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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall). Do not use methotrexate injection to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you have:

• chronic liver disease;
• alcoholism or cirrhosis of the liver;
• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or leukopenia (lack of white blood cells);
• a weak immune system or bone marrow disorder; or
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Methotrexate injection is sometimes used to treat cancer even when patients do have one of the conditions listed above. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for you.

To make sure you can safely use methotrexate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver problems;
• lung disease or pneumonia;
• stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis;
• any type of infection; or
• if you are receiving phototherapy or radiation treatments.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use methotrexate if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

If you are a man, use a condom to keep from causing a pregnancy while you are receiving methotrexate injection. Continue using condoms for at least 90 days after your treatment ends.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving methotrexate injection, whether you are a man or a woman. Methotrexate injection use by either parent may cause birth defects.

If you are a woman, use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving methotrexate injection, and for at least one cycle of ovulation after your treatment ends.

Methotrexate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are using methotrexate.

How is methotrexate injection given (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?

Methotrexate is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. Methotrexate may also be injected directly into a joint, or into the area around your spinal cord. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need an occasional liver biopsy or chest x-ray. Visit your doctor regularly.

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