Methotrexate is sold under the brand names Rheumatrex Dose Pack, Trexall, Folex PFS and Preservative Free. According to Drugs.com, it is used to treat cancers affecting such parts of your body as the head, breast and lungs. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (condition of joint inflammation) and psoriasis (serious skin condition characterized by red patches and silvery plaques). Before taking methotrexate, you should know about its adverse side effects.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Methotrexate can harm your brain and spinal cord (tube along your back that controls your body movements) and cause headaches, blurry vision and drowsiness, states RxList.com. In some instances, you may experience such alarming symptoms as temporary blindness, trouble speaking, paralysis or convulsions. Encephalopathy ( a brain disorder) is another of methotrexate's effects on your central nervous system. Get help when you experience these side effects.
Overdose
You may take more methotrexate than your doctor prescribed and develop bleeding, easy bruising, nausea, vomiting or dark stools, states Drugs.com. In some instances, you may feel unusually weak, cough up blood or coffee ground-like material and experience decreased urination. Seek immediate medical attention when you develop symptoms of a methotrexate overdose.
Heart and Blood Vessel Problems
According to RxList.com, methotrexate can affect your blood vessels and cause blood clot formations in your arteries or veins of your legs, eyes or lungs. It can also lead to a heart infection called pericarditis and the formation of fluid around your heart called a pericardial effusion.
Allergic Reaction
In the event you are allergic to methotrexate's ingredients, you may develop an allergic reaction. Your throat may close up and contribute to difficulty breathing. You may also develop swelling of your face and lips. In some instances, your skin can be covered with itchy red welts called hives. Seek help immediately in order to prevent potentially serious consequences.
Other Physical Side Effects
RxList.com states that methotrexate can cause gum and pancreas (an organ that releases hormones responsible for regulating your blood sugar levels) infections. It may also lead to ulcers along your digestive tract and bleeding. Methotrexate can also stop blood cell production in your body and lead to anemia (low red blood cell counts), thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) and leukopenia (low white blood cell counts). In other instances, methotrexate can lead to lung infections, stress fractures and skin disorders such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This medication may also affect your fertility and cause irregular menstrual periods and defects in sperm and egg production.
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