INFO - On MTX side effects

[Guest guest]

American College of Rheumatology

Patient Education

Methotrexate

Last updated Jun 2006

Excerpt:

Side effects

The most common side effects of methotrexate include nausea or

vomiting and abnormalities in liver function tests. These side effects

are more likely to occur at higher doses. About 1 to 3 percent of

patients develop mouth sores (called stomatitis), rash, diarrhea and

abnormalities in blood counts. Methotrexate has been associated with

cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, but this side effect is rare and

more likely to occur in patients who have underlying liver problems or

are taking other drugs toxic to the liver.

Lung problems (persistent cough or unexplained shortness of breath)

can occur when taking methotrexate. These side effects are more common

in people with poor lung function. Persistent cough or shortness of

breath should be reported to your doctor.

Slow hair loss is seen in some patients, but hair grows back when the

medication is stopped. Methotrexate can increase the sensitivity of

the skin to sunlight, so limiting sun exposure and the use of

sunscreen is advised.

The use of folate supplements (folic and folinic acid), which are B

vitamins, can decrease side effects during methotrexate treatment.

It is important to remember that most patients do not experience any

side effects and many of the minor side effects will improve with

time. Methotrexate treatment should be discontinued before attempting

to become pregnant. Even though methotrexate cannot be taken during

pregnancy, it does not reduce a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant in

the future.

http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/medications/methotrexate.asp

Not an MD