What is methotrexate?
Methotrexate belongs to the class of drugs known as antimetabolites. Antimetabolites impede the body’s natural chemical processes, such as DNA production and cell division. They are helpful in cancer treatments, as they will prevent cancer cells from thriving.
How is methotrexate taken?
Methotrexate should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. A physical will tailor the dosage to the needs of each individual patient. Methotrexate may be given as a tablet, infusion or injection. For Crohn’s disease, methotrexate is commonly given by weekly injection in a physician’s office or hospital.
Why is methotrexate prescribed?
Because methotrexate blocks cell metabolism, it is prescribed for conditions where abnormal cell growth is a problem, such as psoriasis or cancer. Methotrexate has also been found useful for treating some cases of Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate has also been used to induce miscarriage in ectopic pregnancies.
Who should not take methotrexate?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following conditions:
What are the side effects?
Bothersome side effects of methotrexate include headache, drowsiness, itching, skin rash, dizziness, and hair loss. Serious side effects include toxicity of the liver, bone marrow or, rarely, lungs. See the methotrexate side effects page for a complete list.
Are there any food interactions?
Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed while taking methotrexate, as it could cause damage to the liver, leading to cirrhosis.
What medications can methotrexate interact with?
People taking methotrexate should avoid vaccinations with a live virus. Methotrexate causes the body’s immune system to be suppressed, so the live virus vaccine may actually cause illness instead of an immune response.
Methotrexate may interact with the following medications:
- Arthritis drugs (ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Lodine)
- Aspirin or other salicylates
- Azathioprine (Imuran)
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)
- Carbenicillin (Geocillin)
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Blood thinners (Coumadin)
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Etretinate (Tegison)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Probenecid
- Sulfa drugs (Bactrim)
- Thiazide diuretics (Dyazide, hydrochlorothiazide)
Is methotrexate safe during pregnancy?
The FDA has classified methotrexate as a type X drug. This means that studies in animals or pregnant women have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities. Methotrexate should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause a miscarriage or birth defects in an embryo. Men should discontinue methotrexate for at least 3 months before conception. Women should discontinue methotrexate for one full ovulation cycle before conception. Methotrexate does pass into breast milk, and could affect a nursing infant.
How long can methotrexate be taken safely?
Methotrexate may take several weeks to be effective in treating Crohn’s disease. It should only be taken for a long period of time (months or years) under the close supervision of a physician.
