Folic acid

[ARFalk]

I have recently been informed by my GP that my Folic acid is low and I have been prescribed meds for it what I would like to know is what could be the cause for this ( my WG or the meds I take)

[PatriciaAnn]

Are you taking Methotrexate? Folic acid is prescribed for patients taking this drug -

From the Arthritis UK website: "Most doctors prescribe folic acid tablets to patients who are taking methotrexate as this can reduce the likelihood of side-effects. Some doctors advise that it shouldn’t be taken on the same day as methotrexate."

I haven't taken Methotrexate, but I've taken Cyclo, CellCept and Azathioprine. I have WG. I've never been prescribed Folic Acid. Hope that helps.

PatriciaAnn

[ARFalk]

Hi PatriciaAnn no I am not on Methotrxate I take Azathaprin,predisalone and another 9 meds for WG related problems I haven't seen any postings on here for Folic acid so that is why I am asking the question thanks for your answer

[PatriciaAnn]

Obviously the doctor has found something, perhaps in your blood tests.So I guess the only way to know why he has prescribed it in your case is to ask him.

Have you read anything on folic acid and why it is generally prescribed? Maybe this will help:

nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-...

PatriciaAnn

[RichardE Volunteer]

Hi.

I was prescribed Folic Acid (and Iron tablets) when my Vasculitis was active because I was Anaemic. Has your GP mentioned anything like this to you ?

Anaemia is when your red blood count has dropped low. There can be a number of reasons for this happening. But as far as I know it isn't a very common symptom of vasculitis nor is it a common side effect of any of the drugs we take.

If your blood count drops very low then you will suffer from symptoms of breathlessness and dizzyness. But if this was the case I would expect your GP to be a bit more concerned and be asking for further tests to be carried out. So I wouldn't worry unduly.

Ultimately you might be best asking your GP to explain what they think is going on and why they have prescribed Folic Acid.

Regards,

Richard.

[ARFalk in reply to RichardE]

Hi Richard

I was anaemic when I first was diagnosed with WG and I think it is checked with my regular blood test the low Folic acid has been picked up from these tests ,I have spoken to the GP on the phone ( my regular GP is off sick so it was a Locom I spoke to) and I have an appointment to see the consultant in 2 weeks So hopefully I will find out more then, thanks for your comment

Alan

[RichardE Volunteer in reply to ARFalk]

Hi Alan,

Sounds like that may be what they are looking at then. Let us know how you get on when you see your consultant.

All the best,

Richard.

[tracynoe]

I was prescribed folic acid when my MCV went to 105 (ref range 100) I was on azathioprine as the time and it took quite a while for my MCV to come back within normal levels that was 5 years ago I still take it but only 3 times a week now and my MCV is now 95 and I now take Mycophenolate.

[RichardE Volunteer in reply to tracynoe]

Interesting. I think the MCV count is another indicator of anaemia. Maybe anaemia is more common with Vasculitis than I thought.