Do not use Methotrexate if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Methotrexate;
- you are treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis and you are pregnant or breast-feeding;
- you are treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis and abuse alcohol or have liver problems, an immunodeficiency syndrome (e.g., AIDS), bone marrow problems, or blood problems (e.g., anemia, low white blood cell count, low platelet count);
- you have moderate or severe kidney problems;
- you are taking acitretin.
Important:
- Methotrexate may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Methotrexate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Methotrexate.
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common with Methotrexate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to decrease these effects if they occur.
- If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions.
- Methotrexate may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Methotrexate. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Methotrexate may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Methotrexate may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Methotrexate. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
- Men who take Methotrexate should always use a condom when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Do this for as long as you take Methotrexate and for 3 months after you stop taking it.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Lab tests, including albumin levels, complete blood counts, and liver, lung, and kidney function, may be performed while you use Methotrexate. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Methotrexate with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Methotrexate should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Methotrexate may cause birth defects and fetal and newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. Use an effective form of birth control while you take Methotrexate and for at least 1 ovulatory cycle after you stop taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Methotrexate is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Methotrexate.
