How much methotrexate can you take?

Methotrexate is a drug used to treat various conditions such as cancer, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the dosage of methotrexate should be carefully monitored to avoid harmful side effects. In this article, we’ll discuss how much methotrexate you can safely take without causing irreparable damage.

Understanding Methotrexate

Before discussing how much methotrexate you can take, let’s understand what it does in the body. Methotrexate works by inhibiting cell growth which targets rapidly dividing cells such as those found in tumors or inflamed joints.

However, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations make it challenging for some people to metabolize folic acid effectively due to disruptions in the function of enzyme MTHFR that plays a role in the conversion from folic acid into its active form L-methylfolate inside our bodies^[1]. As a result, these individuals may have an increased risk of experiencing side effects after taking methotrexate treatment.

Side Effects of Methotrexane

The most common side effect associated with methotrexate use is gastrointestinal upset including nausea and vomiting^[2]. These symptoms usually occur shortly after administration and can be treated with antiemetics like metoclopramide or ondansetron.

Other commonly reported adverse reactions include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Hair Loss
  • Abnormal Liver Function Tests

Taking too high a dose could lead to more severe side effects like fever or chills which necessitate swift medical attention^[3].

Toxicity From High Dosage

At higher dosages than usual ranges set forth by individual physicians (5mg – 30mg per week), toxicities associated with the drug can result. These toxicities could be life-threatening if not managed promptly

Toxicity symptoms are usually dose-related^[4] and may include:

  • Oral Ulcers
  • Diarrhea
  • Renal Impairment
  • Increase in Liver Enzymes

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of methotrexate that is specific to your condition, age, weight and other personal factors. Typically for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis patients, you might start from 5 mg weekly up to 20 mg weekly given orally on one day per week or divided into several doses spread through the day over a prescribed period.

As such DO NOT attempt self medication at home even when you experience side effects back-to-back unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

That said. “finding the balance” takes some time – When starting taking metothextrate it’s normal to first begin with smaller dosages increasing gradually while avoiding crossing recommended thresholds (Rheumatic disease therapy dose‐range: <0.3–30 mg/week) ^, depending on what illness heis treating,

Monitoring Blood Counts

Blood cell counts should routinely be done before undergoing Methotrexane treatments; this aids detection of low blood count (refraining henceforth from taking MSPs) adjusting accordingly as well as instances where abnormal white blood cell aplasia has occurred^[6].

Pre-treatment investigation also extends testing for hepatitis B infection since Methotrexate treatment could reactivate dormant virus infections.^(7)

Conclusion

Methotrexate can be an effective medication for treating various conditions, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid harmful side effects associated with its high doses over prolonged periods..

The maximum amount of methotrexate someone can take depends entirely on their unique health situation which heavily relies on pre-treatment tests, evaluations and the judgment of the treating physician. Therefore it’s critical always to seek professional medical guidance and rapidly communicate with your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6849262/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534119/
  3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/methotrexate-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-whats-new
  4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276847114_METHOTREXATE_TOXICITY_A_CASE_REPORT_AND_REVIEW_OF_THE_LITERATURE_WITH_SOFTWARE_ASSOCIATED_PRODUCT_INSERT_ACCUMULATIONS_INFORMATION
    6.https://ard.bmj.com/content/annrheumdis/65/suppl_3/I7.full.pdf).
    7..http://oncobriefings.com/wp-content/uploads/HBETechnicalReport-AABB-2019.pdf

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