Chemotherapy is the use of drugs or medications to kill cancer cells.Methotrexate is commonly used to treat osteosarcoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and head and neck cancers. While this medication has side effects, the effects vary with the dosage given, the dosing schedule and the cancer being treated. Not everyone will experience every side effect, and many side effects are temporary and subside with treatment. Most are manageable and can be minimized with other medication.
Gastrointestinal Problems
With higher doses of methotrexate, nausea and vomiting are common side effects, as is diarrhea, according to the American Cancer Society. In many cases, if you are taking methotrexate at higher dosages, another drug called Leucovorin may be given to help reduce these adverse side effects.
Blood Cell Counts
When you are on chemotherapy, you will have frequent blood tests checking your white and red blood cell count and platelet count. Methotrexate, like many chemotherapy drugs, can cause lowered white and red blood cell counts, which can lead to a higher risk of infections and anemia, fatigue and paleness . It may also lower your platelet count, which can lead to easier bruising and bleeding and make it more difficult for your blood to clot.
Skin Changes
Methotrexate may also cause changes in your skin, similar to that of a rash. Your skin may also be very sensitive to sunlight and wearing sunscreen is highly recommended. This chemotherapy drug may also cause radiation recall. This happens in people who have previously had radiation, and the skin that received the radiation previously becomes inflamed and looks damaged. The skin that was previously radiated may also become darker, according to chemocare.com. You might also develop sores on your lips or in your mouth.
Other General Side Effects
Other side effects that commonly occur with methotrexate include eye irritation, hair loss, fertility problems, and with high doses, kidney damage. Loss of appetite may also occur, as well as temporary increases of liver function blood tests. Most of these side effects are transient and will resolve once treatment has ended.
Member Comments