Methotrexate

Question 1

what is it for

Answer 1

rheumatoid arthiritis

Question 2

Explaining how to take the medicine

Answer 2

same day each week

Question 3

How does methotrexate work

Answer 3

works by suppressing the immune system and has an anti-inflammatory effect
prescribed to reduce damage to the joints

Question 4

how is it prescribed, how long to see effects

Answer 4

prescribed as increasing dose
as patients may experience nausea
can take between 4-8 weeks for any effect to be seen

Question 5

side effects how are they reduced

Answer 5

reduced by taking weekly folic acid
take on different day to methotrexate

Question 6

methotrexate suppresses the immune system so…

Answer 6

any symptoms of sore throat, fever, unexplained bruising, mouth ulcers should be reported to dr asap

Question 7

what else should a patient report?

Answer 7

shortness of breath to gp

Question 8

monitoring requirements

Answer 8

regular blood tests every 2 weeks until dose is stable

Question 9

what do to if they forget to take a dose

Answer 9

take next dose as advised, do not double a dose

Question 10

Healthcare professionals and OTC

Answer 10

dont buy NSAID or aspirin OTC
advise healthcare professionals that you are on this medication

Question 11

How long will I have to take this medicine for

Answer 11

depends on improvement of your condition
some people may be on it long term and others may have to change treatments because of side effects or it being ineffective