Methotrexate belongs to the drug class known as DMARDs, or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. DMARDs slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, and help prevent joint damage. Methotrexate was developed as a leukemia drug in the 1940s. The drug was considered experimental in the 1970s. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat rheumatoid arthritis in 1988.

Methotrexate was first used as chemotherapy. In lower doses, methotrexate taken weekly is a treatment option for:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• lupus
• ankylosing spondylitis (peripheral joint disease)
• psoriatic arthritis
• juvenile chronic arthritis
• vasculitis

How does methotrexate work? What are the most common side effects of methotrexate? When is methotrexate contraindicated? What else should patients know about methotrexate? Learn more about The Facts of Methotrexate.

Related Resources:

• Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Second Course of Methotrexate May Be Effective
• Methotrexate: Incorrect Dosing Can Cause Serious Harm
• 10 Things You Should Know About Methotrexate
• Is Methotrexate Injection Better Than Oral Methotrexate?

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