How well does folic acid (or folinic acid) decrease the side effects of methotrexate?
The studies show that both low and high doses of folic acid and folinic acid may decrease stomach upset and other side effects of methotrexate more than fake pills. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and stomach cramps were decreased. Based on these studies, our best guess is that after 6 to 11 months: • 43 out of 100 people who take low doses (less that 7.5mg per week) of folic acid may have stomach upset • 79 out of 100 people who take fake pills may have stomach upset This means that 36 more people out of 100 may have less stomach upset if they take folic acid than fake pills. The improvements from taking methotrexate (such as less pain) are about the same for people who take low doses of folic acid or folinic acid and people who take fake pills. People who take high doses of folinic acid may have more tender joints, but they are not likely to have an increase in the number of swollen joints or a decrease in their overall condition. How safe is folic acid
