Methotrexate is the generic name for Trexall. The FDA approved this medication in the 1970’s to treat psoriasis. This medication is a systemic medication, which can only be obtained by prescription. Methotrexate can be highly effective in reducing the painful symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and, in some cases, slows the progression of joint destruction.
Methotrexate binds to an enzyme involved in the rapid growth of cells. In people with psoriasis, the drug slows down the rate of skin-cell growth. Methotrexate also interferes with the production and maintenance of DNA. This medication cannot be taken long term.
We will first go over more information about Methotrexate, and then discuss the Methotrexate serious side effects including the potential for Methotrexate and overdose.
How well does it work
Methotrexate improves psoriasis very quickly. Most users begin improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. 80% of users see improvements after 2-3 months of treatment.
How is it used
Like all medications, the directions should be carefully followed. This medication is taken orally or by injection. If taken orally, it can be taken in pill or liquid form. The liquid form can be taken over 24 hours to reduce the Methotrexate serious side effects.
People taking Methotrexate will need to have regular blood tests to ensure that the drug is being safely processed by the body and is not negatively affecting the liver, blood or bone marrow. Methotrexate can cause a reduced white blood cell count, which can make a person more at risk to infection.
We will now go over the side effects, including the potential for Methotrexate and overdose and the Methotrexate effect on fetus.
Methotrexate side effects
The Methotrexate serious side effects are a major concern for users of this medication. Many doctors use a “rotational therapy”. They rotate Methotrexate and other psoriasis medications to decrease side effects or get better results. Doctors must monitor patients carefully due to the potential for Methotrexate and overdose.
Severe, occasionally fatal, skin reactions have been reported following single or multiple doses of Methotrexate. Methotrexate-induced lung disease is a potentially dangerous lesion, which may occur acutely at any time during therapy and which has been reported at doses as low as 7.5 mg/week. It is not always fully reversible. Pulmonary symptoms (especially a dry, nonproductive cough) may require interruption of treatment and careful investigation. Side effects should be discussed with your doctor before using this medication.
Using Methotrexate as a long-term treatment has the potential for liver damage. Approximately one out of 200 users will develop reversible liver scarring. This means after Methotrexate is discontinued, the liver will return to normal. This is a risk after a cumulative dose of 1.5 grams (g). How long it takes to reach 1.5 g depends on the users dose, treatment schedule and rest periods from the drug. For example, a patient taking 15 milligrams (mg) per week will reach an accumulated dose of 1.5 g after approximately a year and a half (1 g equals 1,000 mg). Usually when the cumulative dose has reached 1.0 to 1.5 g the doctor will perform a liver biopsy to test for damage. If there is significant damage, the drug is usually discontinued. The risk of liver damage will increase for users that: Drink alcohol, has diabetes, has had prior liver problems, or has abnormal kidney functions.
It is important to know the Methotrexate effect on fetus. Pregnancy should be avoided if either partner is receiving Methotrexate. Methotrexate has been reported to cause fetal death and/or congenital anomalies. Therefore, it is not recommended for women of childbearing potential unless there is clear medical evidence that the benefits can be expected to outweigh the considered risks. Pregnant women with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis should not receive Methotrexate. The Methotrexate effect on fetus should be discussed with your doctor before you start treatment.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions include: nausea, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, lightheadedness, mouth ulcers, vomiting, headache, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, diarrhea with blood in the stool, and chills. These or any other unusual reaction should immediately be reported to your doctor.
Due to the Methotrexate serious side effects, and the fact that it is not a permanent cure, we recommend you consider better and safer alternatives.[Refer:healthy-skin-guide.com]
Methotrexate binds to an enzyme involved in the rapid growth of cells. In people with psoriasis, the drug slows down the rate of skin-cell growth. Methotrexate also interferes with the production and maintenance of DNA. This medication cannot be taken long term.
We will first go over more information about Methotrexate, and then discuss the Methotrexate serious side effects including the potential for Methotrexate and overdose.
How well does it work
Methotrexate improves psoriasis very quickly. Most users begin improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. 80% of users see improvements after 2-3 months of treatment.
How is it used
Like all medications, the directions should be carefully followed. This medication is taken orally or by injection. If taken orally, it can be taken in pill or liquid form. The liquid form can be taken over 24 hours to reduce the Methotrexate serious side effects.
People taking Methotrexate will need to have regular blood tests to ensure that the drug is being safely processed by the body and is not negatively affecting the liver, blood or bone marrow. Methotrexate can cause a reduced white blood cell count, which can make a person more at risk to infection.
We will now go over the side effects, including the potential for Methotrexate and overdose and the Methotrexate effect on fetus.
The Methotrexate serious side effects are a major concern for users of this medication. Many doctors use a “rotational therapy”. They rotate Methotrexate and other psoriasis medications to decrease side effects or get better results. Doctors must monitor patients carefully due to the potential for Methotrexate and overdose.
Severe, occasionally fatal, skin reactions have been reported following single or multiple doses of Methotrexate. Methotrexate-induced lung disease is a potentially dangerous lesion, which may occur acutely at any time during therapy and which has been reported at doses as low as 7.5 mg/week. It is not always fully reversible. Pulmonary symptoms (especially a dry, nonproductive cough) may require interruption of treatment and careful investigation. Side effects should be discussed with your doctor before using this medication.
Using Methotrexate as a long-term treatment has the potential for liver damage. Approximately one out of 200 users will develop reversible liver scarring. This means after Methotrexate is discontinued, the liver will return to normal. This is a risk after a cumulative dose of 1.5 grams (g). How long it takes to reach 1.5 g depends on the users dose, treatment schedule and rest periods from the drug. For example, a patient taking 15 milligrams (mg) per week will reach an accumulated dose of 1.5 g after approximately a year and a half (1 g equals 1,000 mg). Usually when the cumulative dose has reached 1.0 to 1.5 g the doctor will perform a liver biopsy to test for damage. If there is significant damage, the drug is usually discontinued. The risk of liver damage will increase for users that: Drink alcohol, has diabetes, has had prior liver problems, or has abnormal kidney functions.
It is important to know the Methotrexate effect on fetus. Pregnancy should be avoided if either partner is receiving Methotrexate. Methotrexate has been reported to cause fetal death and/or congenital anomalies. Therefore, it is not recommended for women of childbearing potential unless there is clear medical evidence that the benefits can be expected to outweigh the considered risks. Pregnant women with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis should not receive Methotrexate. The Methotrexate effect on fetus should be discussed with your doctor before you start treatment.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions include: nausea, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, lightheadedness, mouth ulcers, vomiting, headache, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, diarrhea with blood in the stool, and chills. These or any other unusual reaction should immediately be reported to your doctor.
Due to the Methotrexate serious side effects, and the fact that it is not a permanent cure, we recommend you consider better and safer alternatives.[Refer:healthy-skin-guide.com]
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