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Methotrexate
INFORMATION ABOUT METHOTREXATE
Methotrexate Uses
Methotrexate is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
How Methotrexate works
Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant. In rheumatoid arthritis, it works by decreasing the activity of the body's immune system. This decreases swelling, reduces pain and stiffness, and improves function. In psoriasis, it works by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells.
Common side effects of Methotrexate
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Abdominal pain, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, Increased liver enzymes, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Low blood platelets, Headache, Mouth ulcer, Decreased white blood cell count, Fatigue, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Throat ulcer, Dyspepsia, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Pneumonitis, Exanthema, Erythema (skin redness), Itching
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Sakshi Jain
MS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
02 Oct 2021 | 11:05 PM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Methotrexate
Expert advice for Methotrexate
- Take it once a week, on the same day every week.
- Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated while taking this medication.
- Always take folic acid as advised by your doctor. This will help lessen the side effects of this medicine.
- It may take 6 to 8 weeks for Methotrexate to work. Keep taking the medication as prescribed.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of side effects.
- It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after your last dose.
Frequently asked questions for Methotrexate
Yes, Methotrexate can cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers as side effects in some cases. Taking folic acid along with this medicine may help in reducing the ulcers. Ask your doctor if the dose can be reduced as dose reduction may further help in reducing the ulcers.
Folic acid is required to make new cells in the body and Methotrexate decreases the folic acid levels in the body. Folic acid can help reduce some of the common side effects of Methotrexate such as mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and liver problems.
Regular blood tests will help your doctor to check your response to Methotrexate and monitor you for side effects. You will need to regularly check your liver function and your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). Your doctor may also order additional tests depending on the results.
Methotrexate may decrease the activity of your immune system. As a result, you may develop serious infections. There have been rare reports which suggest occurrence of serious lung infections with Methotrexate use. If you have an active infection, Methotrexate should be used with extreme caution.
Yes, Methotrexate may affect fertility in both males and females. It may cause a decrease in sperm count in males and menstrual disturbances in females. No need to worry, these effects are reversible and disappear once the therapy is discontinued.
You should avoid pregnancy if your husband is taking Methotrexate. Also, it is advised that pregnancy should be further avoided for a minimum of 3 months after the therapy as it can lead to serious fetal abnormalities.