Methotrexate counselling Flashcards

1
Q

Check for contraindications

A
  • Pregnancy (including male partner)
  • Breast-feeding
  • Hepatic impairment
  • Active infection
  • Immunodeficiency
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2
Q

How the treatment works

A
  • It is a ‘disease-modifying agent’ which reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system
  • Early use improves outcomes and symptoms
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3
Q

Treatment course and how it’s taken

A
  • Once weekly tablet with folic acid tablet on another day
  • Same day each week
  • Dose built up slowly
  • Taken long-term if effective
  • Takes 3-12 weeks to work
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3
Q

Treatment course and how it’s taken

A
  • Once weekly tablet with folic acid tablet on another day
  • Same day each week
  • Dose built up slowly
  • Taken long-term if effective
  • Takes 3-12 weeks to work
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4
Q

Monitoring required

A
  • FBC, LFTs, U&Es before starting
  • Then, every 2 weeks until therapy stabilised
  • Then, every 2-3 months
  • Patient should be given monitoring book
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5
Q

Side effects

A
  • Alopecia
  • Headaches
  • GI disturbance - advise not to take NSAIDs/aspirin
  • Myelosuppression (infections, unexpected bruising/bleeding, anaemia) - seek medical advice if you have unexplained bruising/bleeding or have infective symptoms, and get annual flu jab!
  • Liver and lung toxicity
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