Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Methotrexate? Maybe it's for a joint problem or a skin condition. Even if you're a little scared when you hear the name, don't worry. This is a very useful medicine that is used for many conditions and, if taken correctly, is very useful. Today, we'll talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.
What exactly is Methotrexate?
Simply put, Methotrexate is a drug that mainly treats two groups of diseases.
1. Inflammatory Conditions: If you have a painful, inflammatory joint condition like arthritis or a skin condition like psoriasis, this medicine works by reducing the unwanted inflammation in your body, which can reduce swelling and inflammation. This can help reduce pain and prevent long-term damage to your joints and skin.
2. Some Types of Cancer: This medicine is also used to treat some types of cancer. Here, it works by controlling the rapid division and growth of cancer cells.
It is very important to talk to your doctor to confirm exactly which of these two reasons you have been prescribed this medication for.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. Do not hide these things, as it is for your own safety.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you are a regular drinker.
- If there is a condition where there is fluid in the lungs or abdomen.
- If you have kidney disease or are on hemodialysis.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have a blood problem, such as a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
- If you have a lung disease.
- If you are undergoing radiation therapy.
- If you have a medical condition such as stomach ulcers or ulcerative colitis.
- If you have an allergic reaction to methotrexate or any other medicine, food, or dye.
How should I use this medicine? - This is very important!
The way you use this medicine is very important, especially the dose and the number of days you take it.
Warning! This medication is only prescribed once a week for conditions like arthritis or psoriasis. Do not take it daily for any reason. Taking it daily can cause very serious, even life-threatening, side effects.
Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the right time, with a glass of water. Do not stop taking the medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Don't panic, call your doctor for advice. Never forget to take two doses of medication at once.
Other drugs that may interact with methotrexate (Drug Interactions)
If you are taking methotrexate, you should tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (even vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Some medications can interact with it and cause dangerous side effects.
| Drug type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken | |
| Acitretin (a drug used to treat skin diseases) | Taking this with methotrexate can cause severe liver damage. |
| Other drugs that should be used with caution | |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | Medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen |
| Some antibiotics | Drugs like Penicillin and Tetracycline |
| Medicine for stomach inflammation | Esomeprazole, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole |
| Live virus vaccines | Avoid receiving live vaccines while taking this medicine. |
*This list is not complete. It is best to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.*
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Stop drinking alcohol completely. The combination of alcohol and methotrexate can cause serious liver damage.
- Protect yourself from the sun. This medicine may make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. If you are going outside, wear sunscreen and cover up.
- Be careful of infections. This medicine reduces the body's immunity a little. Therefore, avoid places where sick people are. If you experience symptoms like fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor.
- Be careful about bleeding. This medicine may increase bleeding from even a minor injury. Be careful when brushing your teeth and eating. Tell your doctor if you experience unusual bruising or bleeding.
- If you are thinking about having children: This is very important. If you are a woman, avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping it. If you are a man, avoid getting a child while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping it. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding mothers: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking the medicine and for one week after stopping.
Let's learn about side effects.
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are normal and will go away in a few days. But some things require immediate attention.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Dry cough, shortness of breath. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and dark urine. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, non-healing wounds. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bruising of the skin for no reason, bleeding that won't stop. |
| Things that may occur normally, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea/vomiting | Upset stomach, vomiting. |
| Hair loss | Some people may experience temporary hair thinning or loss. |
| Mouth sores | Redness, pain, or sores inside the mouth. |
Does this medicine cause weight gain?
Methotrexate is a drug in a class of medications called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may gain weight slightly as a result of this medication. However, this does not happen to everyone. Also, people who are underweight (BMI less than 18.5) when they start treatment are more likely to gain weight.
Is this a type of steroid?
No. This is not a steroid. This medication is used to control the immune system without the side effects of steroids (weight gain, thinning skin, high blood pressure and sugar).
Take-Home Message
- Methotrexate is an important drug used to treat arthritis, psoriasis, and some cancers.
- For diseases like arthritis, this is given only once a week . Taking it daily is very dangerous.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Pregnant women, those trying to become pregnant, and nursing mothers should avoid taking this medication. Men should also be careful if they are expecting a child.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms (severe cough, yellowing of the skin, unusual bleeding), see your doctor immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have. Don't be afraid.
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