Methotrexate Injection
The methotrexate injection maybe given into a vein to treat severe psoriasis, cancer or rheumatoid arthritis by a healthcare professional based on patient’s medical condition and reaction to therapy It works by obstructing cell growth and suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with methotrexate reduces further joint damage and preserves joint functions. The injection is likewise used to cure lupus, ectopic pregnancy and psoriatic arthritis.
Who must be given methotrexate injection?
Methotrexate injection must not be administered to pregnant women as this may cause birth defects or death of unborn babies. Similarly, a woman must avoid being pregnant while having the medication for safety reasons. Methotrexate is also believed to pass in the breast milk of lactating mothers that may bring harm to an infant being breastfed. Methotrexate may cause severe or fatal suppression of one’s bone marrow; may decrease one’s ability to beat infections; and may cause stomach or intestinal disease. It may be consumed with low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke; lung problems such as infections like pneumonia; and skin and mouth sores such as ulcerative stomatitis and diarrhea. It may likewise cause liver problems if used for longer period thus in such instances, it is suggested that patients must undergo liver biopsy.
Side effects of methotrexate injection
Lumps like tumors and abnormal growths may likewise appear during administration of methotrexate injection that immediately, the drug must be stopped. If tumors are treated using the injection, the risks of bone and tissue damage may be the usual side effect since it causes fast destructions of tumor lysis or cancer cells.
The most frequent side effects of methotrexate injection are nausea, stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness and vomiting but the benefits are surely greater than the risks of side effects like diarrhea, skin rashes, mouth sores, fever, fatigue, sore throat, bleeding or bruising, enlarged glands or lymph nodes, bone pain, black stools, dark urine, discoloration of the patient’s skin, yellowing skin and eyes, dry cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, calf pain and swelling; blurred vision, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, severe headache, constant mood changes and seizures. Likewise, hair loss which is temporary may occur with normal hair growth returning after treatment. Symptoms of serious allergic reaction include rash, itching and swelling especially on the face, tongue and throat which may also happen during administration of methotrexate injection.
With these seemingly harmful effects of methotrexate injection, doctor’s advice must be immediately sought and any sign of allergy must be divulged to make him aware and cautiously give the minimum dosage. With such precaution, other harmful effects like liver and kidney reactions, severe lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis, bone marrow disorders, peptic ulcer and colitis may be prevented. It is also advised that a person having methotrexate injection must not drive as this causes drowsiness; to avoid being exposed to the sun as this makes one sensitive; avoid vaccines and avoid contact with people who had just been given polio shots to avoid possible spread of infections.
Furthermore, caution must be observed for children given methotrexate injection as they may experience seizures which is a common side effect.
Watch the below video on methotrexate injections to learn more: