Methotrexate

Key takeaways

• For inflammatory conditions, methotrexate is usually taken once a week; taking it daily by mistake can cause fatal toxicity.
• Pregnancy, liver or kidney problems, infection risk and blood-count changes require specific checks before and during treatment.
• Fever, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising, severe rash or new breathlessness needs prompt medical assessment.

Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.

What Methotrexate is used for

Methotrexate may be prescribed for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and selected cases of Crohn’s disease. It also has separate specialist uses in cancer treatment.

How it works

Methotrexate blocks folate-dependent processes involved in cell growth. The intended effect, treatment schedule and risks differ substantially between inflammatory-disease and oncology regimens.

Important safety checks

The prescription and package label must clearly confirm the intended schedule. Blood counts and liver and kidney function usually need monitoring. Pregnancy must be excluded where relevant, and interactions—including trimethoprim-containing antibiotics, some anti-inflammatory medicines and supplements containing folic acid—need professional review. Do not stop, restart or change the schedule without the treating team.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent help for fever or severe sore throat, mouth ulcers that limit eating or drinking, unexplained bleeding or bruising, yellow skin or eyes, severe rash, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, or new cough or breathlessness.