Methotrexate 10 mg injection with Prednisone Side Effects

[CJ936]

I had my first Methotexate injection Friday and started prednisone twice a day. I was told to take folic acid to reduce side effects but not told when to take. So I took the folic acid with the injection and prednisone. Since, I have read that I should not take folic acid the day of injection. Are there any other supplements or medications that I need to space out from the injection? Also, I have COPD and my Rheumatologist said I need to watch for a cough the first few days. I always have a cough. Has anyone had problems with side effects? I was taken off plaquenil because of glaucoma, which we hope the inflammation will reverse with this change in medication.

[PMRPete]

"The British Society for Rheumatology guidelines for disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy recommends a typical folic acid dose of 5mg once weekly, preferably the day after the methotrexate. They state that folic acid can be given any day as long as it is not on the same day as methotrexate. Folic acid reduces toxic effects and improves continuation of therapy and compliance."

sps.nhs.uk/articles/what-is...

[helixhelix in reply to PMRPete]

The American College of rheumatologists is ok about it being taken on same day as Methotrexate, and several of our American members here say that they take folic acid 7 days a week. There is a wide range of practice with folic acid, so I don't think it is critical as long as you take some. But when you were prescribed the folic acid the chemist should have included instruction on the pill box label?

[CJ936 in reply to helixhelix]

I asked my Rheumatologist if I should add supplements or vitamins to my diet to help reduce my inflammation. She said I could take folic acid if I wanted with my Methotrexate. So I bought the vitamin at the pharmacy when I picked up the injections. No instructions.

[CJ936 in reply to PMRPete]

Thank you

[olive2709]

Are you on prednisone tablets if so what dose and when do you take them. I have taken these for 42months always first thing in morning with food.

[CJ936 in reply to olive2709]

Yes, I am taking 10 Mg twice a day, started on Friday, 3/9/18.

[CJ936]

I am feeling much better since starting the Prednisone. In the past I had taken Prednisone so often for asthma that it had stopped working for me. But this time it is helping my joint pain. Not doing anything for the cough.

[janxl]

I take folic acid every day apart from the day I inject methotrexate. It helps curb the side effects.