methotrexate

Question 1

action - methotrexate

Answer 1

as you may know, your immune system is the system in your body that fights off illnesses. in [condition], the immune system works too hard and starts to fight your body’s cells. this can lead to your symptoms and swelling in your body, known as “inflammation” . methotrexate helps dampen down your immune system and reduces some of this inflammation, and can help slow down the diease process

(?)

starting methotrexate as early as possible can help improve your long-term outcome and symptoms.

Question 2

timeline - methotrexate

Answer 2

once WEEKLY with folic acid at another time

build up dose slowly

Question 3

how to take - methotrexate

Answer 3

tablet or injection

Question 4

length of treatment - methotrexate

Answer 4

long term

Question 5

effects - time before - methotrexate

Answer 5

4-6 months; you build up dose over time

Question 6

tests - methotrexate

Answer 6

FBC, U+E, LFT

baseline
every 2 weeks until stable
then 2-3 months

Question 7

non-serious SEs - methotrexate

Answer 7

hair loss (chemo drug)
Nausea (chemo drug)
headaches
GI

Question 8

signs + symptoms of myelosuppression - methotrexate

Answer 8

infection - fever, sore throat, unwell
bleeding/bruising
SOB - anaemia

Question 9

complications - methotrexate

Answer 9

myelosuppression
liver toxicity - be careful alcohol
fibrosis - tell us if breathless (also anaemia)

MLF - like milf

Question 10

supplementary advice - methotrexate

Answer 10

alcohol - limit
annual flu jab
arthritisresearch.org.uk

AAA

Question 11

contraindications - methotrexate

Answer 11

NSAIDs/aspirin
Alcohol - be careful
infection or immunodeficiency
pregnant (m/f) or breastfeeding
liver disease

NIPL - nipple - no breastfeeding