Methotrexate
Why It Is Used
Methotrexate can be used to treat several conditions and diseases, including:
- Cancer. Methotrexate slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body. It may be given with other medicines.
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Reference Autoimmune diseases Opens New Window, such as:
- Reference Rheumatoid arthritis Opens New Window. Methotrexate may be used alone or with other medicines to control the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reference Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) Opens New Window. Methotrexate is safe and effective for children with JIA. It is generally used for children who do not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also used to treat resistant chronic Reference uveitis Opens New Window in children with JIA.
- Reference Psoriasis Opens New Window. Methotrexate slows the rapid growth of skin cells in psoriasis.
- Reference Sjögren's syndrome Opens New Window. Methotrexate is generally used for people who do not respond to other medicine for Sjögren's syndrome.
- Reference Ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window. Methotrexate is used with leucovorin to end an ectopic pregnancy or to prevent the growth of any fetal cells that are left behind after surgery to end an ectopic pregnancy.
- Medical abortion. Methotrexate is used with misoprostol in early pregnancy for medical abortion.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 28, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
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