Methotrexate why weekly

Griffiths, D. Global epidemiology of psoriasis: a systematic review of incidence and prevalence. J Invest Dermatol, , pp. Gyulai, M. Bagot, C. Griffiths, T. Luger, L. Naldi, C. Paul, et al. Current practice of methotrexate use for psoriasis: results of a worldwide survey among dermatologists. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 29 , pp.

Carrascosa, P. Ara, L. Puig, X. Bordas, G. Carretero, et al. Methotrexate in moderate to severe psoriasis: review of the literature and expert recommendations. Actas Dermosifiliogr, , pp. Carretero, L. Puig, L. Dehesa, J. Carrascosa, M. Ribera, M. Sanchez-Regana, et al. Chladek, J. Grim, J. Martinkova, M. Simkova, J. Low-dose methotrexate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the therapy of severe psoriasis.

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol, 96 , pp. Dhaon, S. Das, R. Srivastava, G. Agarwal, A. Oral Methotrexate in split dose weekly versus oral or parenteral Methotrexate once weekly in Rheumatoid Arthritis: a short-term study. Int J Rheum Dis, ,. It inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase that turns folic acid into its active form. This reduces cell growth and is why methotrexate is used to treat some cancers. The way methotrexate works for inflammatory conditions is less clear.

But we know it has a range of effects on DNA synthesis and immune signalling, which are thought to reduce the inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate reduces inflammation and damage to joints. Rather than just masking pain, methotrexate reduces it by reducing severity of the disease. Methotrexate was developed in the s when researchers discovered that increased folic acid worsened leukaemia and that dietary deficiency of folic acid reduced the cancer cell count.

This inspired scientists to develop drugs structurally similar to folic acid that bound to its receptors in the body and inhibited its effects. Methotrexate was synthesised in the s and was shown to be effective for leukaemia and several types of solid tumours. Prior to this discovery, cancer treatments had been limited to surgery and radiotherapy. Methotrexate is still used intravenously in high doses to treat cancer.

But its most common use now is in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Low-dose methotrexate taken once a week was shown to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis in It is now a drug of first choice for rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is also used as an intra-muscular injection to terminate ectopic pregnancy , as an alternative to surgery. Since it is taken only once per week, it is a very low-cost treatment. The correct dose of methotrexate commonly between 7.

It also should be stopped by both women and men who are planning a pregnancy. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction while taking methotrexate, seek emergency medical attention. Such signs would include hives, skin reactions, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. You should discontinue methotrexate and call your healthcare provider if you develop a dry cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, white patches or sores inside your mouth , blood in urine or stool, rapid weight gain, decreased urine production, seizure, fever, chills, flu symptoms, weakness, lightheadedness, or any other unusual symptom.

The most common side effects associated with methotrexate are nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and blurry vision. To avoid nausea, divide the dose throughout the day, or another option would be to give methotrexate by subcutaneous injection.

Methotrexate can be a safe and effective medication for rheumatoid arthritis if taken properly. It must be taken according to directions, with no deviation from those directions. Never take more than is prescribed and do not switch the weekly schedule.

Be aware of potential side effects, especially serious adverse events, and notify your healthcare provider immediately if anything worrisome develops. You will be required to have laboratory tests periodically to monitor blood cell counts, liver enzymes , and kidney function. Do not drink alcohol while taking methotrexate. Let your healthcare provider know if you develop an active infection. Ask your practitioner about taking antibiotics for the infection.

It is also important to discuss vaccinations with your healthcare provider. People who are taking higher doses of methotrexate should avoid live vaccines. Bottom line—for safe use of methotrexate, you must strictly follow directions and pay attention to warnings and precautions.

Talk openly with your healthcare provider about anything that remains unclear, or anything that is concerning to you. Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help. Our free recipe guide shows you the best foods to fight inflammation. Get yours today! Arthritis Foundation. Understanding methotrexate. Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Updated August 9, Conway R, Carey JJ.

Risk of liver disease in methotrexate treated patients. World J Hepatol. Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: optimizing therapy among different formulations. Current and emerging paradigms.