Methotrexate

[Fred]

If you are thinking of using Methotrexate (MTX) for Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis, you may find this information of use. When you look at all the information about Methotrexate it can be very worrying especially concerning the side affects. however you shouldn't let it worry you to much as long as it has been prescribed by your dermatologist or arthritis consultant, and you are getting and will continue to receive regular check ups.

Methotrexate was originally developed and continues to be used for chemotherapy either alone or in combination with other agents. It is effective for the treatment of a number of cancers. It is also used as a treatment for some autoimmune diseases including: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and Crohn's disease. It is commonly taken orally, but can also be given via injection. Although Methotrexate was originally designed as a chemotherapy drug (in high doses), in low doses Methotrexate is a generally safe and well tolerated drug in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Dosage: It is recommended that a test dose of 5-10 mg should be administered, one week prior to therapy to detect idiosyncratic adverse reactions.

In most cases of severe uncontrolled psoriasis, unresponsive to conventional therapy, 10-25 mg orally once a week and adjusted by the patient's response is recommended. The prescriber should specify the day of intake on the prescription.

When shouldn't I use Methotrexate?

• It has not been prescribed by a specialist.
  
• If you're not getting regular blood and liver check ups.
  
• If you're trying for a baby (male & female), pregnant, or breast feeding.
  
• If you have an impaired renal function or impaired hepatic function.
  
• If you have marrow hypoplasia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or anaemia.
  
• You should also try to limit you're alcohol intake or preferably give it up all together.
  
• If you have suicidal thoughts.
  
• This is not a complete list but they are the basics, if you are not sure you should consult a specialist!
  

What are the side affects with Methotrexate?
Again there is a huge list of side affects with Methotrexate, and you should always discuss anything you think is unusual with a specialist.
The most common side affects are: ulcerative stomatitis, low white blood cell count, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, dizziness, acute pneumonitis, headache, back or shoulder pain, irritability, confusion.

As I said this post is only designed to give you the basics, But you must avoid pregnancy, have regular blood and liver check ups, report anything you're not sure of and do not use Methotrexate without consulting a specialist first.

There are some members on the forum who are currently using Methotrexate, there are some who have used it, and there are some who would never use it. and members are happy to share their experiances with each other. but at the end of the day you're the one who should make the decision on using Methotrexate.

I hope this information has helped, I will lock this thread and make it sticky so it can always be found. If anyone would like more information added please let me know.

Please feel free to start your own threads about Methotrexate in the Prescribed Section.

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EDIT: New pre-filled pen type self-injectable Methotrexate should be available early 2014 See Here: Self-injectable Methotrexate

EDIT: You may also be interested in this thread started by Caroline, If any member would like to add their opinion on MTX please do so there or start your own thread: MTX

EDIT: Micky has posted about his experience with Malaria tablets, you may be interested to read it if you're going on holiday where you need a course of malaria treatment. You can find it here: Mehtotrexate WARNING !!!

EDIT: New EU measures to avoid potentially fatal dosing errors with methotrexate