Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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darwin73 11/03/2016

I started MTX three weeks ago and am taking folic acid with it as well as omeprazole. Does anyone recommend any other vitamins or supplements? I caught a cold last week and I'm still battling it. I understand my immune system is now compromised being on MTX. Does anyone take a multivitamin? Additional vitamin C? Would it help at all? I'm newly diagnosed and still figuring all this out. A friend of mine who is a PCP suggested a probiotic and I'm going to add that in. Just wondering if additonal vitamins have helped anyone. Thank you for your help! I'm open to any suggestions. Fortunately I have not yet experienced any side effects from MTX.

californialynn 11/07/2016

Well, here you go:

https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/echinacea-index.html

"....agents that are thought to have immunostimulant properties such as echinacea, vitamin E, cat's claw, and zinc may antagonize the pharmacologic effects of immunosuppressants."

Seriously, why risk it?

trisun 11/07/2016

thanks CaliforniaLynn! That's why I started taking the Omeprazole. The Aleve was giving me stomach pain.

deservingpeace 11/08/2016

I take a multivitamin (for over age 50), 2000 units of Vitamin C, and 800 units of Vitamin D daily - I'm lactose intolerant. I wash my hands several times a day and especially after or sometimes while I'm shopping, and always after handling a menu - one of the dirtiest things there is. My husband works at an elementary school and I've trained him to wash his hands multiple times daily as well as soon as he comes in the door. Last winter I only had one cold and just recently a 24-hr. virus, which I feel is a pretty good record, although I don't work outside the home anymore or go out shopping very much. I also try to eat yogurt every day, that gives me protein (I'm low) and also the probiotic effect from it. I'm on MTX and Plaquenil.

gardencandy 11/14/2016

I take Zantac each time I take my meds. Reason being is the doctor told me it is safer because omeprazole consumes Calcium to work. I always have omeprazole but only use it if I have really bad heartburn not controlled by the Zantac. I didnt have heartburn till they gave me tylenol with codeine but thats another story.
Anyways supplements that I take that I have seen positive laboratory results for:
***Floravital Gluten Free Liquid Iron - Amazing stuff, helps with energy take it everyday
***Viva Labs Vitamin D3 5,000IU - I take two pills every day, labs are great and this is soy free which is hard to find.
***Coromega Fish Oil packets - Long time fan, if taken everyday will see results on labs

Recommended Multi:
I like Mothers Essentials No-Nausea Prenatal, its got Folic Acid and Iron and does not make me nauseous or dizzy.

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