Health Library

Methotrexate (By injection)

Methotrexate (meth-oh-TREX-ate)

Treats rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or psoriasis.

Brand Name(s):

Methotrexate Novaplus, Otrexup, PremierPro Rx Methotrexate, Rasuvo

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. Rasuvo® or Reditrex® is usually given as a shot under the skin of the stomach or thigh.
• This medicine should only be given once a week.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Check the liquid in the Rasuvo® autoinjector. It should be clear and yellow to brown. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject Rasuvo® or Reditrex® in areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how methotrexate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, mercaptopurine, nitrous oxide, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, probenecid, sulfasalazine, theophylline
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including chloramphenicol, penicillin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Retinoid medicine
  • Steroid medicine
  • Stomach medicine (including esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole)
  • Vitamin supplements containing folic acid
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Female patients should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems (including anemia), lung or breathing problems, diabetes, a weak immune system, any type of infection, stomach ulcers, or a history of alcohol abuse. Tell your doctor if you are also receiving radiation treatment.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including ulcer or perforation
  • Liver problems
  • Brain or nerve problems
  • Lung or breathing problems, including interstitial pneumonitis
  • Kidney problems
  • Serious skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, skin necrosis, or erythema multiforme
  • Increased risk of cancer (including lymphoma)
  • Nerve problems
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problems that can be life-threatening)
• This medicine may make you dizzy or tired. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You may also need chest x-rays.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, blue lips or fingers
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, dry cough, sore throat, body aches
• Seizures, confusion, tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, or lips, trouble seeing, headache
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024