What are the uses, benefits, and side effects of methotrexate?

Methotrexate is commonly available in tablet and injectable forms. Its functions and effects include anti-tumor activity, immune modulation, anti-psoriatic effects, anti-inflammatory action, and improved treatment outcomes for infertility. Side effects may include liver damage, gastrointestinal reactions, hematologic system suppression, kidney function impairment, lung injury, and others. If concerned, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Functions and Effects of Methotrexate

1. Anti-tumor: Methotrexate is an anti-folate antineoplastic agent that inhibits folate metabolism, reducing DNA synthesis in cancer cells, thereby effectively treating various cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and others.

2. Immune modulation: Methotrexate can suppress excessive immune responses. In the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, it helps reduce joint inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and improve patients' quality of life.

3. Anti-psoriatic: Methotrexate can slow down the proliferation of skin cells, effectively treating moderate to severe psoriasis, reducing skin lesion areas, and relieving symptoms such as itching and pain.

4. Anti-inflammatory: Methotrexate exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting cytokines and immune cell activity, playing an important role in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

5. Improved treatment outcomes for infertility: In certain cases, methotrexate may be used to treat ectopic pregnancy, helping to remove the embryo from the ectopic location and improve infertility treatment outcomes.

II. Side Effects of Methotrexate

1. Liver damage: A common side effect of methotrexate is liver injury. Long-term use may lead to elevated liver enzymes and, in severe cases, cirrhosis. Therefore, regular monitoring of liver function is necessary during methotrexate therapy.

2. Gastrointestinal reactions: Methotrexate may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other gastrointestinal reactions, commonly seen in patients taking the oral form. Severe cases may develop oral ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms, affecting the patient's quality of life.

3. Hematologic system suppression: Methotrexate may suppress bone marrow hematopoietic function, leading to anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, increasing the risk of infection and bleeding. Therefore, regular blood tests are necessary during methotrexate therapy.

4. Kidney function impairment: Some patients may experience kidney damage while using methotrexate, especially when administered at high doses. Therefore, kidney function should be regularly monitored during methotrexate use to avoid nephrotoxic reactions.

5. Lung injury: In rare cases, methotrexate may cause pulmonary reactions such as pneumonitis, presenting with symptoms like dyspnea and coughing. If such symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is required.

Additionally, methotrexate may cause adverse reactions such as hair loss, skin redness, itching, or rashes. During methotrexate therapy, patients should undergo regular blood tests, liver and kidney function assessments, and follow medical advice accordingly.