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Methotrexate (Non-Cancer)

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Immune Suppressant Adult

Methotrexate (Non-Cancer) - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Methotrexate (Non-Cancer) cause?

  • Nausea and vomiting
    • Side effect can be reduced by taking after food
  • Dizziness, Diarrhoea, Loss of appetite
    • May resolve after a few weeks
  • Mouth ulcers, Hair loss, Malaise i.e. general feeling of discomfort
    • May resolve with folic acid or stopping the medication
  • Folic acid tablet may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent or decrease some of these side effects. It is usually taken the day after Methotrexate. 
  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist about any symptoms that becomes bothersome. 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the rare but severe side effects:

  • liver problems - possible symptoms are dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-coloured stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes
  • breathlessness or persistent dry cough
  • frequent and recurrent mouth ulcers or severe sore throat that does not heal within 3 days

Before taking Methotrexate (Non-Cancer) , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding:
    • Methotrexate may impair fertility in both men and women. Both men and women of childbearing age must use a reliable method of contraception to avoid the risk of an unplanned pregnancy as Methotrexate can cause serious defects to unborn child.
    • Low amount of Methotrexate passes into human breast milk and may cause serious unwanted effects to the child. You should not breastfeed if you are taking Methotrexate.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
  • Avoid raw (e.g. sashimi) or half-cooked foods (e.g. half-boiled eggs) to prevent food poisoning.
  • Alcohol may interact with Methotrexate and increase the risk of liver toxicity. It should be avoided if possible or kept to minimum amount as suggested by your doctor.
  • Immunization status should be current before starting the medicine. Always consult your doctor before going for immunisation.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Methotrexate (Non-Cancer) ?

  • Updated on 12/31/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

This leaflet answers some common questions about Methotrexate. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

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