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Side Effects
Along with their needed effects, medicines like methotrexate can sometimes cause unwanted effects such as blood problems, kidney problems, stomach or liver problems, loss of hair, and other side effects. These and others are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common- Black, tarry stools
- Blood in urine or stools
- Bloody vomit
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Reddening of skin
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of feet or lower legs
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Cough
- Pinpoint red spots on skin
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common- Sores in mouth and on lips
- Back pain
- Cough or hoarseness accompanied by fever or chills
- Dark urine
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Lower back or side pain accompanied by fever or chills
- Painful or difficult urination accompanied by fever or chills
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Acne
- Boils
- Pale skin
- Skin rash or itching
This medicine may cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with methotrexate has ended, normal hair growth should return.
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
