Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) is a medicine prescribed to slow the progression of certain types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases and help prevent damage to the joints. The medication was first developed as a chemotherapy agent in the 1940s. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat rheumatoid arthritis in the 1980s. Methotrexate is classified as a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug or DMARD. Methotrexate is a treatment option for:

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

Methotrexate is available as an injectable solution or as oral tablets. Methotrexate injection is given under the skin (subcutaneously). Oral methotrexate is available in 2.5 mg tablets. It is important to remember that methotrexate is administered once a week for arthritis. The drug is not taken daily like most medications. Considering effectiveness and safety, which form of methotrexate is preferred? Read more in Is Methotrexate Injection Better Than Oral Methotrexate?

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Methotrexate
• Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Second Course of Methotrexate May Be Effective
• 10 Things You Should Know About Methotrexate

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