Is methotrexate commonly used for psoriatic arthritis?

Answer 1

Methotrexate was originally used in cancer chemotherapy treatments It interferes with the operation of the immune system. It was noted that the use of this drug reduced inflammation in RA sufferers. The amount of methotrexate used to treat RA is far far smaller then that used for chemotherapy and it is still not understood exactly why it has the effect that it has other then it interferes with the immune systems operation. The draw backs in it use are that it can lead to a high degree of toxicity in the system and lead to liver damage if not monitored carefully with regular blood tests. Folic acid is used to help reduce the chance of damage occurring as a result of its use.

Answer 2

Methotrexate is an anti-metabolite which interfere with the way cells utilize essential nutrients which inhibits the activity of the immune system. the result of this is that it has the affect of reducing inflammation. As a cytotoxic drug it may also slow the growth of cells in the synovial membranes that line the joints.

Methotrexate used in very low doses, is a long term treatment. Dramatic improvement seems to occur in patients within the first few months followed by Steady improvement, often over months or even years. When the drug is withdrawn signs of improvement disappear and a flare up of symptoms occurs within a few weeks.

Answer 3

treatments for Mild psoriatic Arthritis is similar to other forms of arthritis with aspirin, anti-arthritis, anti-arthritis drugs such as indomethacin, and related non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. usualy if only a few joints are involved, an excellent response can be obtained by the local injection of steroids by a rheumatologist into the affected joints without the need for oral medications.

Severe psoriatic arthritis may be treated successfully with methotrexate. Methotrexate a disease modifying drug can be effective for those patients with severe psoriatic arthritis who do not respond to the standard anti-arthritis medications or those patients who do not tolerate standard anti-arthritis medications and can only tolerate methotrexate.

Answer 4

It is one of the treatments used for rheumatoid arthritis. Due to potentially problematic side effects, treatment with methotrexate should be carefully prescribed and monitored by a rheumatologist.

Answer 5

after using methotrexate what must be the hcg level.How many dose methotrexate need.

Answer 6

MTX is used as a disease modifying drug in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis and similar autoimmune diseases. it causes the immune system to become less reactive in the case these diseases.