| What is Methotrexate?
|
|
Methotrexate is an anticancer drug used in the treatment of lymphoma and certain forms of leukemia. It is also given to treat some forms of cancers of the uterus, breast, lung, head, neck, and ovary. Methotrexate is also given to treat rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments have proved ineffective, and is sometimes used to treat very severe and disabling psoriasis. |
| |
|
|
| |
| Are there any side effects associated with Methotrexate?
|
|
Methotrexate side effects may include abdominal pain and upset, chills and fever, decreased resistance to infection, dizziness, fatigue, general feeling of illness, mouth ulcers,
and nausea.
If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Less common Methotrexate side effects may include abortion, acne, anemia, birth defects, black or tarry stool, boils, bruises, changes in skin coloration, convulsions, diarrhea, drowsiness, eye or vision problems, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, hives, inability to speak, infection of hair follicles, infertility, inflammation of the gums or mouth, intestinal inflammation, kidney failure, loss of appetite, lung disease, menstrual problems, partial or complete paralysis, rash or
itching, red patches on skin, sensitivity to light, skin peeling or flaking, sore throat, stomach and intestinal ulcers and bleeding, stomach pain, vaginal discharge, vomiting,
and vomiting blood. Rare Methotrexate side effects may include diabetes, impotence, infection, joint pain, loss of sexual desire, muscular pain, osteoporosis, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, shortness of breath, sleepiness, sudden death,
and sweating. |
| |
| How is Methotrexate taken?
|
|
Follow the directions for taking Methotrexate provided by your doctor. Take
Methotrexate exactly as prescribed, and promptly report to your doctor any new symptoms that may develop. Methotrexate is given at a higher dosage for cancer than for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. After high-dose
Methotrexate treatment, a drug called leucovorin may be given to limit the toxic effects.
If you miss a dose skip it and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at once. |
| |
| Are there any effects of taking Methotrexate with other medications?
|
|
Some medicines may interact with Methotrexate. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
If you are being given Methotrexate for the treatment of cancer or psoriasis, you should not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal painkillers
since this combination could increase the toxic effects of Methotrexate. If you are taking
Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, you may be able to continue taking aspirin or a nonsteroidal painkiller, but your doctor should monitor you carefully. Other drugs that may increase the toxic effects of methotrexate
include cisplatin, penicillins, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, probenecid,
retinoid drugs, and sulfa drugs. Sulfa drugs may increase
Methotrexate's toxic effect on the bone marrow, where new blood cells are made. Certain antibiotics, including tetracycline
and chloramphenicol, may reduce the effectiveness of Methotrexate. This is also true of vitamin preparations that contain folic acid. In addition,
Methotrexate can alter the effect of theophylline. |
| |
| How should I store Methotrexate?
|
|
Store Methotrexate at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
| |
|
Return to health network. |
|
|
