Methotrexate 15mg Tablets

Product Introduction

Methotrexate 15mg is a folate-antagonist medicine used as a disease-modifying treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis. Methotrexate is also used in specified cancer regimens, which have different schedules and monitoring requirements.

How to use

For rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, take the oral dose once weekly on the same named day, not daily. Cancer schedules differ and must not be inferred from the weekly autoimmune regimen. Swallow with water; food may help nausea. Folate supplementation follows a separate schedule.

How it works

Methotrexate interferes with folate-dependent cellular pathways. At low weekly doses it reduces inflammatory immune activity; in oncology it inhibits processes needed by rapidly dividing cells.

Side effects

Nausea, mouth ulcers, fatigue, reduced blood counts and raised liver enzymes can occur. Fever, unusual bleeding, severe mouth ulceration, dry cough or new breathlessness needs urgent assessment.

Important information

Daily use in place of a weekly autoimmune dose can be fatal. Blood counts, liver and kidney tests are essential. Pregnancy must be avoided. Trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole can greatly increase marrow toxicity. Dehydration and renal impairment can increase exposure.