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Methotrexate

Examples

Generic Name Brand Name
methotrexate Trexall

How It Works

Methotrexate is similar to the vitamin called folic acid. It works by competing with folic acid in cells. This blocks the way the cell is able to make genetic material, and the cell dies.

Methotrexate may be given as a pill or as a shot in the vein (intravenously, or IV) or in the muscle (intramuscularly, or IM).

Why It Is Used

Methotrexate can be used to treat several conditions and diseases, including:

  • Cancer. Methotrexate slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body. It may be given with other medicines.
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as:
    • Rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate may be used alone or with other medicines to control the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methotrexate is safe and effective for children with JIA. It is generally used for children who do not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also used to treat resistant chronic uveitis in children with JIA.
    • Psoriasis. Methotrexate slows the rapid growth of skin cells in psoriasis.
    • Sjögren's syndrome. Methotrexate is generally used for people who do not respond to other medicine for Sjögren's syndrome.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. Methotrexate is used with leucovorin to end an ectopic pregnancy or to prevent the growth of any fetal cells that are left behind after surgery to end an ectopic pregnancy.
  • Medical abortion. Methotrexate is used with misoprostol in early pregnancy for medical abortion.

How Well It Works

Methotrexate effectively treats many conditions and diseases, including:

  • Cancer. The type and extent of a cancer will determine whether methotrexate is used. It is commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy medicines.
  • Autoimmune diseases. Methotrexate is used to relieve joint pain and other symptoms. It is given to help control diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriasis, and Sjögren's syndrome.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. Methotrexate is used to end an ectopic pregnancy in early pregnancy. It is not used to treat a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Side Effects

Side effects from methotrexate are usually temporary and occur more often with long-term use. Side effects may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue and sleep disturbances.
  • Low blood counts.

Less common side effects include:

  • Sun sensitivity and easy sunburning.
  • Diarrhea or blood in the stool.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Easy bruising and bleeding.
  • Skin rash or sores.
  • Headaches.
  • Chills and fever.
  • Lightheadedness.

Long-term side effects may include:

  • Liver damage. The risk of liver damage is increased in people who have other problems, such as diabetes, liver disease, or a history of alcohol abuse.
  • Lung problems.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Methotrexate can cause birth defects. Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or father a child while you are taking it.

Many antibiotics can increase the level of methotrexate in your blood. Make sure your doctor knows that you are taking methotrexate if you need to take an antibiotic for another problem.

You will have your blood drawn often while you are taking methotrexate.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, while you are being treated with methotrexate.

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Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
Last Revised June 28, 2011

Last Revised: June 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology

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