Methotrexate side effects

Information on Methotrexate

Methotrexate is an anti metabolite type of medication which is commonly used for the treatment of severe cases of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, various sorts of autoimmune diseases and several different types of cancer. It is very toxic and should only be prescribed and administered by experienced physicians.

Frequently Reported Side Effects

The most common side effects methotrexate are nausea, elevated liver function, abdominal distress, decreased resistance to different infections, ulcerative stomatitis, dizziness, low white cell count, fever, chills and fatigue. A patient may also experience certain types of liver symptoms such as fibrosis of the liver, severe hepatotoxicity and cirrhosis of the liver which sometime may even be fatal. Methotrexate may be involved with the occurrence of neoplasms and a significantly raised risk for lymphoma and abnormally fast growth of tumors. Gastrointestinal side effects of methotrexate may include ulcerative, stomatitis, diarrhea and intestinal perforation which may be life threatening in some cases. Methotrexate may also be associated with the development of lesions on the lungs which tend to be very difficult to heal. Side effects of methotrexate which affect the skin may include necrosis, even after a single dose of the medication. It may also interact with certain types of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and lead to medical conditions such as gastrointestinal toxicity, aplastic anemia and bone marrow suppression.

Minor side effects of methotrexate may include acne, vomiting, chills, vaginal discharge, fever, unusual tiredness, dizziness, swollen breasts, flushing, stomach pain, general body discomfort, speech impairment, hair loss, sore throat, headaches, sensitivity to sunlight, infertility, nausea, irregular menstrual periods, miscarriages, itching, lowered resistance to different types of infections and a loss of appetite.

Severe side effects affiliated with the use of methotrexate may or may not include skin rash, yellow eyes, hives, yellow skin, itching, vomiting, difficulty breathing, vision changes, tightness in the chest, skin discoloration, swollen mouth, pain, swollen face, unusual bruising, ulcerative stomatitis, swollen lips, unusual bleeding, swollen tongue, blood infections, dark stools, hepatitis, bloody stools, herpes, bloody urine, swollen calf, seizures, confusion, blisters, diarrhea, skin redness, pneumonia, dry cough, sore throat, enlarged glands, muscle weakness, fatigue mouth sores, fever, skin dryness, mental changes, chills, irregular heartbeat, inflamed pancreas and stomach tenderness.

All of the symptoms from the extensive list of the aforementioned side effects of methotrexate can also be experienced by a patient even if she or he uses the medication in its tablet form. If any of those occur one should always seek immediate medical attention.