Methotrexate for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Why It Is Used
Most experts believe the potential benefits of methotrexate in children with JIA are greater than the risks of serious side effects, and methotrexate has become the preferred second-line medicine for children with JIA. It is generally reserved for children who do not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Reference NSAIDs Opens New Window). But some children who have JIA, especially those with Reference polyarticular Opens New Window and Reference extended oligoarticular Opens New Window JIA, gain significant benefit from early methotrexate treatment. Methotrexate reduces symptoms and may slow joint damage.
Methotrexate may also be used for resistant chronic inflammatory eye disease (Reference uveitis Opens New Window) in children with JIA.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 5, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
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