I was taking Mtx but I'm gonna change to leflunomide. My question is Do I have to keep taking folic acid too? Isn't a problem taking leflunomide and folic acid every day? And it's normal to change 12.5mg of Mtx a week to 20mg of leflunomide a day?
Sorry about all this doubts I did ask a lot of things to my doctor but I always forget something. 😥
Yes it is and no you don't ! lil. I take the same LEF just take with a glass of water as it tastes horrid. I take at night and have no side effects at all. I did at the start but only lasted a few days and its worked a treat. I hope you get the same great effect as I did for many years. I've assumed your stopping the MTX for the LEF as never heard of the two together if thats the case I'd urge you to contact the RA team to find out asap.
Yes I'm gonna take only the leflunomide. Thanks for your help! 
After years on LEF and a completly normal life my RA has got a lot more aggressive so its onto the next stage. I'm sad about that as this drug has worke so well that until very recently ai would not have known I had RA, in fact most people did'nt believe me. I go to the gym, ramble, swim and my life was actually great. Now years on things need to change by the addittion of something else but I intend to keep on doing all the stuff I do as life has to be lived does'nt it?
Do stay posative as this I really hope will help you. xx
You don't normally take folic acid with LEF, it's intended to help ease side effects of MTX. MTX is a folate antagonist, LEF is not. I took MTX & LEF together so nothing changed folic acid wise as I need it for the MTX. Unless you have another need for folic acid such as anaemia you'll stop it I would think as you're not continuing on MTX.
Your other question we can't answer. You see we don't know your disease activity, ie if the dose of MTX wasn't high enough but you don't tolerate it then the LEF might be introduced at a higher dose than you'd otherwise start on. That's a question for your Rheumy or nurse & double check the folic acid question at the same time. Do you have a helpline to your Rheumy team? If so call them tomorrow to ask.
When I started LEF I needed fortnightly blood tests for the first 6 weeks, you've probably been asked to do the same. They should also check your BP as it may affect it, though mine settled after a few weeks. Also you'll probably be weighed at the drug monitoring bloods appointment.
Yes you can take your folic acid as well as am on these to plus a lot more tablets to it gets me down a lot hope it helps
Tifmnz is stopping methotrexate & starting leflunomide. Are you taking MTX Michael?
I used to be on that but now am on the new one and others am still in a lot of pain hope you are ok
My consultant nsaid no to folic acid,withLeflunomide
I was on MTX for years, but told to stop taking FA when I was put on LEF - I would just phone the Drs and ask the receptionist to check for you. x
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