Most doctors unanimously state that Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis is the most effective of the basic anti-inflammatory drugs. It well relieves the exacerbation and maintains a stable remission of the disease.
Treatment of methotrexate rheumatoid arthritis
A drug appeared relatively recently, about a decade and a half ago. Prescribe it in the complex treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It inhibits the synthesis and repair of DNA, as well as cellular mitosis, which allows to stop the proliferation of tissues. It belongs to the group of antimetabolites, which are antitumoral. Is a good immunosuppressive.
The use of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis has been positive since the first weeks. In addition, it is transferred much more easily than other methods of treatment. Often doctors even before the final diagnosis is prescribed this drug in order not to miss the time and achieve a good recovery in the patient's recovery.
Scheme of admission and types of medicinal product
Methotrexate is available in several forms:
- coated tablets (2.5, 5, 10 mg);
- solution for injection (10 mg);
- concentrate for solution preparation.
Dosage of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis at the beginning of treatment is 7.5-15 mg per week. In this case, the drug is best administered in three divided doses, every 12 hours. Within 3 months, the dose is increased to 20 mg per week. It should be noted that it is very important to correctly calculate the amount of the drug for the patient, as this can lead to negative health consequences, for example, pneumonia. As the instruction of Methotrexate says, with rheumatoid arthritis the maximum dose should not exceed 25-30 mg per week.
At the end of the recommended dose of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis should be carefully reduced. This is due to the fact that a sharp cancellation of the drug may lead to an exacerbation of the disease. Reduce the dosage should be approximately 2.5 mg.
For those who can not use the medicine in the form of tablets because of the appearance of a vomiting reflex, injections are most often prescribed. It should be noted that the injections of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis are more effective and preferable. This is due to the fact that tablets can affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract, and their effect begins after a while. The amount of the necessary solution is calculated based on the area of the body and its weight. Most often, injections are given once, and from the volume is 7.5 to 15 mg.
The effect of the drug most often appears as early as week 5 of admission, and its maximum can reach after a year. As additional funds are prescribed special analgesics, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ointments and physiotherapy procedures.
Side effects
The use of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis has a list of side effects to which you should be prepared:
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- vomiting;
- headache;
- stomatitis ;
- sores on the oral mucosa;
- lack of coordination;
- increased hepatic enzymes;
- formation of thrombi;
- disturbance of the respiratory system.
Contraindications to taking the drug
Methotrexate is not allowed in pregnant women or during lactation. Do not take this medicine and people suffering from serious diseases of the liver, kidneys and hemopoiesis.
Methotrexate should be avoided together with the antibiotics of such groups:
- tetracyclines ;
- sulfonamides;
- salicylates;
- barbiturates;
- cyclophosphamide;
- doxorubicin.
Also, you should stop taking biological supplements, which may include iron, folic acid. All these drugs can interact and lead to poisoning the body.