Folic Acid | Arthritis Information
Most of us that take methotrexate, either injected or orally, also take folic acid. I've been wondering lately if an over the counter folic acid supplement would be just as good as the prescription stuff that our docs give us.
I've also been super fatigued lately and wondered if vitamin B-12 supplements might help with this. I've looked at my labs from the past few months and it is beginning to point to anemia caused by B-12 deficiency. (to those that don't know I'm a lab tech, that's how I know this)
When I was on Methtrexate, I asked my pharmacist the question you are wondering about and his answer was , NO. over the counter is not the same. Ask your Pharmacist, he may be of a different opinion.
When I was on MTX, my RD said I could take the OTC folic acid as long as I got at least 1 mg. So I took one 800 mcg pill along with the 400 mcg I got in my multi-vitamin. It worked for me.
One more thing, you can get folic acid for 10.00 for a three month supply from Walmart pharmacy , Kroger Pharmacy, and I believe Walgreens. It's cheaper for me then going through Medco mail order, I dislike mail order, completely do not like it.Bob- not sure about the folic acid but I think it is cheaper as a prescription...
As for B12- I was found deficient and was put on 1000 mcgs of B12 daily. My number has come up to normal range but I'm still fatigued.
I don't know if there's any difference between OTC and RX. Maybe the dosages? As for the B12, my RD said I could get OTC. She said there is one available that has VitD and B12 in it? I was going to see if Walmart carries it next trip.
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