- Methotrexate is also known as rheumatrex, Rasuvo, Otrexup and Trexall.
- It is taken as 3 to 8 small pills once per week, by mouth or by injection below the skin.
- In addition to joint disease, methotrexate can treat skin and other organ disease.
- It reduces the requirement for steroids, such as prednisone.
- It’s side effects include:
- –Sores in mouth
- –Nausea, stomach upset, rarely vomiting
- –Tiredness
- –Hair loss
- –Lung inflammation
- Your doctor will monitor your blood test for rare effects on liver tests and blood counts.
- Many side effects such as nausea, mouth sores and liver test problems are prevented by taking a vitamin (folic acid) once a day.
