Methotrexate 

• 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.