Folic Acid mistake....oops

[IdasMum]

Last time I saw my doctor he prescribed me Folic Acid. I think he'd assumed my rheumy had prescribed it....she hadn't.

So, new one on me, I picked some up and proceeded to take my box of 30 over a period of 30 days eek.

Only when attempting to replenish my px did I discover the box should have lasted 30 weeks

Pharmacist normally write the does on the box, there was nothing written on the box.

"Although doses up to 5 mg daily have been safely used in some research, doses of folic acid greater than 1 mg daily might cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rash, sleep disorders, irritability, confusion, nausea, stomach upset, behavior changes, skin reactions, seizures, gas, excitability, and other side effects."

I get some of the digestive problems anyway now and again, so not able to pin any down to my daily dose.

I've decided to leave them off for now and will give my body time to recover.

[Hidden]

Hi, what strength did they issue you? Some people on Methotrexate take 5mg everyday except MTX Day & some just take it the day after MTX

[IdasMum in reply to Hidden]

Ah, 5mgs. Not such a problem then.

[Hidden in reply to IdasMum]

May have benefitted your Hair & Nails amongst other things, why did GP prescribe it, do you know?

[IdasMum in reply to Hidden]

To support me taking MX which I've been on for 2 years now.

[Hidden in reply to IdasMum]

Then you should have been taking it Once a Week after MTX or like me everyday except MTX Day.

It’s often down to personal preference of the Consultant as there is no definite proven ‘Best Dose’ but if you suffer side effects then they usually prescribe it on the Six Non Methotrexate Days.

[aladymo in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mrs N. If you go off the methotrexate do you also go off the folic acid? I’m going to be starting Actemra , and will stop MTX.

[Hidden in reply to aladymo]

Generally you stop Folic Acid at that dose (5mg) if you stop Methotrexate but l would check with your Consultant if you need to continue it once you start Actemra.

[aladymo in reply to Hidden]

Rheumatologist told me to stop methotrexate but I wondered if I also stop the Folic acid sorry I guess I didn’t make my question clear.

[Hidden in reply to aladymo]

Sorry, as they are prescribed together l would expect you to stop the FA after the MXT but you will have a Rheumatology help line so ring them for confirmation. Never make assumptions, always ask.

Good Luck with the Actemera, let us know how you get on.

[aladymo in reply to Hidden]

I am SO excited to start Actemra. Had a very tough flare. Developed diabetes too ( joined metabolic clinic, superb, very informative). The care and doctors are top notch here. I’m so fortunate. Also the private PMs I got regarding actemra from this forum are so helpful and supportive. Fingers crossed I’ll be slowly on the mend. 👍

[Hidden in reply to aladymo]

That’s great news keep us in the loop x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I take it you aren't on methotrexate?

[IdasMum in reply to PMRpro]

I am, see above.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to IdasMum]

Then in that case taking 5mg each day won't be the end of the world, some patients need that much to counteract the mtx. But you mustn't not take it ongoing - the mtx messes up the enzyme pathway and depletes folic acid, so it must be replenished through supplementation to reduce the adverse effects. Folic acid is needed to prevent red blood cell abnormalities and anaemia. Every time you take mtx - you need to replenish the folic acid. So you'd best fess up

[IdasMum in reply to PMRpro]

I'll tell him next time I see him

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to IdasMum]

Hope that is before your next dose of mtx!

[HamishPMR]

Folic ac 5mg & Folic ac 400microgram. Just a wee reminder to those of us who are taking Folic ac as a supplement that the supplement dose is 400microgram whilst IdasMum is referring to Folic ac 5mg which is used therapeutically.

[YuliK]

You may find this information interesting and helpful.

medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

[Chihuahua1]

Hi, I'm on daily folic acid and the dosage is 400 mcg daily.

I must admit I do feel better for taking them as well.