What else should I know about using methotrexate?
It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor. He or she will need to watch the effect of the medicine on your body. They will also order blood tests to check your kidneys, liver, and blood production.
Don’t drink alcohol, not even beer or wine. Drinking alcohol while taking methotrexate can cause serious liver problems.
Avoid taking medications for pain or inflammation unless directed to do so by your doctor. This includes over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs. Examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Pain relievers can increase the effects of methotrexate, which may be harmful to you.
Do not take vitamins, supplements, or herbal products without first consulting your doctor. These can cause serious damage to your body.
Do not receive any vaccinations while taking methotrexate. If you stopped taking methotrexate, talk to your doctor to make sure you can get a vaccine.
Taking methotrexate may make it easier for you to get an infection. Try to avoid people who are sick.
Methotrexate and pregnancy
Do not take methotrexate if you or your partner are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. It may hurt your baby. Even touching or inhaling the powder from the tablet can allow the medication to enter the body. Methotrexate passes into sperm, so it is important that a man taking it does not get his partner pregnant.
Whether you are a man or a woman, you should use birth control while taking methotrexate. You can take birth control pills, use a condom plus spermicidal foam, or not have sex. After stopping methotrexate, women should continue using contraception or not have sexual intercourse until they have had at least 1 menstrual period after their last dose. Men should use birth control or not have sex for 3 months after their last dose of methotrexate.
If you have a small baby before taking methotrexate, do not breastfeed while taking this medication.
