Methotrexate is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. It slows down your body’s immune system and helps reduce inflammation.
It is used to treat inflammatory conditions, :
1. rheumatoid arthritis
2. psoriasis ( psoriatic arthritis)
3. Crohn’s disease.
It can also be prescribed for other autoimmune conditions such as sarcoidosis.
According to NHS, methotrexate is available on prescription only.
It comes as tablets, a liquid that you drink, and pre-filled injection pens or syringes that you inject into your skin. Your specialist doctor may recommend injections if the tablets or liquid are not working for you.
It can also be given as an injection to treat some types of cancer. This is usually done in hospital.
Key facts
1. For conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, you’ll usually take methotrexate once a week. It’s important to take it on the same day each week.
2. You’ll get a patient card to record the details of your weekly dose and the day you take it. Keep this with you and show it to any healthcare staff involved in your care.
3. Before and during treatment, you’ll have blood tests to check your blood, liver and kidneys. You may also have a chest X-ray and a breathing test to check your lungs before starting treatment.
4. Taking methotrexate can mean you’re more likely to get infections. Ask your doctor for urgent advice if you get an infection, such as coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you have been in contact with anyone who has chickenpox or shingles while taking methotrexate.
5. It’s important to record how much methotrexate you take and the results of your blood tests. You’ll usually get a booklet for this.
Who can and cannot take methotrexate
Methotrexate can be used by adults and children.
Methotrexate is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before taking methotrexate if you:
1. have ever had an allergic reaction to methotrexate or any other medicine
2. are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding
3. have severe liver, kidney, or blood disease
4. have an infection
5. have mouth ulcers, or have been diagnosed with a stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer
6. are due to have a “live” vaccine (this includes the live flu vaccine usually given to children).
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