Methotrexate
Methotrexate is one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of inflammatory forms of arthritis and is widely used. Despite a popular misconception among many patients that methotrexate is extremely toxic, it's actually one of the best arthritis medications. Methotrexate interferes with the production of certain body cells, especially rapidly reproducing cells, such as cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells. Methotrexate is used for the treatment of breast, skin, head and neck, lung, or uterine leukemia and some forms of cancer. Methotrexate is also used in the treatment of adults with extreme psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used in children for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Methotrexate Uses
Methotrexate is used for the treatment of severe psoriasis which cannot be controlled by other treatments. The medication can also be used along with the rest of physical therapy, and sometimes the medications can be used for the treatment of severe active rheumatoid arthritis which cannot be controlled by certain drugs. Methotrexate is used for the treatment of certain types of cancer which includes cancers that begin in the tissues which will form around a fertilized egg in the uterus, breast cancer, lung cancer and leukemia.
Methotrexate Side effects
Minor side effects of Methotrexate are:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Swollen and tender gums
- Decreased in appetite
- Red eyes
- Hair loss
Some of the serious side effects of Methotrexate are:
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Weakness or difficulty in moving the body
- Loss of consciousness
Know that this drug has been prescribed by your doctor and he or she has decided that the value is greater than the risk of side effects. There are no significant side effects for many people who take this drug. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious side effects such as mouth sores, diarrhea, and signs of anemia, signs of liver problems, easy bruising and lymph nodes.
How to take Methotrexate?
Methotrexate comes in the form of a tablet which should be taken orally. The doctor will tell how often a person must take methotrexate. The schedule depends on the disease you have and how the drug is reacted to by your body. The doctor may tell you to take methotrexate on a rotating schedule that alternates between several days of taking methotrexate and several days or weeks of not taking it. If you are taking methotrexate for treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis the doctor may tell you to take the medication once a week.
If you are taking methotrexate for treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor will first start on a low dose of the medication and then it can gradually increase the dose.
Missed Dose
Taking each dose of this medication as scheduled is important. Contact your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule if you miss a dose. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Methotrexate tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy
Based on the published reports Methotrexate can cause embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal death when the medication is administered in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding
Methotrexate can pass into breast milk and can cause some serious side effects to the infants
Storage
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Methotrexate vs Folic Acid