Some down to earth advice needed please!

[Dobcross1]

Hi I am taking 10ml MXT injection - going up to 15ml next week as I had a bad flare at 6 weeks in. I'm just wondering if anyone can advise me whether any of the supplements I'm taking could interfere with the MXT doing its job. I'm a bit gullible and tend to try anything I read about so am currently taking L-Glutamine, collagen powder and have just ordered some quercetin- all of which are meant to help the gut and inflammation. I also take vits C, B and D and zinc. I did tell nurse about vits but have since started on the other supplements. I've honestly only just realised that in trying to help myself I could be stopping the MXT working. I'm not getting any bad side effects from the supplements but I know I should approach these supplements with a healthy dose of scepticism. Anyone's experiences or advice welcome.

[AgedCrone]

Your best bet is to speak to your rheumy nurse & ask her advice. Many supplements can interfere with prescription drugs.

So best ask before before you take anything particularly as you are not yet settled on a suitable dosage.

I hope the increased dose of Mtx helps...for what it’s worth, I took methotrexate for seven years and didn’t need any supplements.

[Jesnaskah]

Definitely ask before taking something new... Even with supplements.

I don't know where you are from, but here in the US, supplements are not regulated AT ALL. The sale of supplements is a commercial enterprise tremendous in annual revenue.

So there is nothing to make us feel confident in, not only the claims they make, but with the actual potency as well.

Plus, you've also gotta consider all the fillers... It's really, really hard to find clean supplements with all natural ingredients. Cellulose, silicone dioxide, magnesium stearate, just to name a few are not good and not digestible...(and so many people have learned that they are actually allergic to these fillers... So can you imagine how much more inflammation that was causing them!)

If your aim is attacking inflammation while trying to get your gut health back in shape...I suggest doing it mostly through foods and very minimal supplements. And honestly, we are probably urinating everything away... With very little benefit.

I am personally trying to raise my vitD level, so I'll take 10,000IU/day, and a Vit B complex because I don't eat meat/chicken/dairy. But I also do blood work every 6 months to monitor and see if it's making a difference.

So unless you know you have a deficiency or something, try to treat your body with wholesome food instead. It's a pain, and takes more effort (harder than popping pills), but unfortunately there is no panacea.

[sylvi]

I agree with AgedCrone always speak to your rheumy about what your taking to help things with your body. I was told to take glaucosomine,omega 3 fish oils by the nurse looking after me. I take other things as well.xxx

[vonniesims]

a pharmacist can tell you.

[pd118]

I was told to take less calcium but increase injection

[Joy_1]

Yes please always check with your Consultant before taking something new. Sometimes it may just be a case of not taking something on the day you take your MTX.

Remember supplements are drugs too really. Some vitamins/minerals get flushed out by the kidneys while others accumulate if your body does not need them or you are taking in too much.

[MsEm]

Hi!

I've been told by my consultant to take B12 and Vit D, and of course a load of folic acid on days I don't inject. My consultant and GP have told me that supplements don't interfere with MTX. I'm on 22.5mg so a fairly heavy dose. Have just started injecting because oral meds weren't helping and flaring up a lot. It might just be they need to up your dosage, but as others have said it's always good to check with your consultant.

If last 4 years of my RA experience has taught me anything is that it's swings and roundabouts with this condition! Don't worry, with the help of your rheumy team, you'll get it under control. Good luck! 😊

[Dobcross1 in reply to MsEm]

Thank you to everyone for your comments - I will definitely talk to the nurse about the supplements next time I go (don't know about others but I've only ever seen a consultant once on the day I was diagnosed!). Hopefully the increased MXT will help top. Thanks again.

[AbbeyRoad]

Hi, This is my experience with MTX and supplements. I do a 15ml injection of MTX weekly. I have, for many years, taken the following supplements - tumeric, fish oil, Vit D drops, liquid folate, Vit C, selenium, calcium/mag, and a multivitamin. I recently began taking zinc supplements on the advice of a MD/functional medical provider (my levels were abysmal). I've never had a problem with supplements interfering with MTX. Also, as you may already know, it's very important to use high quality supplements. I live in the US and in my experience with Rheumatologists in the Northeast, they don't care a whig about supplements - it's because they don't think they help. However, in my experience having RA for 6 years, they absolutely have helped me! I'm seropositive and only take MTX. I have an occasionally sore joint or two, but my overall health is excellent. I rarely get infections or flu. I strongly believe that RA is under control because my body has all of the vitamins and minerals it needs to function well...or at least as well as can be under the circumstances. I wish you peace and wellness.