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METHOTREXATE SODIUM (METHOTREXATE SODIUM)
- None
Contraindicated
- None
Severe
Moderate
- None
- None
Contraindicated
- None
Severe
Moderate
- None
METHOTREXATE SODIUM (METHOTREXATE SODIUM)
- None
- None
More Frequent
Severe
Less Severe
- None
- None
Less Frequent
Severe
Less Severe
Rare / Very Rare
Severe
- None
Less Severe
- None
Contraindicated
None
Severe Precaution
None
Management or Monitoring Precaution
None
Contraindicated
None
| General | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
| None |
Precaution Exists
None
| General | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
| None |
No Known Risk
None
| General | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
| None |
Contraindicated
None
Precaution Exists
None
No Known Risk
None
- Methotrexate has rarely caused serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. Therefore, this medication should be used only to treat cancer or severe diseases caused by an overactive immune system (such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis). Methotrexate has caused birth defects and death in unborn babies.<br /><br />Women must avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. Pregnant women who have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis must not use methotrexate. (See also Precautions section.) If you have kidney problems or excess body water (ascites, pleural effusion), you must be closely monitored and your dose may be adjusted or stopped by your doctor.<br /><br /> Methotrexate (usually at high dosages) has rarely caused severe (sometimes fatal) blood/bone marrow problems (decreasing your body's ability to fight infections) and stomach/intestinal disease (such as bleeding) when used at the same time as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ketoprofen). Therefore, NSAIDs should not be used with high-dose methotrexate. Caution is advised if you also take aspirin.<br /><br />NSAIDs/aspirin may be used with low-dose methotrexate such as for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis if directed by your doctor. If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details on the safe use of these drugs (such as close monitoring by your doctor, keeping the same doses of NSAIDs).<br /><br /> In rare instances, this drug may also cause liver problems when it is used for long periods of time. If you are using methotrexate long term, a liver biopsy is usually recommended. Methotrexate use has rarely caused serious (sometimes fatal) side effects, such as lung problems, lung infections (Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia), skin reactions, diarrhea, and mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis).<br /><br />(See also Side Effects section.) Lumps (tumors/abnormal growths) may very rarely appear during methotrexate use. The drug must be stopped and treatment may be needed. Tell your doctor right away if new lumps/growths occur.<br /><br /> When used to treat tumors, methotrexate sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Also, your doctor may prescribe an additional medication.<br /><br />Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, low back/side pain, signs of kidney problems (such as pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine, painful urination), or muscle spasms/weakness. When this medication is used with radiation treatment, it may rarely increase the risk of tissue and bone damage. Discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment with your doctor.
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