Taken folic acid on MTX day by mistake

[jonsib]

Good evening all. I've injected MTX this morning as usual, but only just now have realised that i took folic acid too by mistake. I have never done it before, as am pretty organised as to what needs to be taken when. I'm blaming being very tired after my son's 8th birthday party yesterday.

I've been feeling reasonably ok today, apart from usual nausea, but does anyone know why we can't take in on MTX day & do I need to worry? I would usually ring my GP if I have any concerns but they will be shut now.

Thank you.

[vonniesims]

Oh dear.So easy done.!Google suggests that Methotrexate may not work so well

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. Back in the days when I took MTX ( a very long time ago) my rheumatologist prescribed MTX and folic acid with no mention of not taking it on the same day so I did. I have since asked, just as a random question, about taking or not taking both together. It seems, and there are differing opinions, that there may be a theoretical risk that folic acid may interact with MTX and reduce its effectiveness if taken regularly on the same days.

In your case as a one off and if it was me, I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve no idea if you would even feel any different. Folic acid just mitigates the effects of MTX so it’s not dangerous and one extra dose would seem like neither here nor there. Of course, if you’re worried seek medical advice and ignore the above!

[Gnarli]

I suspect many of us have done the same but, given how long it takes to build up and work for us, it probably won't make a noticeable difference. Not to be done too often perhaps.

[Sheila_G]

I think it means that mxt might not work as well but a one off shouldn't be a problem. Don't worry about it, there is nothing you can do now.

[Boxerlady]

As the others have said, don't worry about it. Some rheumys (possibly in other countries) prescribe folic acid every day so it obviously isn't an issue 😉

[Runrig01]

As others have said, it’s not that it interacts dangerously, it just reduces how effective it works this week. No harm done. 🤗

[thelmar]

when I first took methotrexate I took folic acid every day. It was some years before my rheumatologist changed my prescription to 6 days. It didn’t seem to cause any problems.

[Wannabeabago]

It doesn’t matter as a once off mate. There are even some studies suggesting it doesn’t matter at all.

[Mall]

in the USA they take folic acid every day whilst taking methotrexate. Don’t worry there are no dangerous side effects to taking both together and you won’t notice any difference by doing this as occasionally.

[AW600]

the NHS website just says it can stop the MTX working efficiently if you don’t allow 24 hours between the two drugs

[Paula-C]

Don't panic, my consultant told me to take it the same day, said it made no difference. I took it the same day for several years.

[Gottarelax]

I did that a couple of weeks back. Didn't seem to affect anything...but the MTX isn't really working anyway so don't think I'd notice if it was less effective.

[autumnlass in reply to Gottarelax]

I did it on Thursday - took Folic Acid in the morning and forgot and took the MTX that night… a twelve hour window. Rang my pharmacist and she said not to worry. Easy done .. 🌷

[SueBaker]

I don't think you need worry as a one off. I've forgotten to take the Folic Acid completely a couple of times and not noticed any difference. You could ring the Rheum Advice line just to check if you're worried

[Happy5]

Yup done it too in the past. What Sheila_G said MTX just not as efficient apparently.

[lily2003]

I’m in the US and, as Mall mention, it’s not uncommon that some are prescribed daily folic acid. I have taken FA daily ever since I started MTX almost 4 years ago. When I asked my original rheumy (a doc I deeply respect), he said that recent research doesn’t really support holding off on MTX day, though he said it’s still debated.

[jonsib]

Thank you all for your replies, very much appreciated.

[Hidden]

We’ve all done this at some point..

It affects the drug’s efficacy, but you’ll live 😎