Posso prendere l'acido folico e il metotrexato insieme?

Perché succede

Methotrexate works by blocking the body's use of folate (a B vitamin) to stop certain cells from growing too quickly. Folic acid is a man-made version of folate. While it helps protect healthy cells from methotrexate's side effects, too much of it can "compete" with the medicine, potentially stopping it from working properly against the disease.

Cosa dovresti fare

You must follow your doctor's specific schedule for these medicines. Usually, you will be told NOT to take folic acid on the same day as your methotrexate dose. Do not start taking over-the-counter folic acid supplements or multivitamins containing folic acid without checking with your specialist first.

Precauzioni importanti

Gravidanza e contraccezione

Methotrexate can cause severe birth defects or miscarriage. You must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after stopping (applies to both men and women).

Dosing schedule and folic acid use

Methotrexate is usually taken only ONCE A WEEK on the same day. Taking it daily can be fatal. Folic acid must be taken on a different day to methotrexate to help reduce serious side effects.

Infection and blood disorders

Methotrexate can lower your white blood cell count, making you more likely to get serious infections. Seek urgent medical help if you develop a fever, sore throat, or unexplained bruising/bleeding.

Carenza di vitamina B12 (Anemia Perniciosa)

L'acido folico può mascherare i sintomi della carenza di vitamina B12. Se hai una carenza di B12, assumere solo acido folico può permettere il progresso di danni nervosi gravi anche se il tuo conteggio sanguigno sembra normale. Il tuo medico deve assicurarsi che i livelli di B12 siano controllati prima o durante il trattamento.

Avvertenze su cibo e bevande

Alcol

You should strictly limit or avoid alcohol while taking methotrexate. Both alcohol and methotrexate can cause liver damage, and taking them together significantly increases the risk of serious liver problems. Your doctor will advise you on whether a very small amount is safe for you based on your blood tests.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking folic acid. Alcohol interferes with the way your body absorbs and uses folic acid, which can make the treatment less effective. Chronic alcohol consumption is a common cause of folate deficiency.

Caffeina (Caffè, Tè, Cola)

Large amounts of caffeine may reduce how well methotrexate works for some conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. If you notice your symptoms worsening, try to limit your intake of coffee, strong tea, and caffeinated soft drinks.

Prodotti lattiero-caseari

Avoid consuming large amounts of milk or dairy products at the exact same time you take your methotrexate dose. Dairy contains an enzyme that may slightly interfere with how the medicine is absorbed. It is fine to eat dairy at other times of the day.

Folic acid supplements (outside of prescribed dose)

While you have been prescribed folic acid to reduce side effects, do not take extra 'over-the-counter' multivitamins or fortified foods containing high levels of folic acid unless your doctor agrees. Taking too much folic acid on the same day as methotrexate can make the treatment less effective.

Uso di altri medicinali

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Avvertenza

Queste informazioni sono solo a scopo educativo generale e non devono essere considerate un sostituto del consiglio medico professionale. Consultate sempre il vostro medico di base, farmacista o un altro professionista sanitario qualificato prima di prendere decisioni sui vostri farmaci. Le circostanze individuali possono variare e solo un professionista sanitario che conosce la vostra storia medica può fornire una guida personalizzata.