Sign inBefore taking methotrexate
Before taking methotrexate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are suffering from diarrhoea.
- If you are suffering from an infection.
- If you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have a blood disorder.
- If you have ever suffered from a mental health problem.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take methotrexate
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take methotrexate exactly as directed by your doctor.
- It is important for you to know why methotrexate has been prescribed for you, and how you take it. If you are unsure why you are taking it, what dose to take, or which day of the week to take it, ask your doctor.
- Usually doses of methotrexate are taken once a week. Make sure that you take each dose on the correct day of the week and at the correct time. Methotrexate is only occasionally taken more frequently, usually when the patient is in hospital. Do not take methotrexate every day, unless you are sure your doctor has instructed you to do so.
- Methotrexate tablets are available in two strengths: 2.5 mg and 10 mg. You will only be given one strength of tablet. If your tablets look different to your last prescription speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- The amount of methotrexate you take will have been carefully calculated for your particular condition and to suit your individual requirements. Make sure you take the correct number of tablets each time you take a dose.
- Handle the tablets as little as possible.
- You may be asked to take folic acid tablets while you are being treated with methotrexate. This is to help reduce unwanted side-effects. You will be told which day (or days) to take it.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. You will need to have regular blood tests while you are taking methotrexate.
- Do not take medicines containing aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or vitamin preparations containing folic acid, without first consulting your doctor. Some medicines that can be bought over the counter may contain these. Check with your pharmacist if you are unsure about the contents of any medicine.
- It is important that you do not become pregnant or father a child while you are taking methotrexate, and for at least 3 months afterwards. Ask your doctor for contraceptive advice.
- Any unwanted tablets or any waste from injections must be disposed of in a special way. If you need to dispose of methotrexate, ask your local pharmacy for advice.
- While you are taking methotrexate, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Methotrexate lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from some vaccines.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Can methotrexate cause problems ?
Your doctor will have discussed with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects of treatment with methotrexate. Let your doctor know if you experience any of the following:
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Increased chance of infection | Try avoiding people with infections and let your doctor know straight away if you think you are getting a sore throat or if you have a high temperature |
| Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Sore mouth | Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush 2-3 times daily and use a mouth rinse frequently |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend a suitable painkiller |
| Dizziness, tiredness, rash, loss of hair | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
- Sore throat, unusual bruising, mouth ulcers
- Sickness, abdominal pain, dark urine
- Shortness of breath, cough
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store methotrexate
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Maxtrex® Tablets 2.5 mg, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2009, accessed September 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)