METHOTREXATE

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not take extra. Keep taking this medication until your care team tells you to stop.
Know why you are taking this medication and how you should take it. To treat conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis, this medication is taken ONCE A WEEK as a single dose or divided into 3 smaller doses taken 12 hours apart (do not take more than 3 doses 12 hours apart each week). This medication is NEVER taken daily to treat conditions other than cancer. Taking this medication more often than directed can cause serious side effects, even death. Talk to your care team about why you are taking this medication, how often you will take it, and what your dose is. Ask your care team to put the reason you take this medication on the prescription.
If you take this medication ONCE A WEEK, choose a day of the week before you start. Ask your pharmacist to include the day of the week on the label. Avoid "Monday", which could be misread as "Morning".
Handling this medication may be harmful. Talk to your care team about how to handle this medication. Special instructions may apply.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
If your care team has also prescribed folic acid, they may instruct you to skip your folic acid dose on the day you take methotrexate.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 6 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

If you miss a dose, talk with your care team. Do not take double or extra doses.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.