Methotrexate (also sold under the brand names Rheumatrex and Trexall) is an immunosuppressant drug often prescribed for people with inflammatory types of arthritis.Many patients on methotrexate have few or no side-effects. Available for Android and iOS devices.

LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Do not drink alcohol 2. METHOTREXATE THERAPY DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS Until instructed by your doctor: 1. The University of Tennessee Medical Center advises those who experience diarrhea as a side effect of methotrexate to reduce their consumption of or completely avoid high-fiber foods, including raw fruits and vegetables.According the the National Institutes of Health, methotrexate can interfere with the absorption of folate, the natural form of folic acid. Continued improvement occurs during the first 12 weeks of taking the medicine. However, methotrexate may reduce your ability to fight infection. Methotrexate causes an abnormal skin reaction if you are exposed to sunlight. For example, oatmeal eaten directly before the pills are swallowed prevents stomach upset for some. Do not take folic acid supplements including prenatal vitamins 3. Changing from a meat-heavy to a vegetarian diet often improves RA symptoms. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Foods that contain folate can interfere with this process and should be avoided in the week after administration of methotrexate, according to the Women's Health Center of Miami.

Avoid eating dark leafy greens, broccoli, peas, beets and beans, especially kidney, black, lima and lentils.
If you are receiving methotrexate for arthritis, you may want to limit your intake of caffeine-containing foods and products. Taking your medication with food or after a meal will help ease these effects.

Serious harm, even death, could occur if you take methotrexate daily for conditions other than cancer.See the Top 10 List of Safety Tips to help you avoid mistakes when taking methotrexate less often than daily.This website does not host any form of advertisements. If you develop severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to figure out a solution.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns or are uncertain what products may contain caffeine. Methotrexate is a cancer medicine. Foods that contain folate can interfere with this process and should be avoided in the week after administration of methotrexate, according to the Women's Health Center of Miami. The Ultimate Arthritis Diet. This medication may be taken with milk. However, it is also used to treat other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. While taking methotrexate, you should avoid drinking alcohol and taking certain drugs.

Do not take extra doses for symptom relief. You may want to clarify with your GP on the types of foods they were advising you to avoid, or if they were advising avoidance of supplements as mentioned above. You may also want to avoid pro-inflammatory foods, such as meat, dairy, and processed foods. If you are planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant, while taking methotrexate, report this to your physician immediately. They state that people should avoid pregnancy if either partner is taking the drug. Misner of the Cancer Cure Foundation states that cooking vegetables like broccoli kills harmful microorganisms, making these foods safer for chemotherapy patients to eat. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.Caffeine may reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate in the treatment of arthritis. If your condition is especially severe or you take certain medications, like methotrexate and acitretin, your doctor may tell you to stay away from alcohol completely. If you are receiving methotrexate for arthritis, you may want to limit your intake of caffeine-containing foods and medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Avoid eating dark leafy greens, broccoli, peas, beets and beans, especially kidney, black, lima and lentils.Methotrexate is a strong drug with a host of possible side effects and warnings. That's because, occasionally, your white blood cell count can drop suddenly, leaving you at risk for infection.

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Prescription medicines that should not be taken with methotrexate. Folate deficiencies can result in slowed growth in children, certain types of anemia, digestive and behavioral disorders, weakness, heart palpitations and an elevated level of homocysteine in the blood, a risk factor for heart disease. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects of methotrexate. Methotrexate is a common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that can lead to folate deficiency. Therefore, it's best to avoid unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses. But your dose should never be lowered - nor discontinued - without the guidance of your physician.

... You may also be told to take folic acid 24 hours after receiving a dose of methotrexate. If you are receiving methotrexate for arthritis, you may want to limit your intake of caffeine-containing foods and medications. Pregnancy.

Consult your doctor about possible complications from combining methotrexate with other prescribed or over-the-counter medications. There are no specific foods that you need to avoid while taking methotrexate. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact.


Updated: 7/17/2009 Authors

Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications. The Ultimate Arthritis Diet.

It is also used to terminate pregnancies. Sadly, some people have even died.In several instances, this happened because people misread the directions on the prescription bottle.In one case, a man with arthritis mistakenly took one tablet each Harmful mistakes may happen because you, your doctor, and your pharmacist are more familiar with medicines that are taken daily. 9. You will then take your methotrexate every Saturday.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Doesn't Harm Lungs: Study Therapy combined with methotrexate may reduce symptoms of arthritis.