METHOTREXATE

Drug Uses
Methotrexate treats certain kinds of cancer, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How Taken
Always follow your doctor’s prescription while taking Methotrexate. The drug, which can be taken with or without meals, should be taken at the same time every day. You have to drink extra fluids while taking the drug. Do not give up the medicine in the middle of a dosage even if you do not come across any improvement in the first few days. The symptoms improve only after several weeks of taking the medication.

Warnings/Precautions
Before your doctor prescribes Methotrexate for you, discuss with him all your present and past health history. Tell him if you are allergic to any particular food, medicine or to any substance, including the ingredients in Methotrexate.

You should have to inform your doctor if you have lung problems, liver problems, blood problems, nervous system problems, immune system problems, active infection, diarrhea, mouth sores, inflammation, folic acid deficiency or if you are receiving chemotherapy.

Pregnant woman and those who hope to get pregnant soon should avoid Methotrexate as the drug can cause harm to the unborn babe. It is better not to get pregnant during Methotrexate medication. As Methotrexate is found in breast milk, you should not breast feed while taking the drug.

As like other medicines, Methotrexate also interacts with other medications. Therefore, it is better to inform your doctor about all the medications that you are taking. You should also give up alcohol once your doctor prescribes the drug.

It is quite common to experience vomiting, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite while taking the drug. Consult your doctor if you come across such symptoms.

Sunlight, tanning booths and sun lamps should have to be avoided as Methotrexate is more sensitive to the sun. Always wear some protective clothing and go for sunscreen lotions and creams when going out.

Methotrexate also reduces the blood clotting effect. So it is better not to get hurt. Inform your doctor immediately if you have bruises or bleeding. As Methotrexate lowers the body’s immunity power, you should have to avoid contact with persons who have fever, cold and other infections. When you are on Methotrexate medication, you should not go for any live vaccine.

Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Methotrexate is not prescribed for children below 2 years.

Missed Dose
If a dose is missed, just take it before the next dosage. But if it is time for the next dosage, skip the missed one and continue with the regular dosage. Do not go for double dosage.

Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, do not delay in contacting your doctor.

More Information
Methotrexate causes dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision. These can worsen if the drug is mixed with alcohol or if taken with any other medicine. It is better not to drive or perform any hard task unless you know how the drug reacts.

Always follow your doctor’s direction when taking the drug. Methotrexate should only be taken by those for whom it has been prescribed; do not share the drug with others.