Methotrexate and folic acid: how to take, the dosage

Methotrexate: a short description of

This pharmaceutical agent - a folic acid antagonist. Once in the body, Methotrexate stimulates a variety of chemical processes, which result in increased synthesis of adenosine. Adenosine called substance which suppresses the immune and inflammatory responses.

When the patient is taking Methotrexate, he quickly killed only those cells that act as a catalyst inflammation in joint tissues. In addition, Methotrexate blocks the production of pathogenic cells that cause inflammation and maintained. In parallel to these actions, Methotrexate stimulates the formation of substances that have anti-inflammatory effects on the human body.

Because of this, the intensity of the inflammatory process in the joints is reduced for a short time, the patient ceases to feel pain and stiffness characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.

Methotrexate: advantages and disadvantages

Methotrexate - a very effective, but it is not a safe drug. It's the wrong application or an overdose can lead to serious negative consequences for human health. That is why rheumatologists advise patients simultaneously receiving methotrexate with folic acid. The dosage of these pharmaceutical agents selected by qualified personnel only on an individual basis for each patient.

We present our table with advantages and disadvantages, which has Methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

pros

Minuses

Methotrexate - a key drug in the treatment of disease; suitable for long-term therapy; throughout the time of use in relieving inflammation in the joint tissues; minimizes the manifestation of symptoms of RA; Methotrexate combined with many drugs developed for the treatment of RA; if Methotrexate was appointed in the early stages of the disease, can prevent worsening of the disease; Methotrexate can be used by patients who have only suspected RA development; Methotrexate is a very affordable medicine. Price per pack ranges 245 rubles. Packaging is designed for a two-month course of therapy.

therapeutic effect is achieved only after 4-7 weeks of regular use of the drug; the patient is required every three months to visit a rheumatologist; It prohibited abruptly stop use of methotrexate, as it will lead to an exacerbation of the disease; a high risk of very serious side effects to the human body: the reduced production of blood cells, emergence of infectious pathologies canker mouth, rash on the skin, impaired hepatic and intestinal functionality; may experience joint destruction even while receiving methotrexate; Many patients stop treatment with methotrexate because of serious side effects; not suitable for the treatment of expectant and nursing mothers; some patients have no positive effect.

Because of the above negative phenomena in rheumatology additionally assigned folic acid with methotrexate.

What is folic acid, its relationship with methotrexate

Folic acid is called a form of vitamin B9. Man needs folate, because they are involved in many vital processes in the body: cell division, growth and production of red blood cells. If the human body, an insufficient amount of folic acid, it is beginning to experience a shortage of folate.

Methotrexate can block specific action of folic acid and provoke the development of folate deficiency. In this case, the human mouth sores begin to hit, he can suffer from severe stomach problems (Frequent nausea and severe pain), impaired liver function and improper formation of blood cells. The intensity of the negative effects can be so severe that the patient is forced to discontinue the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with methotrexate.

Methotrexate and folic acid: combination

Cochrane Collaboration Researchers have studied and demonstrated that methotrexate and folate in the treatment of arthritis minimizes the negative impact on the human body first. Such a result, scientists have after careful analysis of six studies which were attended by 624 people.

The results of the study

People treated for rheumatoid arthritis with methotrexate and folic acid, it was noted:

• less pronounced manifestation of the side effects of methotrexate. Folic acid preparation does not cause the patient nausea and pain in the abdomen;
• folic acid can reduce the possibility of occurrence of disorders in the liver function. This parameter is checked by a special blood analysis;
• folic acid correct alignment and allows the patient to continue methotrexate last drug treatment;
• folic acid prevents the development of ulcers in the oral cavity which may occur due to methotrexate;
• folic acid enhances the therapeutic effect of methotrexate on the patient's body.

Also, it is believed that if a patient will be used folic acid after methotrexate, it minimizes the development of neutropenia (abnormal formation of blood).

sources:

Vidal: https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/folic_acid__33566
GRLS: https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx? routingGuid = 41e55b8d-98b2-40bf-8a79-92c1ecc3a912 & t =

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