Methotrexate and precautions for use

Article written by Pharmacist Bui Thi Thanh Ha - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Methotrexate, formerly known as amethopterin, is a chemotherapy agent and suppresses the immune system. It is used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, ectopic pregnancy, and medical abortion.

1. What is Methotrexate?

Methotrexate is an immunosuppressive drug. Medicines that partially decrease your body's immunity to treat autoimmune diseases. Methotrexate helps prevent exacerbations of autoimmune diseases and helps control symptoms.

2. How to take Methotrexate?

Methotrexate should be taken ONE TIME WEEK, on a fixed day of the week. The dose of methotrexate may be increased gradually depending on your response. Methotrexate works slowly, it can take up to several weeks for maximum effect. If medication doesn't improve symptoms after several months, your doctor may consider switching to another medication.
Note: Methotrexate has 2 strengths, 2.5mg tablets and 10mg tablets. Double-check the dose of medicine your doctor prescribes for you to use accordingly.
The drug should be taken the day after eating (the drug can cause stomach irritation if taken on an empty stomach). Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, break or crush the tablet.
Do not use Methotrexate if:
Allergy to methotrexate or any of its ingredients. Pregnant or breastfeeding. Severe liver/kidney failure. Have serious blood problems (severe anemia, increased blood clotting). There is an acute infection.

methotrexate-va-nhung-chu-y-khi-su-dung — Thuốc Methotrexate nên được uống một lần một tuần vào một ngày cố định

3. What is folic acid? Why is folic acid needed?

Patients taking methotrexate should be given folic acid supplements to reduce the side effects of methotrexate. Folic acid can be taken once a day or taken once a week. Do not take folic acid on the same day that you take methotrexate.

4. What should you do if you forget to take your medicine?

If you forget to take methotrexate, take it as soon as you remember. For example, if you usually take your medicine on Monday but forget to take it and remember it on Tuesday, you can take it as soon as you remember. From then on, take your next dose every Tuesday. Contact your doctor right away if you take more than the usual dose.

5. Taking other medicines with Methotrexate

Methotrexate may affect other medicines. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including supplements, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal medicines.

6. Possible side effects

Most people don't experience any side effects from taking the drug. However, each person may have a different reaction to medication. Some of the possible side effects when taking methotrexate include headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hair loss, increased sensitivity to light. These side effects are likely to improve as your body gets used to the medicine.
Side effects of methotrexate on the blood are rare, but the drug lowers your body's immunity so you can increase your risk of infection. If you have any symptoms of blood disease (sore throat, bruising, mouth ulcers), liver disease (vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, black urine) and respiratory disease (difficulty breathing), Contact your doctor right away.

7. Vaccinations while taking methotrexate

Do not get any “live” vaccines while you are using methotrexate. Other vaccines are still available.
Please follow the website: Vinmec.com regularly to update many other useful information.

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