Methotrexate is an oral medication, available in a solution or a in a tablet, used to treat several illnesses. I take methotrexate to address Psoriatic Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. I believe I began taking methotrexate in 2015. I also take folic acid to avoid side effects from this drug. Methotrexate belongs to a group of medicines called antineoplastics that interfere with the growth of cancer cells it also used in treatments as an immunosuppressant for auto immune diseases. Methotrexate is often the first drug that doctors try with people with arthritis (in much smaller amounts than for treating cancer) to slow down the damage from inflammation in the joints. I am lucky. This drug works for me and I haven’t had to move on to other medications with more side effects. Many people can’t take this drug.
Methotrexate is used to treat the following medical conditions:
- Cancer: breast, head, head and neck, lung, blood (acute lymphoblastic leukemia or all), bone, lymph node (mycosis fungoides, relapses or refractory non-Hodgkins lymphoma) or uterus cancer
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Severe Psoriasis
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Vasculitis
- Eczema
“Methotrexate is one of the most effective and widely used medications for treating inflammatory types of arthritis, It’s also the safest arthritis drugs, despite a common misconception among many patients that methotrexate is highly toxic.” Arthritis Foundation.
Methotrexate is not recommended for use for children, or women that are breastfeeding, as it is harmful to infants. Also it is recommended that when having specific vaccinations or medical procedures that your doctor will ask you to pause your dose of Methotrexate for a time being as Methotrexate might cause an unwelcome reaction between the vaccine or slow down the healing process after your procedure. It is important to let your doctors know you are taking Methotrexate because how you take other medications or if you can take other medications, including NSAIDS and PPIs, will be affected.
It is not recommended that you drink soda, alcohol or smoke cigarettes while you take Methotrexate. Your doctor will also need to require lab work every two months to make sure your liver and kidneys are not being negatively affected by Methotrexate. Because Methotrexate can increase the risk of liver problems, check with your doctor if you have pain in your upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin.
Make sure to follow the directions your doctor has given you on how to take your medication. If you have missed a dose, make sure to check with your medical professional until you are used to your medication and how it affects you. Effective birth control should be used while using this medication. If you think you are pregnant, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
Methotrexate may cause serious allergic reactions. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing:
- Anaphylaxis
- Rash
- Itching
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fast Heartbeat
- Trouble Breathing or Swallowing
- Chest Tightness
Methotrexate may lower your bodies resistance to infection. So you may not want to spend time with people that are knowingly sick. Also washing hands is important. Methotrexate can also make you more sensitive to the sun. Wearing a hat, eye protection and sunscreen is important. Do not use sunlamps and tanning beds.
There are tons of side effects. Make sure to read them on the link to the Mayo Clinic article listed below if you are interested.
Commonly there are some gastrointestinal issues that come with taking this medication. I have found, for me, that making sure I have a hearty breakfast before I take my weekly dose was what I needed. I already eat a diet that is anti-inflammatory and free of junk food. I don’t drink soda, juice, caffeinated beverages and alcohol and I quit smoking almost 20 years ago. I also exercise every day. All of these components help to give me a better quality of life. Many of the side effects that may come with this medication also come with other medications I take and I like not hurting. I notice when I have to miss a dose.
If you are needing help creating a Wellness Plan that works for you, please Contact Wellness Works NW at 360-447-8061. Karen G Clemenson is a very caring and authentic person and she is looking forward to talking with you and helping you define your Wellness Goals and strategies. I hope this article answered questions you had and was easy to understand. If you would like us to write about a particular topic that you can’t find on this site, please send us an email on our Dear Jamie page and someone from Our Team will be glad to research and write about your topic.
Read More:
- Methotrexate by Maryam Hanoodi; Meenal Mittal for National Library of Medicine
- Methotrexate: Managing Side Effects by Arthritis Foundation Staff
- Methotrexate (Oral Route) by Mayo Clinic Staff
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I hope this article helps Fuel Your Wellness. Please leave your comments below.
Summer D Clemenson is a co-owner Clemenson Enterprises, LLC and Wellness Works NW. Summer her wife, Karen G Clemenson’s personal motto is Creativity, Honesty & Positivity are a must! This mantra helps them stay community and wellness minded in all they do. Summer is an Independent Wellness Advocate at dōTERRA. Summer also writes poetry and inspirational blogs @ GoodTimesAlways.com.
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