Drug Interactions between Calcium 600 D and methotrexate

Caffeine may reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate in the treatment of arthritis. If you are receiving methotrexate for arthritis, you may want to limit your intake of caffeine-containing foods and medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns or are uncertain what products may contain caffeine.

Calcium absorption may be increased by taking it with food. However, foods high in oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb), or phytic acid (bran and whole grains) may decrease calcium absorption. Calcium may be taken with food to increase absorption. Consider spacing calcium administration for at least 2 hours before or after consuming foods high in oxalic acid or phytic acid. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Treatment with ergocalciferol may require you to adjust your dietary intake of foods which contain natural or added calcium, phosphate (organic and inorganic), and vitamin D. Ingesting too much vitamin D or having elevated calcium and/or phosphorus levels in the blood and urine can lead to toxic effects, such as having an irregular heart rhythm, seizures, kidney stones, and eventual calcification of your blood vessels, cornea and/or the soft tissues in your body. Your doctor will monitor the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood during treatment with ergocalciferol. Please speak with your healthcare team to determine if you require a specialized diet, particularly if you have reduced kidney function, and to discuss any other questions or concerns you have. You may require additional monitoring or a dose adjustment of ergocalciferol if your diet changes. Fortified foods will state on their labeling how much calcium, phosphate, and/or vitamin D has been added. The National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements also provides information on which foods contain calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. You should avoid abrupt changes in your dietary calcium intake and seek medical attention if you experience early symptoms of vitamin D intoxication such as weakness, fatigue, headache, drowsiness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, metallic taste, muscle pain, bone pain, muscle incoordination, and low muscle tone. Late symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, conjunctivitis ("pink eye"), light sensitivity, runny nose, itching, increased body temperature, and irregular heart rhythm. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Methotrexate may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as ethanol (alcohol) may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Caffeine may reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate in the treatment of arthritis. If you are receiving methotrexate for arthritis, you may want to limit your intake of caffeine-containing foods and products. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.