Generic name: methotrexate (oral) [ meth-oh-TREX-ate ]
Brand names: Trexall, Xatmep
Drug classes:Antimetabolites, Antipsoriatics, Antirheumatics, Other immunosuppressants
What is methotrexate?
Methotrexate interferes with the growth of certain cells of the body, especially cells that reproduce quickly, such as cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells.
Methotrexate is used to treat leukemia and certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, lung, or uterus.
Methotrexate is also used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used to treat active polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children.
Methotrexate is sometimes given when other medicines have not been effective.
Warnings
Methotrexate may cause injury or death to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy to treat arthritis or psoriasis. Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat cancer during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Do not use this medicine to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you have low blood cell counts, a weak immune system, alcoholism or chronic liver disease, or if you are breastfeeding.
YOU MAY NOT NEED TO TAKE METHOTREXATE EVERY DAY. Some people have died after incorrectly taking methotrexate every day. You must use the correct dose for your condition.
Methotrexate can cause serious or fatal side effects. Tell your doctor if you h...
