Tag: Methotrexate

While 400 micrograms of folic acid is the standard recommendation for most pregnancies, a significantly higher 5mg dose is sometimes prescribed. So, **why do doctors prescribe 5mg of folic acid** for certain high-risk situations and medical conditions that require more intensive folate supplementation?

According to a Cochrane review, supplementing with folic or folinic acid can lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects and elevated liver enzymes for patients taking methotrexate. For this reason, many patients with autoimmune conditions are prescribed a folic acid supplement to take alongside their methotrexate therapy.

While methotrexate is a highly effective treatment for many autoimmune diseases, helping to control symptoms and prevent joint damage, long-term use is associated with potential side effects. The risk of these problems, which can affect major organs like the liver, lungs, and kidneys, increases with higher doses and without proper monitoring. This medication requires careful management and consistent patient education to ensure its benefits outweigh the risks.

While methotrexate is a cornerstone for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, mood and behavioral changes are documented, albeit rare, side effects. Some patients, including children, have experienced symptoms like irritability and depressed mood that resolve upon stopping the medication.

In 2023, methotrexate was one of the most prescribed medications in the U.S., with over 4 million prescriptions [1.7.1]. While effective, it's crucial to know what are red flags for methotrexate side effects, which can indicate serious complications requiring immediate medical attention.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 90% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients use methotrexate at some point in their treatment. Knowing how do you wean off of methotrexate is a crucial step for many patients, whether due to achieving remission, experiencing intolerable side effects, or planning for pregnancy.

Methotrexate is a widely used medication for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers, as well as for managing ectopic pregnancy. Post-injection care is crucial, and knowing what not to do after a methotrexate injection can significantly reduce side effects and maximize treatment efficacy.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, transitioning from oral to injectable methotrexate is a common strategy when patients experience persistent gastrointestinal (GI) issues. The central question for many is, however, is methotrexate injection easier on the stomach in practice, and why does this happen?

According to the NIH, certain medications are known to significantly reduce the body's folate levels, with long-term use posing a risk for nutrient deficiency. It is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of what medications decrease folate to mitigate potential health complications, such as megaloblastic anemia. This article explores the common culprits and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms involved.

Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, can occur as a side effect of numerous medications, with some chemotherapy patients seeing a more than 30% increase in spleen volume. Understanding **what drugs cause spleen enlargement** is crucial for patients and clinicians to recognize, diagnose, and manage this adverse reaction. Often, symptoms are subtle or nonexistent, but in some cases, drug-induced splenomegaly can lead to serious complications.