on a overly full stomach so I haven't had any stomach aches. I hope you feel better. The folic acid also helps to keep your hair from falling out. Drink lots of water (and call your RD! :) )The folic acid is to combat the side effects of the methotrexate... it can lower your folic acid levels. If it's making you nauseous you can take MTX by injection. It made a big difference in the way my tummy felt when I switched to injections rather orally.I was lucky. Never any MTX side effects besides fatigue which I just force myself through.