Guest guest Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 Advanced Search familydoctor.org Home > Methotrexate Methotrexate What is methotrexate? How do I take methotrexate? What are the most common side effects of methotrexate? What else should I remember about taking methotrexate? Can I take methotrexate if I want to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding? I am a man, and I want to get my partner pregnant. Can I take methotrexate? Methotrexate Printer-friendly version Email this article What is methotrexate? Methotrexate is a medicine that makes your immune system less active. Methotrexate is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other diseases that are associated with an immune system that is too active. Methotrexate can help people with these problems. But because it can cause some serious side effects, it must be used carefully. Return to top How do I take methotrexate? Methotrexate is usually taken as an oral tablet. Sometimes it is given as an injection (a shot). It is a strong medicine, so it is important to take it just as the doctor tells you. NEVER change the amount you take or the time of day you take this medicine. If you forget a dose, talk to your doctor before you take another dose. If you take too much methotrexate, it can cause serious side effects. Return to top What are the most common side effects of methotrexate? Some common side effects are loss of appetite, nausea (and sometimes vomiting), diarrhea and mouth sores. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects you are having. Call your doctor right away if you: Have a fever or feel as if you have the flu Have diarrhea Have a nagging cough Feel short of breath Have any unusual bruising or bleeding (e.g., black, tarry stools) Return to top What else should I remember about taking methotrexate? It's important to keep every appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will need to watch the medicine's effect on your body. Your doctor will also order blood tests to check your kidneys, liver and blood production. Don't drink any alcohol, not even beer or wine. Drinking alcohol while you're taking methotrexate can cause serious liver problems. Return to top Can I take methotrexate if I want to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding? No. Do not take methotrexate if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Methotrexate can hurt your baby. You must not get pregnant while taking methotrexate. You must either use birth control (such as birth control pills or a condom plus a spermicidal foam) or not have sex. If your doctor tells you to stop taking methotrexate, you must continue to use birth control or not have sex for 1 month after your last dose. Return to top I am a man, and I want to get my partner pregnant. Can I take methotrexate? No. Methotrexate goes into your sperm. You must either use birth control or not have sex. You must continue to use birth control or not have sex for 3 months after your last dose. Return to top Source A Family Physician's Guide to Monitoring Methotrexate (American Family Physician October 1, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20001001/1607.html) Return to top Reviewed/Updated: 02/03Created: 10/00 Printer-friendly version Email this article This article provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this article applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor. Copyright © 2001-2003 American Academy of Family Physicians Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.Home | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | About This Site | What's New Skin Rashes Common Conditions Anorexia Nervosa Mono Abdominal Pain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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