Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Moultrie, GA

Should I be taking Folic acid with this RX? If, so how much?

May 1, 2018
 · 
Be the first to react

Answer Summary

Members discussed whether folic acid is necessary when taking Arava (leflunomide), with most sharing that they took it with methotrexate but... Read more

Members discussed whether folic acid is necessary when taking Arava (leflunomide), with most sharing that they took it with methotrexate but not always with Arava specifically, though one member noted that 1 mg daily or 5 mg weekly is recommended with leflunomide. Several members explained that folic acid helps reduce side effects like nausea and hair loss when taking these medications, with one member expressing concern about thinning hair as a cancer survivor and another sharing that folic acid made them feel sick. A recurring theme was the importance of consulting with a rheumatologist about proper supplementation, as different medications have different requirements and individual responses vary.

A myRAteam Member

If you're on methotrexate, you should be taking a prescription form of folic acid that your rheumy should have given you. You don't mention what drugs you're on so it's hard to say. Now that I'm off methotrexate, I don't take it.

May 5, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I was told years ago to take folic acid by my dr when he first started me on celebrex and sulfasalizine.

May 4, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I took Folic Acid when I was on MTX and my folic #s went really high. I am now on Leflunomide and Panqunel and Much improved. No vomiting, very little pain and swelling. ☺️

October 27, 2023
A myRAteam Member

Leflunomide is generic Arava. It is a substitute for methotrexate, but not the same drug.
You should be taking 1 mg of folic acid with it (or 5 mg/week).

April 10, 2023 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

So what exactly does the folic acid do for you? I no longer take methotrexate,but she has switched me to Leflunomide?Can anyone answer this,Ihave heard something about hair loss. I am a cancer survivor,don’t want to lose any more. I have hair ,but sooooo thin.

October 29, 2018

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Ohio City, CO

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Azusa, CA

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Fort Worth, TX

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In