Methotrexate is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. It slows down your body's immune system and helps reduce swelling (inflammation).
It's used to treat inflammatory conditions, including:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriasis (including psoriatic arthritis)
- Crohn's disease
It can also be prescribed for cancer.
Methotrexate is available on prescription only.
It comes as tablets, a liquid that you swallow, and pre-filled injection pens or syringes that you inject into your skin. Your specialist doctor may recommend injections if the tablets or liquid are not working for you.
It can also be given as an injection to treat some types of cancer. This is usually done in hospital.
Key facts
- For conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, you'll take methotrexate once a week. It's important to take it on the same day each week.
- You'll get a patient card to record the details of your weekly dose and the day you take it. Keep this with you and show it to any healthcare staff involved in your care. You'll also usually get a booklet to record how much you take and your blood test results.
- Taking methotrexate can mean you're more likely to get infections. Ask your doctor for urgent advice if you get an infection, such as COVID-19, or if you've been in contact with anyone who has chickenpox or shingles while taking methotrexate.
- It's important to have any vaccinations when you're invited. Tell the person giving the vaccine that you take methotrexate, to make sure the vaccine is suitable for you.
- It's best to avoid too much caffeine, and foods that can cause an infection such as unpasteurised milk and cheeses. If you're taking high doses, check with your doctor that you can drink alcohol.