Methotrexate

What is it text.

Methotrexate slows down cells that grow too fast, including the overactive skin cells and immune cells seen in psoriasis. It blocks an enzyme the body uses to make DNA building blocks, which hits fast-dividing cells the hardest. This calms the immune signals and slows the skin cell overgrowth that causes thick, scaly patches. It also helps the joint swelling of psoriatic arthritis.

Educational overview only — follow your own prescription exactly.

• Taken once a week, on the same day each week — never daily.
• Doctors usually start low and raise the dose slowly.
• It comes as a tablet or as a self-injection.
• Folic acid is taken on the other days (not the same day) to lower side effects.
• Regular blood tests check your liver, blood counts, and kidneys.
• Avoid alcohol, which adds stress to the liver.
• If you ever feel unsure about your dose, confirm the weekly schedule before taking it.

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Tiredness
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Hair thinning
• Lower blood counts (found on blood tests)

• Liver damage — this is why regular liver tests are needed
• Low blood counts, which raise the risk of infection or bleeding: watch for fever, sore throat, or unusual bruising — call your doctor
• Lung problems: a new dry cough or shortness of breath
• Serious infection
• Signs of accidental daily overdose (severe mouth sores, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme weakness) — this is an emergency, seek care right away

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Heavy alcohol use or existing liver disease
• Serious blood or bone marrow problems
• An active, serious infection
• Severe kidney disease
• A weakened immune system
• Allergy to methotrexate