According to the Mayo Clinic, methotrexate 2.5mg PO (in oral form) is an anticancer medication. Methotrexate is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (a skin inflammation disease), according to Drugs.com. It works by blocking the growth of cancerous cells and limiting the creation and repair of DNA, which is the blueprint for how (good and bad) cells grow and reproduce. However, because the DNA of patients' normal healthy cells---in addition to the cancer cells and those cells affected by arthritis---are negatively impacted, significant side effects may occur with the use of this medication.
Common Side Effects
Drugs.com reports that abdominal pain, upset stomach, fever, chills, decreased resistance to infection, dizziness, fatigue, mouth ulcers and nausea are the common side effects associated with methotrexate use. The variability of these side effects occurs because DNA in the entire body can be effected by methotrexate. The intensity and characteristics of these side effects vary by person. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, including an increased frequency of colds, alert your doctor. He may be able to adjust the dosage of your medication to reduce these effects.
Lung Damage
Methotrexate may cause lung damage, according to Drugs.com. Symptoms associated with lung damage include dry cough, fever, chills and difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek immediate treatment from your doctor.
Infertility
According to Drugs.com, methotrexate can also cause infertility, or the inability to have a child. An article in the August-September 2008 issue of the journal Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenis reports that sperm count is reduced relative to the dosage of methotrexate in male mice. Therefore, the higher the dosage of methotrexate, the lower the sperm count will be. In women, methotrexate causes menstrual irregularities, according to Drugs.com. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor if you are family planning, especially if you are taking methotrexate.
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