Methotrexate For Noncancerous Conditions (Systemic)

Brand Names : Folex, Folex PFS, Methotrexate LPF, Rheumatrex, amethopterin

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with their needed effects, medicines like methotrexate can sometimes cause unwanted effects such as blood problems, kidney problems, stomach or liver problems, loss of hair, and other side effects. These and others are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Diarrhea; reddening of skin; sores in mouth and on lips; stomach pain

Rare

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; blurred vision; chest pain; convulsions (seizures); cough or hoarseness; dead or loose skin layers; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; painful peeling of skin patches; pinpoint red spots on skin; red blisters, ulcers on the lip, mouth, eye, nasal passages, and genital area; reddening of the skin with or without hair loss; shortness of breath; sloughing of skin , muscle and bone; unusual bleeding or bruising

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Back pain; dark urine; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare

Acne; boils; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; pale skin; skin rash or itching

This medicine may cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with methotrexate has ended, normal hair growth should return.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.