How Is Methotrexate Used?
Methotrexate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Your doctor will tell you how often you should take methotrexate. The schedule depends on the condition you have and on how your body responds to the medication.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take methotrexate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Methotrexate?
Do not take methotrexate if:
- You are an alcoholic or have alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis or other chronic liver diseases;
- You have an immunodeficiency syndrome or an active infectious disease;
- You are trying to conceive (applies to both men and women), pregnant or nursing;
- You have an active peptic ulcer;
- You have significant liver or kidney abnormalities;
- You have underdeveloped bone marrow, a low white blood cell count, low platelets or significant anemia.
Pregnancy should be avoided if either partner is taking methotrexate. Men should be off methotrexate at least three months before trying to conceive. Women should wait at least four months after stopping methotrexate to become pregnant.
What Are the Side Effects?
The less common side effects of long-term methotrexate treatment include liver damage and developing reversible liver scarring.
What Are the Risks?
The risk of liver damage increases if a person drinks alcohol, has abnormal kidney function, is obese, has diabetes or has had prior liver disease. Years after the drug, in rare occasions, certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, and bone marrow toxicity have occurred. Methotrexate can cause a reduced white blood cell count, increasing infection risk.
Individuals taking methotrexate must have regular blood tests to ensure that the drug is safely processed by the body including the liver, white blood cells and bone marrow. Additional tests are needed at regular intervals. Talk with your health care provider about other tests needed.