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Methotrexate
Methotrexate is a drug used to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, and psoriasis. It comes in the form of a tablet or injection. Your dosage will be based on factors like your weight, the condition being treated, and your age. This medication can cause serious side effects, such as low white blood cell counts.
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Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®, Trexall®) is a prescription medication approved to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and various types of cancer.
(Click What Is Methotrexate Used For? for more information on this topic, including information about possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with methotrexate. This is a powerful medication that can cause significant and sometimes serious side effects.
Some of the most common reactions seen with this drug include but are not limited to:
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Low white blood cell count
- Upset stomach.
(Click Methotrexate Side Effects to learn more.)
You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking methotrexate if you have:
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver failure
- Alcoholism
- A weakened immune system due to HIV, AIDS, or various other causes
- Low blood cell counts of any type, such as anemia or low platelets
- Plans to receive radiation treatments
- Any allergies, including to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Methotrexate and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Methotrexate and Breastfeeding).
In addition, tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Methotrexate to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD