Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. It can cause serious side effects, including damage to organs and the immune system. It is also used in combination with misoprostol to terminate early pregnancies or treat ectopic pregnancies and early missed miscarriages. Patients should follow dosage instructions carefully and report any side effects to their doctor.
Methotrexate is a drug used to treat various forms of cancer and some diseases of the autoimmune system. This drug is part of a chemotherapy program to treat head, neck, and lung cancer. It is also used in the treatment of skin and breast cancer. When less aggressive treatment for autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis isn’t effective, doctors may also prescribe the drug.
When used to treat autoimmune disease, methotrexate belongs to the group of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The serious side effects of DMARDs can make the decision to take them difficult, but they are still invaluable tools. The damage to the body from an autoimmune disease is irreversible, and DMARDs can prevent the damage before it occurs.
Methotrexate is a powerful drug and can cause many serious side effects, including damage to the immune system and organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Regular blood tests to monitor the health of internal organs are important for people taking this drug. If a man or woman takes methotrexate around the time of conception, the fetus is at high risk of developing birth defects.
It is important that the patient clearly understands these risks and follows the drug dosage directions exactly. Taking dosages too frequently can be deadly. Methotrexate also interferes with many other prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies. Tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking if he prescribes methotrexate.
In combination with another drug, misoprostol, this drug will terminate an early stage pregnancy. The combination can also treat ectopic pregnancies and early missed miscarriages. In an early missed miscarriage, the fetus is no longer alive, but a miscarriage has not occurred. The combination of drugs will expel the fetus.
There are many side effects of methotrexate. The drug increases sensitivity to the sun, so it is important to avoid sunlight and tanning beds. It can also cause a dry cough and shortness of breath. Some people experience digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting while taking this drug. It is common for patients to develop white sores or spots in the mouth or on the lips when taking methotrexate.
Other common side effects of the drug include weakness, blistering rash, sore throat, dizziness, and blurred vision. The drug can lead to increased bleeding, which manifests itself as blood in the urine or stool, bleeding gums, and easy bruising. It is important to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience from taking this drug. There may be other medications you can take to help ease these side effects.
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