Is Rheumate the same as methotrexate?
Actually, Rheumate and methotrexate are two different things. Methotrexate is the medication used to treat lupus, while Rheumate is a prescription supplement designed to help manage side effects from methotrexate.
How methotrexate helps with lupus:
Methotrexate is effective for treating Show Full Answer
Is Rheumate the same as methotrexate?
Actually, Rheumate and methotrexate are two different things. Methotrexate is the medication used to treat lupus, while Rheumate is a prescription supplement designed to help manage side effects from methotrexate.
How methotrexate helps with lupus:
Methotrexate is effective for treating lupus by reducing inflammation and calming your immune system. It can help with:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin symptoms (cutaneous lupus)
- Overall disease activity
Many MyLupusTeam members have found it helpful. One shared: "I started taking methotrexate and it has helped me a lot. The swelling around the joint areas has gone down."
Common side effects of methotrexate include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue and weakness
- Hair loss
- Liver problems
- Increased risk of infections
- Sensitivity to sunlight
Higher doses increase the likelihood of side effects, and they may be more severe if you're older or have kidney issues. What is Rheumate?
Rheumate is a prescription supplement (classified as a "medical food") that contains methyltetrahydrofolate (active folate), vitamin B12, and curcumin. It's designed to help prevent folate deficiency caused by methotrexate and potentially reduce inflammation.
Important to know:
Rheumate hasn't been tested in large clinical trials specifically for lupus. However, taking folate supplements while on methotrexate has been shown to greatly reduce side effects like stomach problems.
Some MyLupusTeam members report positive experiences: "Rheumate has been extremely successful with alleviating joint aches and the tingling and numbness occurring in my fingers and toes."
Your rheumatologist can help determine whether prescription Rheumate or a regular over-the-counter folate supplement is the better choice for you.
January 28
Join
Your Privacy Choices
