Remicade is the brand name for the generic medication infliximab, and its chief use is to fight autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is a medication that prevents cells from replicating, and is a useful chemotherapy drug against acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Methotrexate can also be used to treat autoimmune diseases, and can be a good medication for the same conditions as Remicade.
Infections
According to Drugs.com, both Remicade and Methotrexate have properties that suppress the immune system. That opens up the body to potential infections, including some that are very serious. The infections can be new, such as pneumonia, or reactivation of dormant infections such as tuberculosis or herpes simplex virus. People taking either of the two medications should receive annual flu vaccines.
Anemia
Anemia is a side effect that Remicade and Methotrexate have in common. Because both medications affect rapidly dividing cells, they have the potential to damage the bone marrow. That side effect is more common and more damaging with Methotrexate than Remicade. Both drugs, however, have the potential to damage multiple different types of blood cells and halt their production.
Abdominal Distress
Both Remicade and Methotrexate can potentially cause abdominal distress. That side effect is especially prominent in people with rheumatoid arthritis because they often receive both of the medications. The distress is characterized by nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping, symptoms that are likely caused due to damage to the mucosal cells.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is an inflammatory destruction of the mucus lining of the mouth. The lining can be that of the lips, gums, tongue or throat. While both Remicade and Methotrexate can cause stomatitis, it is much more common and damaging with Methotrexate. The form of stomatitis that Methotrexate causes can be severe enough to produce ulcers in the mucosal lining of the mouth.
References
- Drugs.com: Remicade
- Drugs.com: Methotrexate
- "Clinical Immunology"; The anti-inflammatory action of methotrexate is not mediated by lymphocyte apoptosis, but by the suppression of activation and adhesion molecules; Andrew Johnston; February 2005
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