yes and take both of those drugs plus more. I was at the point of not able to use my hands at one point from the RA and I also have Sjogrens syndrome. Methotrexate is a very strong medication I suggest you read up on all the medications so you are aware of what you are taking.
I unfortunately have lost a tremendous amount of hair from medication, Methotrexate is actually a chemotherapy drug the use for RA is a side use. It works wonders though.
Did they not give you folic acid to take with the Methotrexate? If not I would definitely question that. It is the norm to take folic acid every day except the day you take the Methotrexate. Here is a detailed quote on why.

"Question: Why is it necessary to take folic acid with methotrexate?
Answer: Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy drug that prevents cell reproduction by interfering with folic acid activation. MTX is also used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although very effective, its use potentially may produce serious side effects including nausea, mouth ulcers, blood problems, liver cirrhosis, and hair loss. Prolonged treatment with MTX may also lead to folic acid deficiency. To reduce the risk of these side effects, without fear of interfering with its efficacy, a maximum daily dose of 5mg of folic acid is recommended for those patients taking MTX on a regular weekly basis. "

My doctor also provides me with a prescription of Zofran (ondansetron) to help with any serious nausea, it is a small tablet that goes under the tongue and dissolves. It does come in a regular small pill form but when you are feeling so nauseated it is easier to have one that you don't have to try and swallow.
These symptoms and side effects are why I highly recommend you research the meds and are well informed about them.

Why Can't I Take Folic Acid the Same Day As Methotrexate?

This post was edited by ravencajun on Sat, May 11, 13 at 13:09

I was also diagnosed with it several months ago. I was in constant pain with my hands. I was referred to a specialist. She gave me a shot in my knuckle, it hurt worse than anything I have ever had, but it worked. I am totally free of pain. I don't remember the medications I was given before, but nothing worked until I received the shot. Good luck to you.

I was finally diagnosed with RA about 12 years ago, after numerous trips to ERs for horrid pain in various joints.

#1 - I hope you are seeing a Rheumatologist.

When I was diagnosed, I explained the disease as "it's like your immune system develops altzheimers and attacks good, healthy body tissues with inflammation as if they were invaders:"

Methotrexate is a disease modifying drug that , even alone, can help with mild RA. It fights the inflammation that the RA produces. The problem is - it is very hard on the liver - so get frequent blood work., and stay away from alcoholic drinks.

The Prednisone is for the inflammation. It's does great, but does cause the hair loss. I had to stop all my drugs a couple of years ago, and go on Prednisone - thank God, when I could go back on an RA drug (Orencia), it gradually grew back.

I am on Orencia because I can not take the "biologicals" (I was on Remicade, by infusion - but got a lung disease called "Sarcoidosis", which developed from a catching pink eye from a chlld). If you go on any of the biologicals (Remicade/Humera/Emberel), this can happen - that's why the commercials use the disclamers that "you must be careful to stay away from infections).

What you are taking is the preferred initial medication - start with the mildest (and cheapest), and see if it does the trick.

RA has not changed my lifestyle.
Okay, I have severly swanned fingers, the only problem is putting on gloves, I knit/crochet, etc.

Good Luck !
And stay away from kids with runny noses.

I have had arthritis since my late teens (20 years now). The past two years I went the natural route and am now off all medications for my arthritis also for my other autoimmune conditions. It's tough at first but when you fully embrace the lifestyle it isn't a problem or inconvenience. All my blood tests are clear of all inflammation markers too. Yeah, flare ups are, or were, the worst!
I went natural as I started to react to the DMARDs I was on and was too afraid to move to the newer meds.

cookie8 hello,would you tell us more about the natural route.Do you not take anything for RA and do you have any joint deformity ?Do you eat a special diet? thank you

I suggest you read up on Methotrexate too. You didn't mention how/why you were diagnosed. Did you go to the Dr. because of pain, or the change in your fingers, or ask about them at a visit for something else? Did it show up in a blood test?

Thanks for you responses, all are very helpful. I have just started this journey. I'm sorry I didn't start sooner. I'm on the right track now so maybe things will get better as it goes along. I didn't know that I shouldn't take the Folic Acid at the same time as the Methotrexate. I'm sure this is a learning process and I'm willing to find out everything I can.
Thanks again.

I have had osteo for a long time and recently had both knees replaced. I had ask two doctors if they thought this could be RA by looking the the deformity..both said no. I called and made an appointment with the Rheumatologist. He did x-rays and bloodwork and started me on Prednisone. I went back a week later for results, he said I tested positive for both markers and started me on Methotrexate. I go back in a month from the start of that medicine for more bloodwork. I have swelling, stiffness, some pain and the swan deformity.

I was told I had it about 6 or7 years ago. I am on my 3 med. I am on methotrexate too. I take the folic acid to help with the "stickiness" of my blood for HBP. Was never told by my Rhymatologist to not take the folic acid with the metho. I am also taking sulphisolizine? with it. An old sulfer antibotic to see how that goes. I am reluctant to start the injectables. I really don't want to have to inject myself. So we are working on different combos. I am off the prednezone. Only take it for flareups. one or 2 pills and the flare is gone. I don't have any deformaties yet. So we will see.

On most days, I have no symptoms other than some swelling. Feel like "do I really have it?" then a flare and YES I do. Somedays, you can't grasp a blanket to roll over in bed. I can't pick up a glass or turn a door knob. I am learning to listen to my body and give it enough rest. Not to push too hard several days in a row or I will suffer.

Make sure you have a good dr. and get bloodwork often. Catching it early will make a difference. Less pain.

jj54, I sent you an e-mail, a looooong e-mail.

I have some osteoarthritis that has caused joint deformities in my fingers -- only sore if I overuse my hands, and I have lost strength in my hands.

When I see 'methotrexate' I think of my friend with hard-to-diagnose Wegener's Disease. I'll have to ask her if she takes folic acid. She now sees a rheumatologist for the Wegener's.

My MIL had severe RA and severe deformities. It's good to know there's been progress in helping people live with this nasty stuff!

I spoke with my pharmacist today at work and asked her about the methotrexate and folic acid. She looked it up and told me that it is only linked as a problem if you have psoriasis. Other than that, there is no problem taking the two of them together.

I have had 2 Dr.s and 2 pharmacists and noone ever told me of a link before. Probably because I don't have a problem with Psoriasis.

For what it is worth.

That information is worth a lot..thanks for posting it..I won't see the doctor untill June 5th..so I have a few weeks before I go in and won't worry about taking the two at the same time..

I also am getting arthritis in my hands, my right pointer finger is not straight and my left one has 2 "horn' like projections on the joint..
My left knee has been replaced and my left shoulder needs to be. Both had arthritis..
Is there any OTC arthritis type pain reliever that works?
I just take Excedrin for general pain and stiffness for now..

peke,
You don't want a pain killer, you want to kill the source of the pain.

Arthritis is a generic term for inflammation of joint tissue.

Osteoarthritis is the inflammation cause by "wear and tear" of joints .

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy connective tissue.

They have different causes, and different treatments.

Any anti-inflammatory pain reliever will help osterA, but beware of overdosing.

Thanks for the information monica...
I got a shot in my shoulder because the Dr said it was too soon after my knee replacement for another surgery (Oct 2012). So far it's helping...

Cookie8, just checked and no email from you .I hate that you took the time to respond and I didn't get it, would have been very interested in what you do
Thank you so much

I have no, zero problem with psoriasis at all, don't have it and my Rheumatologist emphatically gave me instructions to take my folic acid every day but skip the one day a week I take my methotrexate. I think the many medical references and articles about this topic explain the reasoning behind this. There's a definite answer and reason, you want to get the full benefits of the methotrexate period, if you are going to put that kind of drug in your body you definitely don't want to diminish it's strength in any way.

Hmmm, JJ54, maybe it is in your spam box? Since it was delivered through GardenWeb? I had a copy sent to myself and it was in my quarantine box. If it isn't there, I can copy it and resend it. Do you have an old e-mail address that your page is linked to? This is what I have on my account.

hello again cookie8, just checked spam not there but I did get this last email from you.If its not to much bother would you try to resend it ?again thanks so much

cookie8, got it thanks. emailed you at your yahoo mail
thanks again.

Raven,

I have taken both high and low dosage Methotrexate off and on when I couldn't take other drugs. Because Methotrexate, over months, will elevate liver enzymes.
But....the few times I took folic acid, I had to go off because it elevated other markers.

RA is not a static disease, and the medications and dosages are not written in stone. What is good for one person, can cause problems in others. And since so many different drugs are needed in cycles, it doesn't use a one-shoe-fits-all approach to treatment.

It's one of those diseases that just doesn't fit into any fixed medication pattern for everyone....and why it shouldn't be treated by a family doctor or internist. Also, the doctor treating this disease has to look at each patient's specific problems, needs and disease course.

Sooooo...although we can speak of OUR treatment, successes and failures....no one should say, on an internet board, to a stranger...that their doctor is wrong about treatment.

Yes, I agree. What works for one, won't for another. MY pharmacist who know all the drugs I am on and read up on it, sees NO problem with my taking folic acid with it. I take 1 mg of folic acid 2 times a day. I take 2.5 mg of the methotrexate.... 8 pills of it, once a week... so that is what my Dr. and pharmacist agree on. Maybe in different doses, it could cause harm? I get regular blood work also. To check on the liver functions.

I also have RA for the last 3 years. Current meds are methotrexate, sulfasalazine and Remicade every 8 weeks. Folic acid also.

RA is not arthritis. It is an auto immune disease. It is genetic. Both my mother and g-mom had it and also some aunts from Dads side.

For those on methotrexate, you may want to take a daily dose of milk thistle/silly marin to help detox they liver. It is often given to chemo patients to help clean out the toxins. My rheumy recommended it and brought my numbers back to normal.

The Arthritis Foundation has a great deal of info so you may wish to check there. There is also a lot of quack remedies out there.

Donna, hang in there and ask questions. Find a good rheumatologist and follow their advise.

It is a little bit unsettling right now..so many new things that I had never even thought about before. My Doctor is new to me but seems to know what he is talking about and another good thing is he listens and doesn't mind all of the questions I have right now. I appreciate all of you with your knowledge about RA, I'm learning. I'm 73 years old..I always said getting old isn't for sissies.

I absolutely never said anything like that, sorry you miss understood, but I would not do that. I was making the point that I personally do not have psoriasis so it could not be attributed to that in my case period. I certainly agree that going to a Rheumatologist is the way to go. I have a wonderful Rheumatologist, I have multiple auto immune diseases that she has to monitor and treat. I am a retired medical professional myself and definitely know the benefits of going to specialist, close monitoring, and being pro active in your health care.
So no absolutely I would never to quote "say, on an internet board, to a stranger...that their doctor is wrong about treatment."
Thanks