Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: METHOTREXATE (meth-o-TREX-ate)
This medicine is an antimetabolite used to treat certain types of cancer. It may also be used to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: Serious, sometimes fatal, side effects have occurred in those using methotrexate. Therefore, this medicine should be used only to treat life-threatening cancer or severe cases of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate formulations with preservatives must not be used for high-dose treatment nor injected into the spine (intrathecal). Methotrexate has caused birth defects and fetal death. It is not recommended for use in women of child-bearing age unless no alternatives exist. Pregnant women who have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis must not use methotrexate. If you have kidney problems or excess body water (ascites, pleural effusion), you must be closely monitored and your dose may be adjusted or stopped. Methotrexate (usually at high dosages) has caused severe, even fatal, bone marrow suppression (e.g., bone marrow makes cells that fight infections) and intestinal or stomach disease (e.g., bleeding) when used at the same time as non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). This drug may also cause liver problems when it is used for long periods of time. If you are using methotrexate long-term, liver biopsies should be performed. Methotrexate use has resulted in serious, possibly fatal, lung problems, skin reactions, diarrhea and mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis). Lumps (tumors/abnormal growths) may appear during methotrexate use. The drug must be stopped and treatment may be needed. Consult your doctor immediately if new lumps/growths occur. When used to treat tumors, methotrexate sometimes causes "tumor lysis syndrome" due to cell destruction. Promptly report symptoms (e.g., irregular heartbeat, high potassium level) if they occur. If you develop any of the following side effects, contact your doctor immediately: nausea, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, fever, fatigue, persistent sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, black stools, change in amount of urine, skin rash, breathing problems, dry cough, diarrhea, or mouth sores. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking digoxin, etretinate, prednisolone, prednisone, probenecid, penicillin or sulfa antibiotics, pristinamycin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), trimethoprim, warfarin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of immunologic conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
This medicine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you have about this medicine. DRINK EXTRA FLUIDS as directed by your doctor. IF NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR LOSS OF APPETITE OCCUR, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the product label or packaging. Ask your pharmacist if you are unclear how to store this medicine.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are being treated with this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, salicylates, or any other medicine used to treat pain, fever, swelling, or arthritis. WHILE YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE, do not drink alcohol without first checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS OR DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. THIS MEDICINE LOWERS YOUR RESISTANCE to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before having immunizations (vaccinations) while taking this medicine. THE USE OF BIRTH CONTROL IS RECOMMENDED for males and females while using and for several months after using this medicine. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, loss of appetite, changes in menstrual periods, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; decreased urination or dark urine; dry, unproductive cough, shortness of breath, or other breathing problems; unusual bruising or bleeding; sores on the mouth or lips; skin rash; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; black tarry stools; vision changes; yellowing of skin or eyes; swelling of feet or legs; joint pain; fever or chills; sore throat; or cough with congestion. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Some side effects may occur after you stop treatment with this medicine. If this happens, be sure to contact your doctor. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
DO NOT GET THIS MEDICINE on your skin. If this medicine spills on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. Clean any areas (tables, counters) where this medicine may have spilled or sprayed. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
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