Saw the rheumy today. I'm starting methotrexate this weekend. He said to take folic acid every day. Do I start that the same day I start methotrexate or wait until the next day? Does it matter?
This stuff scares me. I'm nervous.
You can start before. Folic acid is good for you anyway.First of all no question is a stupid question.
There is a lot of debate on whether or not youshould take folic acid the day of your mtx shot because it is said that the folic acid on the day of the mtx shot lessens the efficacy of the mtx. I have read different studies and different articles about this. Different docs say different things. Most of the studies I read were inconclusive. My doc says it is fine to take it everyday including the day of my shot. So that is what I do. Some people here their docs have said don't take it the day of your shot. I guess I would just recommend going with whatever your doc says. If your doc has said daily...then take it daily.
Wow, I didn't know that there were different ways to take Folic acid. Thx
Is there any difference between the over-the-counter folic acid and the prescription one?
Because the studies are inconclusive I err on the side of caution and don't take FA on the day I shoot up. I want to be sure I have the max effect of the MXT. RD said I could take over the counter FA.I agree with grammaskittles, there are no stupid questions.
When I was on the 2 year study I took the folic acid everyday starting the day they gave it to me and including the day I took MTX. The MTX made me so sick that they even doubled the folic acid at one point. The folic acid I was taking was a stronger mg than the over the counter but you could always ask your RD or even the pharmacist. Unfortunately, MTX was not my friend and my body could not tolerate it leaving me extremely sick for about 3 days. However, it has done wonders for many and hopefully you will fall into that category. The only thing I can tell you is make sure you eat a meal and don't take it on an empty stomach, try to drink a lot of water and make sure you don't have to go anywhere just in case it makes you sick. I understand all to well about being scared and nervous however keep two things in mind....
1) You could do really well on the Methotrexate and it could help you like so many others.
2) If you fall into the group that cannot tolerate it, there are always other options available.
Good luck to you & let us know how you do.
Peace & Love...Neasy
Hi, I take it everyday no matter what. It is a mineral I think and the mtx attacks it? for some reason. It is good for lots of things.
I take the non-prescription kind, it just costs more for the prescription , so I've heard.
Please. ask lots of questions, we like to hear from new people on this board and you remind us of when we first started on this dang ROLLER COASTER RIDE. We felt the same as you, but (I didn't) have anyone to ask these questions of. We all like to answer them , too. Don't forget someone is awake no matter what time it is and people are in different time zones. So someone's here 24/7. Love,Lynda
The difference from what I understand about OTC folic acid vs. prescribed folic acid is the dosage amount. OTC folic acid is lower in dosage. I take 2mg of folic acid daily. I do it prescribed and it is 2 pills. If I did it OTC I would end up taking like 8 pills. For me....yech. Bad enough I have to do 4 of those big ole fiber pills a day lol. You can do it either way. If you do it OTC watch your milligram amount to ensure you are coming as close as you can to what your doc wants you to take. I took my folic acid the day after I took my initial dose. I will be taking my folic acid the day of my next dose in the morning and the MTX in the evening before I go to bed. Taking it before bed was a great tip I learned from this board. I had neausa with the dosage, but slept through it. The next day I just had no desire to eat and was so tired I couldn't stand it. The second day afterward I was fine. Good luck!