Methotrexate for Leukemia

Overview
Methotrexate is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat some types of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methotrexate is sold under brand names including Rheumatrex and Trexall. Methotrexate may be prescribed in combination with other drugs as part of a chemotherapy regimen.

Methotrexate is an antimetabolite and an immunomodulator. Methotrexate is believed to fight leukemia by interfering with cell growth and division.

How do I take it?
Methotrexate is generally prescribed to be taken once or twice each week.

Methotrexate may be taken orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection. In cases where leukemia has spread to the meninges – the layers of tissue that cover the brain – methotrexate may be injected intrathecally (directly into the spinal canal).

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for methotrexate lists common side effects including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and temporary hair loss.

Rare but serious side effects listed for methotrexate include infections, birth defects, seizures, and damage to liver, lungs, or kidneys.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Methotrexate — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/methotrexate.html

Methotrexate — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
https://www.lls.org/drug/methotrexate