Folate and iron deficiency

[louisea11]

Anyone know about links to folate and iron deficiency and taking methotrexate

I was told should have mtx injections not tablets

[PMRpro]

Methotrexate works on an enzyme pathway that results in the inactivation of the production of folate and that is what causes many of the adverse effects. When methotrexate is prescribed it should always be accompanied by folic acid tablets, to be taken on the days you don't take mtx. Some doctors give it to be taken 1x per week, some every day. I was given 5mg folic acid to be taken the day after the mtx. I took it more often as that didn't deal with the side effects but neither did the increased dose. I know people who have taken up to 5mg 6x per week.

Who said you should have injections not tablets and why? The only real difference is that you are less likely to have nausea with the injections but even that isn't guaranteed. And then you may possibly have injection site reactions. Otherwise the potential side effects are the same. But many people have few or no adverse effects with tablets.

[Freckle1000]

I dont take methotrexate - but sometimes people with Lupus are just very prone to iron deficiency. It pays to get these things checked constantly - and if eating tons of red meat doesn't have an impact - an iron infusions is needed.

My tip to anybody would be - even when you're feeling reasonably well - have you're iron levels checked. If they start to slide - nip it in the bud ( injection/ infusion) before it gets worse. I ended up in a real mess with it recently. One of the symptoms is difficulty breathing. My red cells had shrunk. For about four months they thought I was having a panic attack. What happened to me was potentially life threatening.

I've also never had a panic attack in my life.