However, methotrexate drains the body of folic acid, which may lead to folic acid deficiencies.
The body needs folic acid to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver, as well as healthy bones and hair.
Methotrexate can also cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. A person taking the medication for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can take a folic acid supplement to help reduce these unwanted side effects.
In this article, learn more about how methotrexate affects folic acid, as well as about the other possible side effects.
How does methotrexate affect folic acid?
Folic acid is a B vitamin. An enzyme in the liver converts folic acid into folate, which plays many essential roles in the body, including helping with cell division and DNA replication.
Methotrexate works by reducing the amount of folic acid in the body, which means that harmful cells cannot replicate. This is the reason why some people with cancer take the medication.
Doctors do not know exactly how methotrexate works to reduce RA symptoms.
However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug information document, methotrexate might affect immune system function, reducing the body’s immune response that causes RA symptoms.
The FDA information document also notes that methotrexate can reduce swelling, inflammation, and tenderness caused by RA within 3 to 6 weeks of starting to take the medication.
Because methotrexate also depletes folic acid levels, it can cause a variety of side effects, including, mouth ulcers, headaches, and fatigue. Taking a folic acid supplement can reduce the risk of these side effects.
Taking a folic acid supplement does not seem to change methotrexate’s effectiveness in treating RA.
A person should call a doctor right away if they experience any of the following side effects:
- bleeding
- dehydration
- diarrhea
- fever
- mouth sores
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
While some of these side effects are relatively widespread among people who take methotrexate, anyone experiencing them should let their doctor know. A doctor can recommend other interventions for these side effects.
If anyone experiences severe side effects, such as bleeding, they may require hospitalization to check blood levels and for other treatments.
Outlook
While methotrexate can help treat RA, it can lead to folate deficiency and cause other side effects, such as an upset stomach.
Taking a folic acid supplement can help reduce some of these side effects.
People should talk to a doctor about how much folic acid to take and when to take it for RA.
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