Methotrexate is available in tablets (2.5 milligrams) or as a liquid that is injected into the muscle. Your doctor will ask you to take methotrexate only once a week.
Taking Medication
- Many medications are taken daily, but it is important that you take methotrexate only once a week (not daily) as prescribed by your doctor.
- Always take only the dosage your doctor prescribed.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.
- Because your doctor might change your dose, check the label every time you fill your prescription.
- If you develop severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, stop this medication and contact your doctor.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you have taken more medication than prescribed.
- Methotrexate should be kept and stored away from children.
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| Methotrexate And Psoriasis |
Who Should Not Take Methotrexate?
Patients on methotrexate should not take an antibiotic called trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Cotrima, Bactrim). Also, those who cannot have blood tests done, take medications regularly, or are pregnant (or planning a pregnancy) should not take methotrexate. Other reasons you should not take methotrexate, and drugs that interact with it, are listed below.
Reasons a Psoriasis Patient Should Not Take Methotrexate
- pregnant or nursing
- kidney disease
- liver disease (including a history of)
- immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS or other)
- active or recurring infections
- stomach ulcer
- current drug or alcohol abuse
- trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories drugs (NSAIDs)
- barbiturates (depressants such as pentobarbital sodium)
- triamterene (Dyrenium)(diuretic)
- pyrimethamine (Daraprim) (anti-protozoa drug)
- Aspirin
- penicillin
Side Effects
There are side effects that can develop right away (acute or short-term side effects) or that might appear after a longer period of time (chronic or long-term side effects). If you do experience any side effects, be sure to tell your doctor.
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| Methotrexate And Psoriasis |
What Tests and Follow-ups Are Required While Taking Methotrexate?
Once methotrexate is started, regular follow-up visits are necessary so your doctor can properly monitor both your health and response to treatment. The results of monitoring and testing enable your doctor to modify your dosage in case you need to increase it to improve the results, decrease it to reduce any side effects, or discontinue it altogether. To find out more, you can check out Methotrexate And Psoriasis.