Indicated for: cancer; autoimmune inflammatory diseases
Route of administration: oral
Substance: methotrexate (antimetabolite antineoplastic)
ATC: L01BA01 (Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents | Antimetabolites | Folic acid analogues)
This medicine may affect fertility.
Dose adjustment may be needed in liver disease.
Handle with special care.
Effective contraception is required during treatment.
Do not use this medicine while breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine during pregnancy.
Avoid live vaccines during treatment if contraindicated.
This medicine may affect the liver.
This medicine may increase the risk of infections.
This medicine may have important interactions with other medicines.
This medicine may lower blood cell counts.
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring.
Periodic laboratory tests may be required during treatment.
Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical help if a severe rash occurs.
This medicine may affect fetal development.
Methotrexate is a medication used to treat various conditions, including autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer. It is commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and other chronic inflammatory diseases. It is also used in chemotherapy to treat leukemia, lymphomas, and other cancers.
Methotrexate works by inhibiting an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. In autoimmune diseases, this mechanism helps reduce inflammation and immune system activity, while in cancer, it slows the growth of tumor cells.
Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mouth ulcers, hair loss, and a decrease in blood cell counts. In rare cases, more serious reactions can occur, such as liver damage, lung problems, or bone marrow suppression. It is crucial to take methotrexate as prescribed by a doctor, with regular blood tests to monitor for potential complications.