... medications cause problems with my kidneys?
Rheumatoid Arthritis - I am on Methotrexate, requip, folic acid, and prednisone. Will any of these?
Question posted by msdorsey on 26 Aug 2009
Last updated on 10 February 2023
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7 Answers
Lynripp
21 Jan 2018
I am on methotrexate, 7 pills all at once bedtime once a week, prednisone, 3mg every other day, and folic acid 1 every day for rhumatoid. I was diagnosed 11 months ago. My Dr said the folic acid is. Because being on methotrexate, it depletes the folic acid from my body. Bloodwork every month, last 4 months, my liver numbers are elevated, now have referral to gastroenterologist to check my liver. I'm still New at all this, any advise?
Lynripp
21 Jan 2018
I too have issues with sleeping every night, now am having hot flashes a lot more than I ever had and can't remember shot anymore, is this normal?
ssetwyn
23 Dec 2010
Well, I am also on Methotrexate, folic acid and prednisone for RA. I don't think I am on requip but will look it up. I have regular tests for liver because of the above. My prednisone is fairly a low dose. I was wondering how your pain is doing. I still can't seem to get mine under control. I dropped red meat as it seems the RA gets worst. Have added Voltarern Gel for pain.
goolsby0101
7 Jan 2011
I saw your comment on methotrexate and was needing someone to talk to about it. I take 10 mg twice week plus 6mg predisone and folic acid. All these for polymyalgia ruematica/TA. Have been on as much as 60 mg of
prednisone but trying to get off after 3 years of tapering down. My problem is the pain... I take pain meds about every 4 or 5 hrs or I couldn't make it through the day. The pred has caused all kinds of problems but mostly with osteoporous. I've had right hip replacement and am going to be having the other one done as soon as DR will ok it. I fell back in Aug. and fractured my pelvis in three places but am much better over that. I think the PMR/TA is going to get the best of me... I'm 67 years old (Jan 2nd) and feel 90!!!
bettyboop2u
9 Jan 2013
Is anyone having problems with not sleeping being on Predisone? I keep having restless leg cramps at night. I have just found out I have RA which explains a lot. Now were just working on a Drug!!
Nini2615
30 Aug 2017
I'm on prenisolone & sulfasalazine for my RA & get my folic acid from my prenatal & multivatmins since I'm trying to conceive.
To help reduce the pain( which sometimes seems to never go away) i have changed from dairy milk to almond milk, cut down on cheese, no night shade vegies, no potatoes nor tomatoes. I am trying to cut down on my red meats but can't promise that i will come off completely, but its a challenge i working with.
Monitor what you eat and see if that helps reduce the pain. Its worth a try and I have been trying to send RA onto remission, no success so far but I dont have as much pain as I did in the beginning.
Hope my bit helps.
wishfulthinking523
10 Feb 2023
Does the Voltaren gel help? I am also on the same meds for RA and agree, red meat makes pain=stiffness/swelling worse for me too.
jramonell
6 Aug 2010
I am taking many of the same classes of meds. I saw a decrease in my kidney function and asked my Endocrinologist about it. He said that NSAIDs (Piroxicam, Aleve, etc.) are the most harmful for kidneys. It doesn't appear that you're taking any. I thought Prednisone would cause considerable damage but he said it really doesn't do much harm to them. Just stay away from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and your kidneys should be much happier!
heidihoe
7 Oct 2009
Hi I too have Arthritis(Paladromic Rheumatoid Arthritis), I have been on salazopyrin which seemed to upset my bowel. I am on Plaquenil twice a day and take prednisolone if I get a flare up to control it and reduce the inflammation and pain. I was told I need my eyes checked regularly because of plaquenil, I didn't want to stay on prednisolone everyday low doses as it makes you hungry and bloats you (puts weight on). It is like a wonder drug! Yes but it like any drug has side effects. Look it up and talk to Dr. This is the first time I have heard about people on Folic acid, why is that?
heidihoe
6 Aug 2010
Hi I'm not on Plaquenil anymore, swapped to taking Prednisolone every morning and night. The bowel wasn't caused through Salazopyrin, it was the bile from my removed gallbladder. I can't be of much help other than saying how things have worked or not worked for me. I'm also in folic acid 5mg a day, but that is because I wanted to fall pregnant. Is anyone able to tell me what levels you are on of Folic acid and why?? What is it expected to do??
Thanks.
struman
15 Nov 2010
the folic acid prevents mouth sores which are sometimes present in people who take methotrexate.
phil-s
7 Jan 2011
i am on prednisalone daily and methotrexate weekly also 5mg fo folic acid daily iwas told it was to stop hair loss
i am new to this (ra) when the inflamations go down does the pain go ?
kaloeding
1 Dec 2011
i also take prednisone,plaquenil,methotrexate,folic acid and am starting actemra--the folic acid is given with methotrexate to help minimize side effects especially mouth sores and hair loss. Best of luck to you--kim
heidihoe
23 Dec 2011
Thank you for your answers.
Bonnieboo
9 Feb 2012
The way the nurse explained it to me, the Folic Acid is the antidote that keeps the other meds from upsetting your stomach and making you nauseaus. I have a prescription for it but you can buy it off the shelf.
cljdw2
8 July 2012
my doctor said the folic acid helps with hair loss
bacterial
15 Sep 2009
I have chronic kidney disease stage 2 as well as polymyalgia rheumatic and have been taking Prednisone, Methotrexate and folic acid for four months with no ill effects so far. I hope it works oout okay for you too.
inpain777
29 Aug 2009
i have alotttttttt of different arthritis, and i asked the guy in the vitamin store to recommend something, since i do not want to take my pain meds. he suggested a multi enzyme, and green food fiber as a start..so, im only on day 1. sorry this isnt an answer to your question, but i just thought id tell ya about the advice i was given...
Robert_325
29 Aug 2009
These meds are more likely to affect the liver rather than the kidney
Related topics
requip, rheumatoid arthritis, folic acid, methotrexate, prednisone
Further information
- Requip uses and warnings
- Folic Acid uses and warnings
- Methotrexate uses and warnings
- Prednisone uses and warnings
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