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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

Abdominal pain, Indigestion, Loss of appetite, Nausea1a, Vomiting, Tiredness, Mouth sore

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

02 Oct 2021 | 11:05 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine 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

Methotrexate

Q. Can Methotrexate cause mouth ulcers?

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.

Q. Why do I have to take folic acid with Methotrexate?

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.

Q. Why do I need to take regular blood tests while taking Methotrexate?

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.

Q. Can Methotrexate use make me more prone to infections?

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.

Q. Can Methotrexate affect fertility?

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.

Q. What to do if I am planning to become pregnant and my husband is taking Methotrexate?

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.