I was recently switched to Leucovorin to help with my fog and memory problems on MTX, but since the Leu. needs to be taken several hours after the MTX I decided to take all the MTX pills (8) at once rather than split it like I usually do. Now I'm feeling sick and I'm wondering if I should just go back to folic acid so I don't have to take the MTX all at once anymore. Is Leu. really that much better? Did you see a big difference or change in your side effect issues? If I could figure out a way to continue splitting my MTX dose and then take the Leu. this wouldn't be a problem but I'm not sure how I would do that. The RD just said take the Leu. on MTX day, nothing about delaying it, but I've read otherwise. Help me decide if it's worth it to stay with the Leu. or go back to folic acid. Thanks! Jesse--
My RD has me take Leucovorin (folinic acid) rather than Folic Acid because he says it's better at combatting the side effects of the MTX. He actually prescribed the Leucovorin when I first started the MTX, so I've never actually taken Folic Acid (except what I get in my multi-vitamins.) I'm not sure if it's the Leucovorin or I'm just lucky-cuz I've never had any noticable side effects from the MTX.
Anyway, my RD has me take the Leucovorin at the same time as I take my MTX. He told me that most doctors recommend you wait 24 hours before taking the MTX, but he doesn't see any difference so just take them together because it's easier. So that's what I do. The MTX does still work well for me. (I'm taking 15mg/wk--been on MTX/Leucovorin since Oct 2005).
Hope this helps--
dordale :)
jessee,
the leucovorin can help with the side effects. Before quitting anythig talk to your doctor about your dosing schedule. ALso have you considered going to injectable mtx. It is a bit easier on the stomach
I take inject. MXT because it bypasses the stomach. The inject. is supposed to be a little bit more effective than the oral meds. I felt that if I could save my stomach and get an extra little push then it was worth injecting myself. I was on 20mg MXT orally with with moderate improvement, RD reduced MXT to 17.5 mg. inject. and I improved greatly.
When I took oral MXT i took it in the evening. By morning I felt pretty good, just some fatigue and fogginess but after a period of time that went away. Keep us posted. Lindy
Thanks for your responses. I never had any stomach issues or any problems except the foggy brain and memory while dividing the dose. It's just taking the 8 pills at once that's doing me in. I just had a long nap and feel a little better but not much. The fact that doctors don't seem to agree on exactly when to take the Leu. in conjunction with the MTX has me thinking maybe I can break up the dosage again and just take the Leu. at the same time and then next time try taking it several hours later and see if there's a difference. I know a call to the RD won't help. He'll just say take it any way I want. Sometimes I get better, more detailed information here. That's not the way it should be but I'm so grateful for it just the same. I know one thing, I will NOT take all 8 pills at once ever again and I'd like to try and work with the pill form if possible. Any other suggestions/comments?Jesse--Oh, I see, injecting to prevent future stomach problems is something I never considered. And I will talk to the pharmacist, although it seems the information I've gotten here is quite good. It never hurts to talk to one of the pros, though.
Thank you all.
My new RD put me back on oral MTX.
Peace & Love...Neasy
Thanks Neasy, I'd really be interested in hearing how you do.
Well, so much for the pharmacist (way to go Rite Aid). I knew more about the Leuc. than he did and all I know I learned here. He had no idea when I should take the Leu. and didn't even bother to look it up. After some prompting he said wait at least eight hours and don't take it immediately, but he didn't even sound sure of that. I told him I had read to wait anywhere from 8-24 hours and he said OK. I guess he learned something today, but I learned nothing from him and I'm still not sure how I'll do it once I go back to dividing up my MTX (I'm still resisting the injections for now). This is really important because my understanding is (and correct me if I'm wrong) taking Leuc. too soon counteracts the MTX too much, and too late doesn't help with side effects enough. Timing is all important. Oh well, if I start getting mouth sores and more foggy brain I guess I'll know to tweak the timing a bit.
I take folic acid every day and leucovorin 24 hrs after my MTX. I was a little concerned about hair loss on folic acid only so RD added leucovorin. It seems to be helping other side effects also.
PJ
You may want to shop around for a better pharmacist (either at your current pharmacy or somewhere else). Forge a relationship with him/her; your pharmacist is a very important member of your medical team! Check with your doctor's office - since they frequently talk to the pharmacists, they might have a good idea which ones actually know their rectum from a hole in the ground.Yes, jasmine, I think you're right. I need a new pharmacist for sure. It was no big deal when I was just dealing with menopause issues, now I have to get serious help and informaiton. I can't be bugging you guys all the time!
PJ, you and a few others take both Leu. and FA and that's an option I didn't know about. Good to know and I'll keep that in mind if this new routine doesn't work.